I'm a complicated case getting braces tomorrow!

[chaeyeonkim]

Hello everyone, I've been stalking these boards ever since I made the decision to get braces. I'm currently 20 yrs old and attending university and I never had braces before due to financial reasons. Recently, though, my bite has been getting worse, and now that I work part time I can afford to finance my own way through the braces.

My teeth have been relatively straight my whole life, which is why I guess nobody thought I desperately needed orthodontic treatment. All my teeth are straight, save for one crooked canine on the bottom arch. When I finally decided to go in for a consultation (I'm getting my braces through the dental school here at my school), I was shocked at how many problems I had - open bite, overjet, crossbite, crowding, lip incompetence, etc. The left side of my lower jaw is also underdeveloped, which is partly what contributes to all these problems. I was recommended surgery as the best choice of treatment (BSSO and genioplasty) if I wanted to fix my bite perfectly. I however did not want surgery, both for the cost and the long recovery time, and also I'm not really unhappy with the way I look at all - this is more for the health of my teeth than anything else. So I didn't want anything too drastic.

So my team of orthodontists (yes, I have a whole team of faculty and residents!) came up with a plan to fix all the above problems, although it won't be as perfect of a fix as surgery. The jaw will stay asymmetrical, of course, but that's not too much of an issue for me (it's very slight). Upon the recommendation of the team, I got my first premolars/bicuspids taken out about 5 days ago. Obviously, I would have preferred to not extract, but even I could see that there just wasn't any room in my mouth to move teeth around. Anyways, the treatment plan for me is metal braces (not sure if I'm getting self-ligating or not) for the top and bottom, in addition to a TPA for my upper arch and 4 TADs (2 on upper, 2 on lower). I had 4 spacers put in to fit molar bands on my first molars for the TPA. We're hoping to fix the overjet through the TADs by moving my front teeth back into the extraction spaces. The timeline I was given was AT LEAST two years (!!), which was also a shock. I'm telling myself 2.5 years so I'm not disappointed.

I don't really care about what people will think of my braces in real life (I have a few friends who have them and I never notice theirs or think they look weird or different), but I am a pre-med student who will be applying to medical school for the 2018 cycle, which will hopefully lead to interviews. Obviously it's a little early to worry about, but if there is one concern about the aesthetics of braces, that would be it.

I also thought it would be helpful to give a cost breakdown of everything, since I know that was the main concern for me (and the reason I decided to do it at the dental school - there's a flat fee regardless of treatment time/any appliances needed, 18 months of follow-ups and all retainers after completion of treatment, and monthly installments over 2 years with no interest). I do have dental insurance but it doesn't cover adult orthodontics.
Initial consultation - $35
Records - paid $175 because insurance covered panoramic and full mouth.
Extraction of 4 bicuspids - $500, though I paid $100 because insurance covered this part.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment - $3300 ($250 deposit, $130 monthly payments for 2 years)

I'm really glad I did have the savings to pay for the initial fees, and the monthly payments are definitely something I can handle. I do realize I am getting quite the bargain, considering how complicated my case is and all of the appliances I'll be needing! Apparently, I'm a great case to study for the school, so I am doing my part in training the orthodontists of the future. :)

Anyways, I just wanted to tell my story (and I'll update here regularly!) because these boards have been such a huge help to me. I never realized so many adults do get braces! I can't wait to get mine off, and they're not even on yet, ha. Feel free to ask any questions (cause I know I'm going to be asking a lot)!

[Bracingmyself901]

I'm also pre med and applied this cycle and was concerned about my braces (have ceramic on top). I was a bit self conscious and I could tell my interviewers spotted them but other that it wasn't a big deal and received a few acceptances.

Congrats on embarking on the braces journey. It'll be over in no time!

[chaeyeonkim]

Thanks for the reassurance; I'm glad it worked out for you.
And congrats on the acceptances - you're living the dream!

