Braces

Solarball10

Again-prob not in right thread! But im getting braces fitted on Thursday and just wondering what it's like....cos im a bit scared!!!

xXxShaunaxXx

yeah im gettin braces fitted on the 14th of march and id like to know what its like..?

Niamho!

the fitting itself is fine. theres actually nothing to worry about.
i cant really remember if they fitted them and tightened them straight away but if they do adjust/tighten them the day they fit them, then your teeth might be sore for a day or two. not unbearably sore, but sore.
Its been a while since i had them in fairness. but i think i remember that right because i was Crapping myself going to get them done. its not half as bad as you expect!!!

Solarball10

cool....i'm gettin them done in Smiles...they seem to be nice and helpful there... but pricey :eek:

Niamho!

ozzyoh wrote: »

cool....i'm gettin them done in Smiles...they seem to be nice and helpful there... but pricey :eek:

In Tallaght or town?
Didn't think they did Orthodontic treatment in there.
I thought they were a little bit cheaper than most dentists but maybe its different when it comes to Orthodontic treatment.

Solarball10

Niamho! wrote: »

In Tallaght or town?
Didn't think they did Orthodontic treatment in there.
I thought they were a little bit cheaper than most dentists but maybe its different when it comes to Orthodontic treatment.

In town..they opened a new orthodontic building a few months ago!

Niamho!

ah i see....!!

Well best of luck, but you wont need it you'll be grand!!

Solarball10

Thanks Have one more question!! What's the eating plan once you have them on? Do you have to stay on liquified foods for a certain length of time or anythin? I love me food so Im kinda worried about that lol!!

LadyMayBelle

Everyone is different really, so it depends..for me it was two days on soup and soggy bread(dismal) but gradually moved on to tougher stuff..mashed banana etc!! BUt take some painkillers if you can it'sll help, don't let the pain get bad, sort it out. I had braces for four years, had such bad teeth that my 'case' was taken to Europe and discussed as the Irish contender for 'worst teeth of the Year' or whatver,,unfortunatley it's my only claim to fame..but I will honestly say it was one of the best things i did..pain pain pain, oh yes, esp when they tighten it, but stick it out!

And wear the retainer,,trust me! it's worth it

DetectivFoxtrot

ozzyoh wrote: »

im getting braces fitted on Thursday and just wondering what it's like....cos im a bit scared!!!

got braces on 6 weeks ago. I'm 28. Went for my first adjustment today and am now in pain:(. tomorrrow will be worse but then by the third day I should be ok - this is what happend when I got the braces on initially so I expect the pattern to be the same.

Actually getting the braces on is dead easy. The only 'not nice' thing is the solution they put in your mouth to help bond the brackets with your teeth - it tastes rotten!! when they go on you'll think 'this is a piece of piss' but the pain builds gradually (over the day) and as I said peaks on the second day. the best thing to take is Nurofen+, it's the biz.
I had to get two teeth out (due to overcrowding on the top) so my wires are set to close the gap on each side at the moment, it's quite sore but managable.

Eating: the ortho will give you a list of what you shouldn't eat. my ortho went a bit over the top with his list (he actually gave me a printed list! - probably used for kids most of the time) and basically said i couldn't eat anything slightly hard (even steak)! However I've learned over the last few weeks that I can eat most things. You should just avoid crunchy things (nuts, popcorn) or crusty stuff (hard bread rolls), or things that you'd have to take a strong bite out of (toffee or apples) - you'll break the brackets and ortho will not be happy! Everything should be eaten in small bits. Also avoid anything that will stick to your teeth (chewing gum is a no no)

the look: you'll be totally paro for a few days but you get over it quick enough, then you just get used to them.

