Braces in Adulthood

[~Jayne~]

I'm sooooo glad I saw this thread! I have always have quite crooked teeth, but since having my wisdoms taken out last year (I am 28 next month), my teeth have shifted sooooo badly that I am continually crunching them when I am eating, etc.. & my tongue gets stucks on them? It's really weird. I have an Ortho appointment next month but my Dr said 'braces here we come'. Now, how clear are the clear? My dad keeps telling me the kids will be able to play their thomas trains on Mummy's very own train tracks

I can handle the metal ones if I really have to, because I desperately want my teeth fixed, my top, middle 2 teeth are now starting to overlap.

Does anybody have pictures of the clear ones they are willing to PM me?? Pretty please??

Thanks in advance girls!

Jayne

[Cassius2]

hi jayne!

hmmm not sure if i have any pics...will search through my photos and see.

the clear ones are fairly clear, but obviously ppl can still tell that you have braces. the only difference really is that they don't dominate your facial features ITMS. it is also really popular for ppl to get clear on top and metal on bottom as you rarely see your bottom teeth.

the clear ones do have a tendency to get stained...so you are advised to lay off any tumeric (so curries are best negotiated with care LOL!) and coffee. but i have found that as long as you brush fairly close to when you have eaten a food that is stain happy that you can avoid it. ALSO you have the bands changed every 6 weeks or so, so the stains (if you do get them) dont last long (and even if they are stained, it actually doesnt look too bad, just a pale white-ish).

HTH!

[Janie]

Hey Jayney, I'll see if I can find some pics to email you . Although the orthodontist will be able to show you photos and demo models of what s/he uses.

The clear brackets (part fixed to your tooth) shouldn't stain. They are nearly always ceramic these days (that's what I would be wanting), therefore they don't take on any colour. It is the modules (clear elastic thing that holds the wire onto the bracket) that stain. The modules should be changed at each adjustment appointment, usually every 4-6 weeks. If you avoid red wine, tea and coffee, any spices that are brightly coloured etc, then the staining will be minimal.

Most people can only have the ceramic braces on the upper teeth, so just keep that at the back of your mind. I've only seen a few patients have all ceramic. But you usually don't notice the lower ones so much, so it's no big drama. I had ceramic upper and stainless steel lower, and it was fine. In fact the stainless ones are generally more comfortable in the mouth, which is kinder to your lower lip. But if you can have ceramic upper and lower, and that's what you want then go for it.

You know feelings on it hun, it is soooooo worth it! I don't think I have had a patient who looked like they regretted it the day we took their braces off It seems a long time, but it's not really, and once it's done you'll be so pleased..........just make sure you wear your retainers!!!!! LOL

[AliB]

I've been thinking about this for a while... I had braces at 12 and again at 18 - the oldest and youngest person at high school each time! And my teeth have been on the move again for the past 5 years.

I don't think anyone's mentioned the totally clear braces that look like a retainer/mouth guard but actually move your teeth. Has anybody had any experience with them? Googling indicates that one sort is called Invisalign but there may well be others. The ortho creates a series of plastic plates which move you from existing to desired outcome, you change them every so many weeks. They seem to be more expensive than braces.

[Janie]

Invisalign (or systems like it) are mostly a crock, and waaaay overpriced. There are very few people who can actually have successful treatment using this system. If you are really, really keen to look into it, then I would suggest that you see an orthodontist who does it as a small part of his/her practice. If you see someone who ONLY does Invisalign they will of course tell you that they can do it, even if it's not the best option for you.

It can only be successful for people with mild crowding, and very mild (or none) bite issues. And even then, using full appliances (braces) will likely be faster.

[~Jayne~]

JANIE _ Thanks Petal, I get goosebumps every time I think about the braces. Not sure if I'm excited to get my teeth fixed or silently crapping myself over getting them....... LOL

I just have to wait for my Ortho appointment before I get all jumpy over it though, but my dentist has already told me what he will say, but still, there could be some miracle procedure he can do that doesn't involve braces. Hahahah I wish!!!

[Janie]

Jayne, if you really want to fix your teeth I'd be getting used to the idea of braces my dear

[AliB]

Invisalign (or systems like it) are mostly a crock, and waaaay overpriced..

Thanks Janie, good advice from an expert.

[~Jayne~]

I DO want to get them fixed, I DON'T like the idea of braces. However, I have already been told your face aches so much in the first couple of days that you don't want to eat, so that means a few kg's down the drain I can handle that!

PLUS, the $$$ factor as well. Alan is busting his chops working overseas without his family for us & here I am putting thousands of dollars onto my teeth........

[Jennifer13]

Woohoo Cassius!! I remember that feeling of freedom when I had mine off about 18 mths ago. My younger sister had braces put on two weeks ago and is 29. Not being able to chew was NOT something that i enjoyed and I really feel for the poor thing.

[C~Q]

I wen t to the Orthodontist today, I wanted Invisilign but it was pretty much $5K up front so it looks like i'm going to go with the braces. They want $2500 up front then a plan...the thing is i've got till April with my plan as I put it up an dhave to wait 12 months.

I asked the lady if I could start the treatment now and then claim the $2k in April and she said no, have to start the treatment AFTER April to be able to claim it grrr Also saw another company which has a better discount on orthodontics so i'm going to call them and see if they'll waive the fee if I swap to them