Starting Braces Journey at 32 - 7/9/14

[SoIWasLike72]

Hello, Everyone. I'll be starting my braces journey next Wednesday. Today, I went to my general dentist for a cleaning, and it sunk in - this is real. I'm getting braces. I'm beginning to feel nervous about it, even though I've been waiting for this moment for a long time.

It started last year in the spring of 2013, when I went to the dentist (former dentist) to get all of my cavities fixed. After that, I went to a couple orthodontic consultations. When I was ready to proceed with braces, I ended up needing neurosurgery . Fast forward to end of 2013....I found a new dentist. After getting more dental work done, I was finally ready to go to the orthodontist. Since it was a new year, I went on more consultations. I ended up selecting a orthodontist that I visited the year before. His fees changed and I ended up with a lower payment option.

I'm worried about looking different after the braces come off. I've had these teeth for a long time. This experience will totally be worth it once I see myself with straight teeth (what I keep telling myself).

I plan on posting pics to track my progress.

[SpottedPickle]

I know those nerves. I just got my uppers yesterday. I really hope that you get everything you need from this experience.it is a big change after 30+ years with the same smile!

[SoIWasLike72]

Thanks, and yeah it is. I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos to get an idea of how it will be. I just want to be happy at the end.

[nicolie825]

I watched youtube videos on how braces were put on one bracket at a time and was thinking how I didnt want to sit with my mouth open that long while they bracket 28 teeth one by one lol. I had no idea there were other methods and was pleasantly surprised my ortho used a method where they all go on at the same time (except a couple that didnt stick and another one on a tooth that was too misaligned so needed to be bracketed individually)

[SoIWasLike72]

Hmm. That's good. I'm thinking my brackets will be put on one at a time because I haven't had any molds done.

[SpottedPickle]

Mine were all put on, then each adjusted into position and cured, then the arch added. It was not bad at all.

[SoIWasLike72]

I'll be getting my braces in the morning and I'm a little worried about a couple teeth that are really sensitive. They already hurt without braces, so I hope I won't be in too much pain. I also hope I won't eventually need root canals because the nerves became too inflamed. I also wonder about how my teeth will touch after they start moving and if the differences in how they touch will cause pain. When my teeth move into their new positions, will that cause extra pressure on the nerves since my teeth aren't their original shape, for example, when a filling is too high?

Ok, I'll stop worrying now.

[SpottedPickle]

Good luck tomorrow. Just remember that your ortho is there for you every step. They will be more I to ring how things are shifting and progressing. Unlike a filling being too high they can correct things as it is happening. Sometimes they need to shave and shape but they get it done!

Don't be afraid to say things to your ortho and his/her staff either! I have sensitive teeth and they will get angry some with movement. It is apart of the process. It is hard not to worry about the roots and such but you have no Control over that. Keep up with your appointments and hygiene. Take medications as needed to help and pray to the tooth gods!

[nicolie825]

Good luck today! Hope everything went well

[SoIWasLike72]

Thanks! It went very well. The brackets are much smaller than I thought they would be. As of now, I'm feeling some pressure but it's not too bad. I was expecting to get some type of impressions taken, but the orthodontist only does that for retainers. Two molars were built up so I can't do much chewing. The majority of my teeth don't touch.

I cant stop looking at my teeth, nor can I stop touching my teeth with my tongue. The sensation is very weird.

I will post pics later tonight.

[SoIWasLike72]

It's almost 2am and I'm starting to feel a little more discomfort. It isn't unbearable but it's annoying enough for me to take a pain pill.

Here's my teeth before braces.

Before Braces.png

And with braces.

Day One.png

I usually never smile with my teeth showing. My smile is slanted because of that canine tooth that sticks out on the bottom row. Also, the first premolar on the top left is missing. I plan on eventually having it replaced.

Here's my bottom row of teeth.

Day One-Bottom.png

[Anna5]

Good luck with your treatment! Keep us updated!

[nicolie825]

Great pics! Looking forward to seeing your progress. Glad it went well and youre not in too much pain! I have a bottom canine that sticks out like yours too. Its not as bad now, but the first week or 2 my lip would kind of get caught on that bracket and it was a bit annoying lol. Its not as bad now, not sure if its because the tooth has moved some or I'm just used to all this stuff in my mouth lol

[SoIWasLike72]

Thanks! Today, my mouth feels a little more irritated, and my teeth are more sensitive. It seems that my canine tooth is a hereditary trait. My mom also has it but her alignment isn't affected. Her smile is nice and wide. I hope my smile widens as time goes on.

I can't wait to see some changes.

Left/Right Views

Day2-left-right.png

[Anna5]

I am sure your smile will widen with the braces! And hopefully your ortho can correct your crossbite (it seems you have one, like I do). I was recommended surgery for my crossbite/ narrow smile, but now my arches have widened enough with braces alone, so you can be hopeful!