Braces for over 7 years! Need advice!?!

Braces for over 7 years! Need advice!?

I had braces put on when i was in eighth grade and now it is over seven years later and I still have them. It is mainly my fault, but I moved twice and am now back in the town where I originally got the braces. I am so over them! I am starting a career, and feel l ike I am trapped behind the braces. I am in a small town and know everyone at the orthodontist and am terrified if they saw the condition of my teeth now, thats why I avoid going. If I go to a cosmetic dentist, will they be able to remove the braces because I am interested in veneers now, or does an orthodontist have to do it?

Hi! Yes, I have sort of been in your shoes. I wore braces for 5 years (although I was with the same orthodontist) and it is terrible! However, you should return to your original orthodontist and explain that you've moved around and would like him/her to evaluate your teeth. Then, determine if you will need your braces much longer. Your orthodontist may be able to complete with the work within a year or so and your teeth would be straight and your bite would be correct.

Sure you could look into cosmetic dentistry, but if your bite is off, the ortho is the only thing that will correct it. Get an evaluation with a cosmetic dentist, too, and then determine which direction you want to go in.

Good luck.

P.S. Veneers may be pricey, especially after all this money has gone into the braces. And, an orthodontist will need to remove the braces and cement.

P.S.S. Don't let braces hold you back in finding a career. I'm sure your not Ugly Betty. Plus, the dentist I work for has braces and it doesn't hold him back professionally :)