Tip: The key thing is to drink lots of water and also buy some dental wax (your ortho should give you some but if he/she doesn't you'll get it in any large chemist), wax was and is my lifesaver. got sores for the first few weeks on the insides of my cheeks, very painful. The wax covers the bracket and stops it rubbing off your cheeks:)

Don't plan anything major for Friday because you will be sore. I also recommend that you buy a WaterPik (about €40 in Boots), helps remove stuck on food etc. - great piece of technology

Best of luck, you'll be fine - keep thinking of the end result!:D

We should set up a support thread;)

p.s. I recommend you visit the website www.archwired.com , it's a website and forum for adult with braces.

dub0605

i have my braces on 2 years in may........i gota say the 2 years has flown in but i cant wait to get them off now. i will be honest at the start they are horrible and you feel as though they are really noticable and that everyone is staring at you but it get better and you get used to them. the initial fitting is grand, doesnt take too long and isnt sore. after a few hours or even the next day you may feel pain but thats just the teeth slowly moving. your best bet is to take painkillers when you get home!!! eating isnt too bad, when they are sore you are best off eating soft food like rice/pasta/scrambled egg (i was sick of this!!!) or soup. getting them tightened is pretty much the same, sore after a few hours or the next day but you get used to this after awhile. they say that you can have hard or chewy sweets, chewing gum or crispy bread rolls.....ive eaten all of these!!!! the only thing you can have is stuff you have to bite into like apples and other fruit. basically cause you cant really bite into things and food will defo get stuck then.

when you see your teeth moving and the improvement its so worth it and you wont care. im not gona lie, my teeth were a total mess before i got them done. my front teeth were overlapped and i had to get teeth taken out as it was overcrowded!!!! people cant get over my teeth since ive gotten them on and it is so worth it....although you may not think it at the start.

make sure you get plenty of the wax cause that does help at the start. your gums have to get used to them and the wax helps that. i used to wake up some mornings and my brace would be stuck to my lip (inside my mouth) so have a drink beside you just incase.

but all in all......trust me..........its worth it!!!!!!! any questions just ask

death1234567

Just got my braces fitted on my back teeth (had front ones done two weeks ago). It sucks balls because you can't chew properply. I had to get two wires on my bottom teeth this time and nurse said "you might feel some discomfort" ie. Welcome to pain-town population You. I hate my teeth.

LadyMayBelle

How did I forget to mention wax!! lifesaver!! most pharmacies stock it now, but carry it everwhere!

Gu3rr1lla

Don't worry about it! You won't even feel a thing! I was ****tin' myself but it was done before I even knew about it!

Though there is pain after you get them fitted for just a few days so make sure you take a few days off work or school. It isn't too bad your teeth and gums just feel tender and niggly but once a day or two go by you won't even notice them anymore. It took me ages to get use to my mouth without braces lol! You'll shiny straight teeth soon just like that smily

Oh and I second the wax, what a lifesaver!

Just think of the end result

Solarball10

Guys, thanks for all the comments! They've helped me a lot...I do have another worry though. I initially had my consultation with Smiles, who said they could fit my braces the next week...then I decided they were a bit pricey so decided to shop around a bit - so I went to a guy in Stillorgan who was a good bit cheaper...however, HE said that I would probably need to get a couple of teeth extracted, and also that I have quite severe gum disease, and to get that cleared up before I even considered getting braces! He then referred me to a periodontist for my gum problems....saw her once in January, she did a consultation (extremely expensive) and said she'd refer me to a dentist in order to pull the teeth first...(she said it would be easier to treat my gums with my wisdom teeth removed)...but I haven't heard from her since then....

This might sound far-fetched but I'm starting to think they were just trying to wangle as much money as they could out of me!! I know Smiles are a pretty reputable company so I went back to them again....although then again, I AM quite concerned about overcrowding, as I don't wanna pay 5k for braces and then for them not to work after all that....also I know my gums aren't in the best shape, cos I suffer from bad breath alot

I'm so confused!! I'm getting them on tomorrow, but I am gonna tell the ortho in Smiles what the other guy said!!

death1234567

ozzyoh wrote: »

This might sound far-fetched but I'm starting to think they were just trying to wangle as much money as they could out of me!!

Dentist's and ortho's in this country havee money coming out the wazoo so I don't think they would try to rip you off.

ozzyoh wrote: »

I'm so confused!! I'm getting them on tomorrow, but I am gonna tell the ortho in Smiles what the other guy said!!

