Braces at 36

[Mish11]

I originally planned to have braces put on back at 24 yrs old and I had to get my 4 wisdom teeth removed. All 4 wisdom teeth were tucked under my gums so I had to be put to sleep and have some stitches put on. After the wisdom teeth were removed, I was told I'd need another 3 teeth pulled! They said 3 because when I was about 20, one of my molars was extracted due to tooth decay and to even out my mouth they were going to extract 3 more to make my mouth even. I wasn't convinced braces/extraction were worth all the pain... boy was I wrong. Not only did some sense of "self confidence" diminish after turning down the treatment but I also I hated smiling! the fact that I willing denied my dental plan was like I was continuously leaving work "undone".
So Finally at 36...yes 12 years later I know, smh, I had 3 of my teeth extracted (1/29/16). It was either shell out 3grand for an implant or get the extractions - which only cost $18 for each tooth after ins., so financially i had to do the extractionsI On 2/16/16 I FINALLY got my braces!!!

Five days so far and I feel great. The first 3 days were not so great, lots of soreness but yesturday I felt better and today I feel great. No mouth sores or any problems as of yet, I am applying wax on one of my brackets but other than that, the orthodontist did great job. I am either eating soft foods; yogurt, mashed potatoes, retried beans, buttermilk soft bread, oatmeal & protein shakes or tiny bites of food like chicken, rice, pancakes even sausage. I'm brushing/flossing like 2-4 times a day too. I was told I'll have them on for 18-21 months.

[djspeece]

Congratulations on your excellent progress! Keep up the good work and best of luck to you!

[Mish11]

Thank you! I wish I could stay away from my coffee tho.

[djspeece]

Thank you! I wish I could stay away from my coffee tho.

I didn't even attempt to stay away from coffee. That's just crazy. (j/k)

[oldfart]

Why would you stay away from coffee? Unless you have clear ties then maybe. But I haven't heard too many issues about coffee staining even them. My only concern with coffee would be Essix retainers.