Re: hello all, intoduction and some questions.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jer,

I have had braces twice, so I can tell you about both times for twice

the perspective! The first time in high school, I started out with

VERY crooked teeth- particularly on the bottom. I had a tooth growing

into the root of the tooth next to it and then pushing that tooth

out. I had minor oral surgery to have the tooth " exposed " and pulled

into place. That was the most painful part of the braces for me then-

and it really wasn't too bad- just a lot of soreness. I had them for

2 1/2 years that time around. There was a lot more work to be done

then which is why it was more painful, but NOTHING EVER more than

soreness for a few days depending on the adjustment that month. BUT!!

That first ortho never addressed my skeletal bite issues, thereby

never really resolving the issues.

So, cosmetically withOUT close examination, my teeth looked pretty

decent after my first round with the braces. Not unsightly at all.

Most people my second time around with themhave asked why I got them,

stating that they thought my teeth looked fine. Well you can't always

see bite/jaw issues... like mine-where most of my teeth dont come

together right at all. People can't see that you can't chew or bite a

lot of things! SO, I got braces on again a year ago this April. I am

now 25. I opted for the ceramic brackets so that I would feel more

confidently while wearing them. Most people don't even notice, even

though at first I was so self conscious and aware of them. I work

with the public right up close, so I felt particularly conspicuous!

But they have been fine. I've been ready since december for surgery

(scheduling issues have delayed surgery)- so that is 9 months after

getting the braces on. After most of my visits, I have had very

little discomfort. Only a few times have my teeth been sore for a day

or two after my ortho appt. I had only basic tweaking to do to be

ready for surgery-just to get everything lined up, straight, and

level. My ortho predicted initially around one year of braces before

surgery and 6 months afterwards. It will be 11 before surgery. It

really depends on what needs to be done beforehand to get your teeth

and arches ready. My ortho didn't rush the adjustments either. Age

also affects things and you are young so that is in your favor too.

But the braces are really not that bad. I am wierd though, because I

look forward to every appointment. Each one brings me closer to the

end of all of this! My ortho has also been ultra accomodating

about getting me in on a last minute basis sometimes to fix any minor

problems). Your mouth toughens up too and you really do get used to

everything. I remember the first time I got the braces off- my teeth

looked huge! and my mouth felt huge and empty!! The time passes

really quickly and the outcome is absolutely worth it. For me the

short term discomfort/pain/inconvenience is worth it for the long

term benefit.

Furthermore, it might be worth it if you are possibly facing

increasingly bigger problems with your jaw/mouth/tmj if you don't

have the braces and surgery now. That could develop later on into a

lot of pain and discomfort all by itself! Some people on this site

have waited years or even decades to have this all done and wished

they had done it sooner. I think treatment can be more

difficult/painful the older you get! So consider the possible outcome

if you don't get the braces. The ortho can tell you best a projected

treatment time and everything to expect. Good luck to you, and

really, don't be dissuaded by the prospect of braces. Just do your

research ahead of time. It probably just depends on how much you want

them and the surgery done- that aspect alone hugely affects your

experience. I really really wanted the braces and surgery, so I have

been happy to put up with everything because it is worth it in my

estimation. It will just take some personal introspection. Let us all

know what you decide! Katja

(sorry for the novel!!)