Good idea, you should maybe just go to a random dentist for a check up and then see if he mentions anything about bad gums or overcrowding that way you should get a unbiased answer.

ozzyoh wrote: »

I don't wanna pay 5k for braces and then for them not to work after all that

Amen to that. This is it for my teeth, getting them fixed up this time and then just getting checkup's/cleaniung every 6 months and never ever ever getting any more expensive work done on the bastards.

DetectivFoxtrot

ozzyoh wrote: »

Guys, thanks for all the comments! They've helped me a lot...I do have another worry though. I initially had my consultation with Smiles, who said they could fit my braces the next week...then I decided they were a bit pricey so decided to shop around a bit - so I went to a guy in Stillorgan who was a good bit cheaper...however, HE said that I would probably need to get a couple of teeth extracted, and also that I have quite severe gum disease, and to get that cleared up before I even considered getting braces! He then referred me to a periodontist for my gum problems....saw her once in January, she did a consultation (extremely expensive) and said she'd refer me to a dentist in order to pull the teeth first...(she said it would be easier to treat my gums with my wisdom teeth removed)...but I haven't heard from her since then....

This might sound far-fetched but I'm starting to think they were just trying to wangle as much money as they could out of me!! I know Smiles are a pretty reputable company so I went back to them again....although then again, I AM quite concerned about overcrowding, as I don't wanna pay 5k for braces and then for them not to work after all that....also I know my gums aren't in the best shape, cos I suffer from bad breath alot

I'm so confused!! I'm getting them on tomorrow, but I am gonna tell the ortho in Smiles what the other guy said!!

no disrespect to Smiles but I would listen to the other Ortho's before listening to them. They are mainly a cosmetics outfit (they tagged on orthdontics only recently) and I don't think they would have the proper medical background as some orthdontists in smaller, more established practices.

Re ripping you off, no Ortho in their right mind would tell you that you have gum disease just to make a fast buck - they just wouldn't. If you have gum disease then you seriously need to treat that first because with braces on i'm sure it would be harder to treat. My friend is looking into the braces thing also, and when he went for a dental checkup beforehand they discovered a plaque/gum disease issue and told him he must treat that first prior to getting any cosmetic work done.

Regarding the extractions - this is very common when getting braces fitted, I got 2 big teeth out, an i've only mild overcrowding.... again they would not pull teeth unnecessarily...

Re the price -5 grand is the going rate - I paid 4,200 but I also got quotes around the 5k mark. My ortho has an excellent reputation and is in the business for year so that gives me lots of confidence!:D

Solarball10

OK, I got them on today! I only got the upper one at the moment though, as the ortho in Smiles said my bottom WISDOM (:() teeth need to be extracted before I get the lower ones on. I also asked him about the gum disease, but he said it was mild and that as long as I brush my gums well and pay particular attention to them braces shouldn't affect them...

I rang my dentist to book an appt to remove my wisdom teeth...however they said they might not be able, depends on the case, and that I might have to be referred to an oral surgeon (the ortho told me this might be the case.)

Now I'm kinda reluctant to do the lower, I don't have a problem with them anyway, it was my top teeth that were really crooked, but the ortho said he'd recommend getting the bottom done as well....aaaaargh!

As for the braces right now....no pain whatsoever!! they do feel a lil bit weird alright but that's to be expected!! I was shocked about the amount of care that goes into them...eg. If i'm in the pub, I can't drink alcopops or anything with sugar, just beer, and even then I have to bring this special mouthwash out with me and go to bathroom every so often to rinse it out!! No snacking throughout the day, if I want chocolate or goodies eat in moderation and ONLY as a dessert straight after a meal! And I HAVE to brush my teeth after ANYTHING I eat - lol, I was @ work today brushing and I got a few funny looks!!

Ciaran B

I had a follow up appointment in Smiles earlier in the week and I was advised to have my wisdom teeth removed before they can proceed with the braces. I was told years ago I’d need to get the wisdom teeth done at some stage so that’s the first step.

