Braces- Advice?!
Question: So I've pretty much always wanted braces. When I was younger, I went to an orthodontist and they said I definitely needed them. When we found out the cost, we couldn't afford them. Well now, 6 years later, I can, and have been thinking about them. I still want them, but I'm scared. I don't like the idea of having spacers. Getting four teeth pulled, and then being left with four holes in your mouth doesn't sound fun. Plus all the metal rubbing on your cheeks and gums... The more I think about it, the more I don't want them. I also have this irrational, paranoid fear that my teeth will literally rot out underneath the brackets no matter how often I brush.
Basically, I'd just like to know what kind of things to expect, and if anyone knows of other alternatives to fixed braces? I know I definitely can't afford Invisalgn...
Answers: So I've pretty much always wanted braces. When I was younger, I went to an orthodontist and they said I definitely needed them. When we found out the cost, we couldn't afford them. Well now, 6 years later, I can, and have been thinking about them. I still want them, but I'm scared. I don't like the idea of having spacers. Getting four teeth pulled, and then being left with four holes in your mouth doesn't sound fun. Plus all the metal rubbing on your cheeks and gums... The more I think about it, the more I don't want them. I also have this irrational, paranoid fear that my teeth will literally rot out underneath the brackets no matter how often I brush.
Basically, I'd just like to know what kind of things to expect, and if anyone knows of other alternatives to fixed braces? I know I definitely can't afford Invisalgn...
I'd always wanted braces too and my family could never afford them. But now that I have my own income I decided to take the plunge. In fact, I got them put on yesterday. I had to have one tooth taken out first (which was nothing compared to having my wisdom teeth out in the chair 2 weeks before) and then after about 1 1/2 hours the braces were on. I won't lie, I hate them right now. My teeth all hurt and I have this annoying blue cement on my back molars which will apparently stay there until my front two teeth no longer overlap the bottom two. So basically, my whole mouth hurts, my lips are contantly dry and chafed and I can't eat anything that requires chewing.
From what I've read it gets better. And for me it's definitely worth it. I've gone through my entire childhood and most of my 20s with crooked teeth and I just couldn't stand it anymore.
Best advice I've ever been given? Well, the time is going to pass anyway, so why not?
I wanted braces so badly before i got them..
The first week i couldn't eat it hurt too much, the metal wires at the back literally cut into your cheeks unless you use wax. Which falls out constantly and is so anoying to just put back in at the most innopropriote times.
I have had them for a month, i want them off now. Lol. I hate them so much. My lip was raw cos it had cracked lips and the braces rubbed aganst it, and now its swollen with cuts and indents in the lip from braces.
I have to buy special creams take pain releif
So yeah.
Do you still want them>
got for it its well worth it in the end!!! i had braces for two years and im not going to lie thy take a bit of getting used to. for the 1st day my mouth kinda hurt and they did rub on my cheek a little but it wasnt that bad.
i was also very paranoid about my teeth being dirty but i just brushed them after each meal. im so glad i got them and i have nice teeth and a smile that ive rec'd compliments on! so u'l be daft if you dont do it
Personally, I wear braces to stop my trousers from falling down !
Your teeth will be sensitive after braces and after every time you get the rubber bands/wires adjusted or changed. After a week you'll get used to it and be fine.
I can understand that getting extractions can be scarey, but by taking those 4 teeth out, you make room for all your other teeth. Long story short, the front teeth get aligned and look nice for you. Any remaining space will be eliminated as the posterior teeth get pulled forward.
As for your other fear, when I had braces, my cheeks did rub against the metal bands on my molars and I did have to use the wax. About a week later, my mouth got used to the new additions in my mouth. The key is you'll get used to it, because your mouth is very adaptive.
Your fear of rotten teeth will only happen if you don't brush your teeth or spend the minimal time (10 seconds speed brushing). The fact that you are thinking this, shows a sign of maturity on your part and that's the most important part of getting braces. You understand that having braces will mean more oral hygiene on your part. Ask your dentist how to take care of your teeth. Most likely it'll be brush your teeth, use Super Floss, and in conjunction use a Water Pik. Plus, the dentist will have to see you on a regular basis to adjust the wires and rubber bands on your braces. So it won't be 6 month visits. More like every 3 weeks. Sometimes 2 depending on the case.
OK IM NOT SURE ABOUT GETTING YOUR TEETH PULL OUT BUT HAVING HAD BRACES FOR A YEAR AND CAN TELL YOU THERES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WORRY THAT MUCH ABOUT!!! THE METAL BRACES DO HEART FOR A BIT BUT... THERES WAX YOU CAN PUT ON THE METAL BITS SO YOUR GUM DOESNT HURT AND ITLL BE PAINLESS!. SOMETIMES I HAVE BAD MINUTES AND THEY DO HURT BUT ALL THE PAIN FOR BEAUTIFUL TEETH I FUESS!!YOUR TEETH WILL NOT ROT UNDER THE BRACKETS LOL. IF YOU BRUSH THEM WELL THERES ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE THIS WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN. YOU CAN BUY A TINY TOOTHBRUSH WHICH GOES BETWEEN THE GAPS AND CLEANS OUT ADDITIONAL DIRT. YOU WILL HAVE A VISIT TO YOUR DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS OR SO, WHEN I WENT TO MY LAST VISIT I THOUGHT HE WOULD BE HORRIFIED WITH MY BRACES, HE SAID TO ME EXCITEDLY WERE NEARLY THERE. YOUR DENTIST WILL KEEP YOU ON TRACK OF WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO KEEP YOUR TEETH CLEAN ALSO HE WILL GIVE YOU A TALK, A LEATHLET AND MAYBE A CD SO YOU CAN KEEP THEM ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
I'm 28 and had my braces fitted last year. I've had lingual braces which are fixed braces but fitted behind your teeth so no-one can see them. I would whole heartedly recommend the lingual braces because they can't be seen but they do give you a bit of a lisp!
With regards to having teeth pulled I opted not to and went for interdental stripping. If the orthodontist needs to make a lot of space then interdental stripping won't be an option, but it might be worth a mention to make sure.
The fear of actually having a brace was not as strong as the longing for straight teeth for me, so I took the plunge and am thrilled with the results so far - I only wish I'd enquired years ago! Cleaning the brace is tricky at first, but it soon becomes a ritual and also with regular trips to the hygenist for a clean there will be no chance of rotting teeth! The lingual braces do rub your tongue at first, but with plenty of wax to cover the brackets, the irritation lessens and in a few weeks the tongue gets used to the new appliance.
My teeth had some shifting to do so I found the brace very painful to begin with, but again, the positive far outways the negative and I'm on target or having it removed in July. Think of braces as short term pain for long term gain. Once your teeth are straight you'll wonder what you were panicking for in the first place!!
You don't say your age. That has one thing to do with it. The spacers are no big deal. If anything, that's the easiest part.
You say you want them but it sounds like you don't want to go to the trouble of having them. Remember after they're off, you have to wear the retainer or they will move.
It's not the end of the world. You'll adapt. In a couple of months it'll become a part of you.