New braces - it begins!

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cakeorbed
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:09 am
Location: London, UK

New braces - it begins!

#1 Post by cakeorbed »

Hi everyone, I just wanted to say hello as I'm almost a week in braces and thought I'd let you know how they are going so far. I got mine done in London and it was after a year of procrastinating (I'm 26, I work in advertising where I'm dealing with clients all day long and braces for adults aren't hugely common in England) but I'm glad I finally did it. I'm in for the full metal on both upper and lower, currently only have upper brackets and getting the lower ones done next week.

I was incredibly nervous about what people would say or think when they saw me but so far, so good. Going into work on Monday was a big hurdle but only positive comments have been made. My friends think I am mad to do it but I had braces when I was 12 and since then they have all come out of alignment (I think due to shoddy retainer-wearing practices by my teenage self). I'm hoping everything will be done by the time I get married in 2011.

This forum looks like a fantastic resource and so great to see so many other adult brace wearers. The only thing I'm worried about is a facial change as my ortho didn't really talk about that but I will mention it next week.

Also, if anyone knows any good hygenists in the Central London area that would be really helpful. My ortho quoted me £90 for 45 mins which I thought was quite expensive???

Nice to meet everyone! :D xx

becs
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:09 am

#2 Post by becs »

Hi there!
I am from Wiltshire and had top braces fitted last Monday. I also had them as a teenager but probably wasn't very conscientious with the retainer after wards so my teeth are a little "fangy" and arrow like. So far, i have had the top ceramic on for a week. the braces are very discreet, i even have a white wire so i am pleased (feel a bit of a prat at 38 though!). bottom ones go on just before i go on a romantic trip to Paris!!!! Still wondering whether to go for ceramic or metal and i am thinking towards ceramic as i seem to show a bit of bottom tooth when talking!
Good luck...nice to see a UK person.

cakeorbed
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:09 am
Location: London, UK

#3 Post by cakeorbed »

Hey Becs! I went for the full metal, upper and lower (although getting the lower ones done later this week) and it honestly hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be and no one has been weird about it, not even people at work.

What's been the hardest is how unprepared I was for all the little changes such as the loose teeth and the really sudden movement - little gaps opening up and then closing, and all in just over a week! I did not consider that at all! Probably a little naive there. :oops:

Also after reading some of the stories here I'm a bit concerned my ortho didn't explain any of the possible side effects so I'm going to bring that up with him. And I get hot and cold flushes every time I think about how much this is costing me!!! But hey, some people save and get a car - I got some braces! :D

Good luck! Looking forward to hearing about your progress!

electrokitty
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:36 pm
Location: Leicester, UK

#4 Post by electrokitty »

Hi,
Congrats to both of you on starting your braces journey!

Cakeorbed- I have noticed a few posts about change of face shape recently, but try not to worry. I've read a lot of de-bracing stories on these forums and most people seem really happy with their end results.
I think that it is just a very small minority of people that are unlucky and experience some unwanted changes.
For the record, I'm nearing the end of my treatment and I haven't noticed any change to the look of my face, other than my teeth looking better!
Hopefully your ortho can put your mind at rest. Did you have any/ many extractions?


Kitty
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