I haven’t looked into this much yet, but maybe someone here can answer a few questions I have?

- Can I get the wisdom teeth done on the VHI?
- Are the clear braces any different to the metal ones with regards to the time the treatment will take?
- Is speech affected? My job involves me talking on the phone for most of the day. I asked the dentist and he said there was no speech impact but reading some other threads on here and elsewhere it seems some people have problems.

Solarball10

Ciaran, my job also involves me talking most of the day (on a switchboard!) I had arranged to take the day off work but my teeth feel fine and my speech isn't affected at all!! (so far!)

DetectivFoxtrot

ozzyoh wrote: »

OK, I got them on today! I only got the upper one at the moment though, as the ortho in Smiles said my bottom WISDOM (:() teeth need to be extracted before I get the lower ones on. I also asked him about the gum disease, but he said it was mild and that as long as I brush my gums well and pay particular attention to them braces shouldn't affect them...

I rang my dentist to book an appt to remove my wisdom teeth...however they said they might not be able, depends on the case, and that I might have to be referred to an oral surgeon (the ortho told me this might be the case.)

Now I'm kinda reluctant to do the lower, I don't have a problem with them anyway, it was my top teeth that were really crooked, but the ortho said he'd recommend getting the bottom done as well....aaaaargh!

As for the braces right now....no pain whatsoever!! they do feel a lil bit weird alright but that's to be expected!! I was shocked about the amount of care that goes into them...eg. If i'm in the pub, I can't drink alcopops or anything with sugar, just beer, and even then I have to bring this special mouthwash out with me and go to bathroom every so often to rinse it out!! No snacking throughout the day, if I want chocolate or goodies eat in moderation and ONLY as a dessert straight after a meal! And I HAVE to brush my teeth after ANYTHING I eat - lol, I was @ work today brushing and I got a few funny looks!!

YAY!! fair play to you. How do you feel? Weird innit!

The ortho seems to be going over board on the food/drink thing but that's no bad thing...
Glad to hear the gum disease is not too serious...

re the wisdom teeth, if they are trying to grow but can't get through (like mine) you will have to go to hospital (oral surgeon) to get them out, a dentist cannot extract wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted. i'm on the waiting list at the mo. You'll be knocked out for it so it'll be fine.

I recommend braces on the bottom. i'm getting them (they're not on yet). Ortho said I didn't have to (they're only mildly crooked) but he said he coudn't guarantee a 100% correct bite if I didn't.

Keep posting. let us know how you feel tomorrow!!:eek:

dub0605

Ciaran B wrote: »

I had a follow up appointment in Smiles earlier in the week and I was advised to have my wisdom teeth removed before they can proceed with the braces. I was told years ago I’d need to get the wisdom teeth done at some stage so that’s the first step.

I haven’t looked into this much yet, but maybe someone here can answer a few questions I have?

- Can I get the wisdom teeth done on the VHI?
- Are the clear braces any different to the metal ones with regards to the time the treatment will take?
- Is speech affected? My job involves me talking on the phone for most of the day. I asked the dentist and he said there was no speech impact but reading some other threads on here and elsewhere it seems some people have problems.

im not sure about wisdom teeth and the VHI i think it would depend what plan you are on, i know there is a dental plan. cant be much help BUT i know that you can claim it back on your tax via the Med 2 form. at least you will get a bit of the money back.

i was told the clear ones can take longer cause they are not as strong. also they are make of glass so say if your drinking out of a bottle or glass and someone knocks against you....it can crack the glass and then you have to go get it repaired!!!! alot of hassle if you ask me, i think the clear ones look odd sometimes too.

no your speech wont be affected, you may find it weird taking for the first few days but you just gota get used to them and then you will forget they are there

Solarball10

DectectivFoxtrot - Yeah it feels well weird! A plus is I'll never eat now until I'm actually HUNGRY...cos I just don't enjoy eating with them on as it's a pain having to brush every time afterwards! So maybe I'll lose a few pounds along with gettin straight teeth, it's a bargain really lol!!