[sirwired]

Your situation is VERY similar to how mine was:
- Ramal hypoplasia causing an asymmetrical lower jaw: check
- No significant cosmetic issues: check
- Crowding: check
- Surgery plan: check
- Extractions and TADs as an alternative: check

I did take the surgery, although the plan morphed from a BSSO to a 2-piece LeFort I.

My case was complicated enough that my ortho couldn't even give me a plan after the consult; he had to take full records and then stare at them for several hours to figure out what to do.

[chaeyeonkim]

[quote="sirwired"]Your situation is VERY similar to how mine was:
- Ramal hypoplasia causing an asymmetrical lower jaw: check
- No significant cosmetic issues: check
- Crowding: check
- Surgery plan: check
- Extractions and TADs as an alternative: check

I did take the surgery, although the plan morphed from a BSSO to a 2-piece LeFort I.

My case was complicated enough that my ortho couldn't even give me a plan after the consult; he had to take full records and then stare at them for several hours to figure out what to do.[/quote]

Oh wow, that is really similar! My ortho took 2 weeks after my records and had to consult several faculty before coming up with a plan for me.
How long did it take for you to recover from surgery/are you happy with the results?

[sirwired]

I was back at work after two not-fun weeks, although it was nine weeks before my surgical splint came off. (Usual is six, but I had thin bone in my skull, so it took longer.)

I'm pleased with the results; the whole purpose of the braces and surgery was to stop my gums from receding due to a misaligned bite. Haven't had any recession since my surgery (three years now), so I count that as a win.

Because of the route I chose (the surgeon offered double-jaw, but said the lower jaw would be purely cosmetic) my jaw is still asymmetrical, but my goatee hides that just fine. (Looking at the x-rays my ortho took as part of initial records easily explained why I have such a hard time trimming it straight! My ceph is here: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=41578 )

[Josh1794]

I think we have a similar problem. Except im getting an upper and possibly lower expander next week

[Steph30]

When are your braces going on? I'm getting mine on the 28th of March.. ceramic uppers and metal lowers - Super nervous and also cannot wait to have mine off.. haha good luck on your journey :)

[chaeyeonkim]

I was back at work after two not-fun weeks, although it was nine weeks before my surgical splint came off. (Usual is six, but I had thin bone in my skull, so it took longer.)

I'm pleased with the results; the whole purpose of the braces and surgery was to stop my gums from receding due to a misaligned bite. Haven't had any recession since my surgery (three years now), so I count that as a win.

Because of the route I chose (the surgeon offered double-jaw, but said the lower jaw would be purely cosmetic) my jaw is still asymmetrical, but my goatee hides that just fine. (Looking at the x-rays my ortho took as part of initial records easily explained why I have such a hard time trimming it straight! My ceph is here: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=41578 )

That's great! I always did wonder why I looked a little different depending on which side of my face I was looking at. Unfortunately, I'm a female so it's just always going to be out in the open. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[chaeyeonkim]

I think we have a similar problem. Except im getting an upper and possibly lower expander next week.

Oh wow, I'm glad the expanders are an option for you. They said I was too old and would have to get the surgery or live with it. I was blessed with lovely, giant teeth and small jaws.

When are your braces going on? I'm getting mine on the 28th of March.. ceramic uppers and metal lowers - Super nervous and also cannot wait to have mine off.. haha good luck on your journey

I got them on yesterday! I too was extremely nervous, but the process of getting the actual braces on was a breeze. I would recommend taking some pain killers an hour before your appointment, because my teeth got REALLY sore afterwards, which was to be expected.
I wish I could have gotten ceramic uppers as well, but they weren't available in the high-torque option that my teeth needed. I ended up getting Damon-Qs. Good luck on getting your braces - everything is going to be fine!

[Steph30]

[/quote]I got them on yesterday! I too was extremely nervous, but the process of getting the actual braces on was a breeze. I would recommend taking some pain killers an hour before your appointment, because my teeth got REALLY sore afterwards, which was to be expected.
I wish I could have gotten ceramic uppers as well, but they weren't available in the high-torque option that my teeth needed. I ended up getting Damon-Qs. Good luck on getting your braces - everything is going to be fine![/quote]

Thanks so much for the positivity! Ive been reading a lot of posts on here about the agony lately and it's scaring me! lol

[chaeyeonkim]

Hey everyone, I thought I would give a one week update.

