New here - 28 & braces go on next week!

[sarahlynn]

Hi everyone, I'm so glad that I found this forum. I think it will be a huge support for me.

I'm 28 and should have had braces as a tween, but my parents couldn't afford it and even when things started getting worse I never told them the extent of things. I was ok with the appearance of my mouth (even though it wasn't perfect) until my wisdom teeth came in and screwed things up even more.

I've finally gotten the courage to get back to the dentist and actually do this braces thing. My teeth are healthy now, and just this week I've had my ortho consultation and have had my molds done, etc. The braces go on next Thursday and I'm super nervous about all of this - excited but nervous.

My treatment plan is to have metal on the top and a clear lower retainer until my crossbite on top can come forward. Then in about 6-12 months the lowers will go on, and depending on whether or not extractions will have to be made, he told me that they could be on for a total of 3 years. Not looking forward to that length, but I'm desperately trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know it will ultimately be worth it.

I HATE my teeth now - I know that my confidence is lowered because of it - I hate to smile, I hate getting my picture taken. I was so badly to not be embarrassed of my smile. I'm nervous about how the braces will look, but then I have to remind myself that I can't stand how I look with them crooked now and it will only get better. I think once the gaps start closing and things are moving I think I'll feel better about having them on. I hope anyways!!

I look forward to being able to lean on others here throughout this experience.

[Katarina527]

Welcome and good luck to you!!

[Kallisandra]

I'm 28 with braces too. My teeth were already pretty straight but due to crowding and a bite issue, I had 4 teeth extracted and I will be sentenced to 24 months. So far, it's my 3rd adjustment (6 months in). I have to wait for one more adjustment until my ortho will close my gaps. It's interesting walking about with 4 holes in your mouth. I barely smile because of it, and I really don't have many pictures of my teeth. Although everyone says I should take pictures of my teeth.

[sarahlynn]

I know all about having visible gaps! When my baby canines were pulled, there were (still are, but slowly getting them filled with a tooth!) gaps because my adult canines grew in behind the baby ones. I HATED those gaps and hated when anyone could see me smiling from my profile. I will be so happy when I don't have these gaps. The ortho is currently working on pulling the adult canines into the arch and they are slowly moving.