I'm getting worried actually cos I still don't feel any pain/discomfort! The nurse said it would probably kick in today but nothin...I'm startin to get paranoid and worryin they're not on properly hehe! But hopefully i'm just one of the lucky ones...

Actually, I didn't think about not having a correct bite if I don't get the lower braces...hmmm. I don't think mine are erupted either cos I've never had any pain/issues with them whereas everyone I know whose have erupted say it's the worst pain ever! So maybe it's good thing I get em out...do you know how much it costs by the way? (along with the anaesthetic)

death1234567

ozzyoh wrote: »

I don't think mine are erupted either cos I've never had any pain/issues with them

Then they aren't erupted, They hurt like a mother****er before they break through the gum. Once their through (takes about two weeks) they are fine...until they get stuck...like my upper left one...:(

Niamho!

i personally never had a problem eating anything. i ate everything including Chewing gum. I ate chewing gum regularly and never understood why people dont, they didnt stick all over mine.

Ciaran B

dub0605 wrote: »

advice

Thanks man.

DetectivFoxtrot

Ciaran B wrote: »

-
Can I get the wisdom teeth done on the VHI?
Yes but I think it depends on the policy you have, also you still go on a waiting list unless it's an emergency

- Are the clear braces any different to the metal ones with regards to the time the treatment will take?
The clear braces are ceramic. the others are stainless steel. My ortho said I could have either (ceramics are €500 dearer) but he recommended the others as they are much more durabe and work faster (btw I went with the stanless steel)

- Is speech affected? My job involves me talking on the phone for most of the day. I asked the dentist and he said there was no speech impact but reading some other threads on here and elsewhere it seems some people have problems.
No, I was really worried about this too. For the first day you may talk a bit differently but that's only cos your mouth/teeth/lips are adjusting to the metal

Jayeire

best decision of my left to get braces, totally worth the 6k for the clear ceramic ones

Solarball10

Hi all, just a quick update...well I'm getting on fine with the braces...I went back for my first check-up yesterday and it turns out i'm gonna have to get 2of my top teeth extracted...which I find a bit annoying, could they not have told me that BEFORE I got them on??! Anyhoo, he took off the brackets of the teeth I'm getting extracted...getting them out in 2 weeks....very nervous though, cos before this the only dental work I've had done was basic cleaning!! Can anyone tell me what it's like getting teeth pulled...i'm scared of the pain, etc...is there an anaesthetic? (I know there is for wisdom, but not sure about normal)..

Gu3rr1lla

There's no pain at all to be honest! You get an anesthetic don't worry about it! You'll get a pinch at first but it'll be out in no time! Believe it or not I actually enjoyed getting my teeth pulled. Though the last two times I had abscesses and it felt amazing to get the teeth pulled and be relieved from the pain of the abscess! lol! Good luck!

DetectivFoxtrot

ozzyoh wrote: »

Hi all, just a quick update...well I'm getting on fine with the braces...I went back for my first check-up yesterday and it turns out i'm gonna have to get 2of my top teeth extracted...which I find a bit annoying, could they not have told me that BEFORE I got them on??! Anyhoo, he took off the brackets of the teeth I'm getting extracted...getting them out in 2 weeks....very nervous though, cos before this the only dental work I've had done was basic cleaning!! Can anyone tell me what it's like getting teeth pulled...i'm scared of the pain, etc...is there an anaesthetic? (I know there is for wisdom, but not sure about normal)..

Of course they use anaesthetic!

I got 2 out before I got the braces on. I was so nervous I was shaking quite badly and the nurse had to hold my head down while he was extracting them!

It's not painful at all when getting it done, and it's over with in 5 mins! Quite sore when anaesthetic wears off, 'specally cos you're getting 2 done on same day. Make sure you have a box of Neurofen+ and don't go to work after it.... you'll be grand!;)

Solarball10

Thanks guys....not feeling quite as apprehensive about it now...I'll let ye know how it went!