After I got my braces on, I was in a LOT of pain for the next 3 days or so, to the point where I was constantly popping Advil. The pain was unbearable once the medication wore off - I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to take some more. I think it was a combination of the braces, the TADs, and one of my extraction sites that wasn't healing quite as well as it should. One week later, I don't have any constant pain, although my teeth are still quite sore. I do notice some movement, though! The canines on my bottom arch have been straightening up slowly but significantly. It's no wonder these hurt the most.

I didn't have much trouble adjusting to the braces themselves, actually. I have metal Damons, and they're quite small. My cheeks didn't have any problems with them. I did have some trouble swallowing with my TPA at first, but now I don't even notice it's there. I think the most annoying thing about the braces so far is that I can't eat what I want, and that food gets stuck in them like no other. I've given up on trying to floss and have taken up an interdental brush instead (it's so hard, even with threader floss).

As far as people noticing my braces, they have definitely noticed! I've had a few people ask me why (as I stated before, I don't really have any cosmetic issues), a few people ask if it hurts, etc. I do look a lot younger, which doesn't help since I already look like I'm 12 years old. But I'm pretty happy with them and my friends have been so supportive, so no problems here!

[Rebeccasmells]

No one cares that you have braces.... espically not others in the medical profession

[Rebeccasmells]

Hey everyone, I thought I would give a one week update.

After I got my braces on, I was in a LOT of pain for the next 3 days or so, to the point where I was constantly popping Advil. The pain was unbearable once the medication wore off - I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to take some more. I think it was a combination of the braces, the TADs, and one of my extraction sites that wasn't healing quite as well as it should. One week later, I don't have any constant pain, although my teeth are still quite sore. I do notice some movement, though! The canines on my bottom arch have been straightening up slowly but significantly. It's no wonder these hurt the most.

I didn't have much trouble adjusting to the braces themselves, actually. I have metal Damons, and they're quite small. My cheeks didn't have any problems with them. I did have some trouble swallowing with my TPA at first, but now I don't even notice it's there. I think the most annoying thing about the braces so far is that I can't eat what I want, and that food gets stuck in them like no other. I've given up on trying to floss and have taken up an interdental brush instead (it's so hard, even with threader floss).

As far as people noticing my braces, they have definitely noticed! I've had a few people ask me why (as I stated before, I don't really have any cosmetic issues), a few people ask if it hurts, etc. I do look a lot younger, which doesn't help since I already look like I'm 12 years old. But I'm pretty happy with them and my friends have been so supportive, so no problems here!

Try clove oil!

[Steph30]

Hey everyone, I thought I would give a one week update.

After I got my braces on, I was in a LOT of pain for the next 3 days or so, to the point where I was constantly popping Advil. The pain was unbearable once the medication wore off - I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to take some more. I think it was a combination of the braces, the TADs, and one of my extraction sites that wasn't healing quite as well as it should. One week later, I don't have any constant pain, although my teeth are still quite sore. I do notice some movement, though! The canines on my bottom arch have been straightening up slowly but significantly. It's no wonder these hurt the most.

I didn't have much trouble adjusting to the braces themselves, actually. I have metal Damons, and they're quite small. My cheeks didn't have any problems with them. I did have some trouble swallowing with my TPA at first, but now I don't even notice it's there. I think the most annoying thing about the braces so far is that I can't eat what I want, and that food gets stuck in them like no other. I've given up on trying to floss and have taken up an interdental brush instead (it's so hard, even with threader floss).

As far as people noticing my braces, they have definitely noticed! I've had a few people ask me why (as I stated before, I don't really have any cosmetic issues), a few people ask if it hurts, etc. I do look a lot younger, which doesn't help since I already look like I'm 12 years old. But I'm pretty happy with them and my friends have been so supportive, so no problems here!

Hi! Has the pain eased up for you? I'm day two and popping Advil/Tylenol like crazy too.