Solarball10

OK got the teeth out yesterday...and it was........FINE! All I felt was a bit of pressure, it took literally 5 seconds to remove each tooth, I couldn't believe how easy it was! And no pain after whatsoever....so happy

Sharkeen

Hi everyone,
I have a question:) i was told i need braces but i really can't afford them
I am in Galway but i am willing to travel to the North
Does any one know any orthadontists up there? Has any of ye been treated i would be really interested to know!
What is the price difference if any? (Between Southern Ireland and Northern)
Thanks :cool:

fairynuff

Can't tell you about the prices in the north, but I've just started the process of getting braces in Galway and am paying 5,100 for ceramic top set and stainless steel bottom set. Does anyone know what the story is with getting tax refunded via Med 2 form - can you claim it per year or do you have to wait until the treatment is finished?

Sharkeen

Wow that is very expensive i don't know anything bout tax anyhow...... but i will prob need to find out bout it soon :eek:

tonton zola

Got my top brace on today, I'm 21.

Had been putting it off for a while but it wasn't going to get any better so I finally bit the bullet a few weeks ago and went to the ortho.

Closing my mouth for the first time after he put them on was very strange, still is actually (8 hours later).

My ortho never told me about brushing every time I eat, he just said to spend a little longer on them at my normal brushing times. Should I be brushing them every time?

I have to get 2 extractions within a few weeks.

Eating is a pain, I was having Sheppard's pie and was still convinced I was going to break them.

Ah well, it's the long term reward I suppose

Solarball10

tonton zola wrote: »

Got my top brace on today, I'm 21.

Had been putting it off for a while but it wasn't going to get any better so I finally bit the bullet a few weeks ago and went to the ortho.

Closing my mouth for the first time after he put them on was very strange, still is actually (8 hours later).

My ortho never told me about brushing every time I eat, he just said to spend a little longer on them at my normal brushing times. Should I be brushing them every time?

I have to get 2 extractions within a few weeks.

Eating is a pain, I was having Sheppard's pie and was still convinced I was going to break them.

Ah well, it's the long term reward I suppose

Wow Torton, your case sounds very similar to mine! Yeah my ortho told me I'd need to brush after everything - the only drinks I don't need to brush after are water and milk-so needless to say I'm drinking lots of both! and that if I'm out drinking, bring some non-alcohol mouthwash and every so often just rinse my mouth with it...she might just be over-careful, but Hell, I'm paying nuff money for 'em, so I'm doing everything by the book!! Saying that, she did say to cut down on chocolate, and to have it occassionally as a treat..I'm being a bit naughty though, I still have at least a bar or 2 a week! And I have B & J everytime I go to the cinema, which is about once/twice a week....:)
I know what you mean about the food...at the start I imagined anything I ate might break 'em! They do feel weird at first, but I've had mine on over 2 months now and I'm totally used to them-wouldn't even know they're there!
I got 2 extractions last week and they didn't hurt at all, you feel a bit of pressure but that's it. Takes literally about 2 mins altogether!

tonton zola

I very rarely drink fizzy drinks anyway so it won't be too bad. Having to cut back on tea will be the biggest problem:mad:

Do you use the special brush? Again, my ortho said it was a matter of choice.

On brushing, do the brackets feel more secure after a few days? Like eating, im paranoid that I will damage them while brushing.

I can see this thread being very valuable to me over the next while

Solarball10

tonton zola wrote: »

I very rarely drink fizzy drinks anyway so it won't be too bad. Having to cut back on tea will be the biggest problem:mad:

Do you use the special brush? Again, my ortho said it was a matter of choice.

On brushing, do the brackets feel more secure after a few days? Like eating, im paranoid that I will damage them while brushing.

I can see this thread being very valuable to me over the next while

I love tea as well, I used to drink about 4 cups a day!! I still have it now and again, about once or twice a week.

The brush I use looks like a normal tooth brush except for a little extra brush on the other end-which is for cleaning in between the brackets, so I use that every morning and night.

Mine felt pretty secure from the start, it hurt me a bit at first if I brushed very hard, as the pressure was starting to go on the teeth, but it's fine now

DetectivFoxtrot

Folks, I think there are a few myths flying around here. What make you think you can't drink tea?? What damage will it do? I have my braces on 4 months, and although my ortho gave me a massive list of what not to eat I am now eating most things - even ribs, corn on the cob etc. (I avoid gum, apples, toffee, and generally really hard/chewy things) but thats it! My brackets have not moved at all. They are as strong as feck! Don't be worrying, the ortho's are being over cautious as they don't want you blocking up their diaries with bracket re-fits - the're running a business afterall...!

btw, my teeth already look deadly (after just 4 months)!!! so hang in there!!:D

Solarball10

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

Folks, I think there are a few myths flying around here. What make you think you can't drink tea?? What damage will it do?
btw, my teeth already look deadly (after just 4 months)!!! so hang in there!!:D

Your probably right about the ortho being over-cautious, she did say excessive tea drinking might cause staining, then when the braces come off, you might be left with white marks where the brackets used to be, and the rest of them are yellow So I have limited my tea intake to be on the safe side....

I can see an improvement in my teeth as well, after 2 months...I'm hopeful now that I won't have to wear them for the 15 months.........

IrishKnight

ozzyoh wrote: »

I'm hopeful now that I won't have to wear them for the 15 months.........

Don't get you hope up too high, more often that not it goes over time...I was meant to get mine off a year ago...

Solarball10

IrishKnight wrote: »

Don't get you hope up too high, more often that not it goes over time...I was meant to get mine off a year ago...

I know...some of my friends had to wear theirs for 3/4 years....god I hope I don't have to wear them for that long!

Actually....when you get them off...does it hurt I wonder? Anyone know?

DetectivFoxtrot

ozzyoh wrote: »

Your probably right about the ortho being over-cautious, she did say excessive tea drinking might cause staining, then when the braces come off, you might be left with white marks where the brackets used to be, and the rest of them are yellow So I have limited my tea intake to be on the safe side....

I can see an improvement in my teeth as well, after 2 months...I'm hopeful now that I won't have to wear them for the 15 months.........

I'm in a forum that's dedicated to braces, prob told you about it already archwired.com. Ortho's post there all the time and I remember one saying the staining thing is a myth. I asked could I keep drinkng red wine and they said definitely. Red wine is much worse that tea so you'll be grand.;)
Anyway, are you not going to celebrate your new teeth after the braces by getting them whitened? I am!!!:D

Solarball10

DetectivFoxtrot wrote: »

Anyway, are you not going to celebrate your new teeth after the braces by getting them whitened? I am!!!:D

I was thinking about it actually It is permanent right? Dont wanna go spending 500 quid and then for them to go back to their own colour!

DetectivFoxtrot

ozzyoh wrote: »

I was thinking about it actually It is permanent right? Dont wanna go spending 500 quid and then for them to go back to their own colour!

Wouldn't say it'd last your whole life as the whiteming doesn't potect your teeth from future stains it just gets rid of the old ones. So I'd say a few years down the line you'd be ready to get it done again. It looks great though, really healthy looking, once you don't go overboard (like Ross in Friends!!):D

Chunky Monkey

Got my braces off last week, it feels gooood

Regarding the whitening, sure just cut down on the ciggies and coffee and use colgate whitening paste, works a charm

Solarball10

Chunky Monkey wrote: »

Got my braces off last week, it feels gooood

Regarding the whitening, sure just cut down on the ciggies and coffee and use colgate whitening paste, works a charm

Congrats How long did u have them on for?

I do use whitening toothpaste, but it doesn't seem to work for me!!

Chunky Monkey

ozzyoh wrote: »

Congrats How long did u have them on for?

I do use whitening toothpaste, but it doesn't seem to work for me!!

Thank you Two very long years but twas so, so worth it!

Now if I could only discipline myself with the retainer...

Solarball10

Chunky Monkey wrote: »

Now if I could only discipline myself with the retainer...

OOOH THE RETAINER! I'd forgotten about those......do you have to wear it every day? I'm not keen on that...especially as 1 ortho said I'd need it for the rest of my life basically!