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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want adult braces?

97 replies

Getout21 · 03/09/2017 21:31

Hello all

I had train tracks when I was a teen but over the yrs my front teeth have started to overlap again & appear to be getting worse.

I miss my straighter teeth & am thinking I should get adult braces. However I'm confused by all the options e.g 6 month smile, Invisalign, orthodontist or cosmetic etc.

I want the best option rather than the fastest & don't want to cause further damage.

Has anyone else gone for braces?

OP posts:
jaykay34 · 03/09/2017 21:34

I haven't but am thinking about it, so placemarking for interest.

My top front 6 teeth have always been a bit wonky, but since I hit mid thirties have got far worse. I was considering veneers, but have now decided that the problem probably needs sorting rather than masking.

Duvetdaysanddays · 03/09/2017 21:35

Also watching this thread with interest. Have seen some people online who complain that their face shape changed for the worse after adult orthodontics including more apparently minor methods like invisalign so going to ask about that when i see the orthodontist this month.

Albinohedgehogs · 03/09/2017 21:38

Ive just had my train tracks (white ceramic) taken off after 3 years. My teeth are amazing they make me happy every day were worth all the annoying trips to the ortho.
They're so healthy and easy to clean now. GO FOR IT!!

Nomorechickens · 03/09/2017 21:38

BiL had invisalign, he was very happy with the results. Also he lost weight because he had to remove and rinse braces before eating, which was a faff. He needs to carry on using a retainer to keep the shape though

Original poster
Getout21 · 03/09/2017 21:46

I've heard that a nice smile can knock years of you & cosmetic dentistry done well can transform your face e.g. Cheryl Cole so I'm sure it could also go wrong Duvetdays.

Albino did you use an orthodontist? Do you have to wear a retainer for life?

Nomore I'm worried Invisalign might be an expensive waste of time for me as I will probably forget to wear the retainer.

OP posts:
Duvetdaysanddays · 03/09/2017 21:47

@albinohedgehogs did you notice any facial shape changes?! I'm beginning to wonder whether this is something i need to ask or whether it is internet crazies on surgery forums saying that this happened to them

Duvetdaysanddays · 03/09/2017 21:48

Ps not that my face couldn't do with some improving Grinit just sounds very dramatic according to some

Duvetdaysanddays · 03/09/2017 21:49

@getout21 yep this is true - going to ask orthodontist about chezza and see what his official opinion is on the before and afters!

IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt · 03/09/2017 21:51

Currently have Invisalign. Would recommend for sure.

RobinHumphries · 03/09/2017 21:55

If you want to keep your teeth straight you will have to wear a retainer for life.

MrsCK · 03/09/2017 21:56

I've currently got 6 month smile. Clear ceramic train track braces. I love them and would recommend to anyone. V expensive but I'm also having some other cosmetic work done to get all my teeth the same length etc.
I'll have to wear a retainer yes but they also do fitted permanent retainers which look like little staples in the back of your teeth to prevent teeth from moving again.

1984FS · 03/09/2017 21:59

Have had both Invisalign and fixed braces as an adult. Invisalign did not work for me, was left very disappointed, but it was probably not suitable for the amount of movement I needed on the lower teeth. (Bad advice from money hungry orthodontist) Just had fixed braces removed after 1.5 years and am very happy with the results. I don't think my face has changed at all (other than nice straight teeth). Had a different orthodontist who was very good. I do recommend going for it! Grin

Duvetdaysanddays · 03/09/2017 22:01

@1984 the first ortho told me if i got fixed brAces i would get a better result and would be finished quicker - but im a wimp. Thinking i can hibernate for a bit seeing as i work from home - only frequent dark bars and then emerge looking all vaaaay straight teeth. Also want to get them whitened - glow in the dark style. No idea whatsoever at this stage in the planning how i am going to pay for it though. Aaaaaargh!

userlotsanumbers · 03/09/2017 22:08

I had train tracks when I was 36. The absolute best thing I did for myself, I felt so much better about smiling. I did it via my dentist, and I actually had them tightened every two weeks so the time taken to straighten was quicker - but more painful, I'll be honest.

I have to wear a retainer overnight for ever, I'm not bothered though. Straight teeth!

Headinthedrawer · 03/09/2017 22:09

I have 6 month smile which are clear fixed braces.Quite often people don't notice I'm wearing them.They are for cosmetic dental work only - just my front teeth.4 months in and my wonky front teeth are straight.I'll have a fixed retainer and wear one every night but it is worth it.I never smiled.Even with my braces in I do now.Be prepared for 2 weekly 2 hour dental appointments though and some of it is pretty unpleasant.I think my face shape has changed already...I have acquired faint cheekbones which I love.Could be the weight I've lost from not being able to eat crisps and biscuits though.

WegmansCookies · 03/09/2017 22:09

My mother has Invisalign braces now at age 60! Only a couple of months in but she's thrilled with the small changes already and is very pleased with her decision. She always hated her teeth and made sure that my sisters and I had braces as teens.

Keepingupwiththejonesys · 03/09/2017 22:13

I wish I'd been given braces as a teen. My front tooth overlaps my other so obviously and I absolutely hate it. I've been looking into getting a brace but its just so expensive

Original poster
Getout21 · 03/09/2017 22:13

Duvet Yep I want them whitened too! Pls share any insight your orthodontist says.

Accept now that I will have to wear a retainer for life.

1984, Mrs & user how did you chose/find your dentist? They don't happen be in London do they?

OP posts:
Fiduciaryfandango · 03/09/2017 22:15

I had six month smile braces, totally worth it!!!

I have a similar dental background to you re previous braces and fear of not wearing the retainer. Let me tell you, after all that effort, you wear the damn retainer!

munchkinmaster · 03/09/2017 22:16

I said no to braces as a teen and this week (kicking on for 40) have had fixed clear braces put on. I have thought about this for years and was 100% sure.

Struggling now, they are sore

HungerOfThePine · 03/09/2017 22:16

Yep about a month or two away from getting bottom set off(metal traintracks), had the top ones off since end of June and only in recent weeks have I adjusted to my new smile. Bit like getting a new haircut and taking a few days to like it.

I had it done not so much for cosmetic reasons but as to help maintain my teeth/gums lifespan. Were overcrowded and now have incurable gun diseaseSad.

My teeth had started getting more and more scrunched and squint over time before the braces as could see it from looking back at pics and it's what pushed me to get them also.

Had the bottom set filed just on Friday was horrible but better than losing a tooth.

Was meant to be a 6-8 month treatment but will likely be a year in all. It's well worth it I think and after a few weeks you forget the braces are there. There is no picture evidence that I have or ever had braces Grin.

Original poster
Getout21 · 03/09/2017 22:18

Great to hear so many positive stories! Has anyone used anyone in London they would recommend?

OP posts:
ReedBunting · 03/09/2017 22:19

I'm nearly half the way through my invisalign treatment and so far I'm really pleased. I had braces for years as a teen and my teeth ended up lovely and straight, but this was in the days when they didn't give you a retainer to wear afterwards. So.... here I am. I went via an orthodontist recommended by my dentist. I have appointments every 6 weeks or so now though it was more frequent at the start. I change trays every week, and whilst it can be uncomfortable for the 1st day of a new tray, it's far far less painful than when I had train tracks tightened 25 years ago. The worst thing has been needing to have very very small amounts of enamel stripped from the sides of a couple of teeth to make a little more room. But that's because I am a wuss I hate dental work and have very sensitive teeth. But that's all done now. I have little buttons on a couple of teeth to help the invisalign trays fit but I don't think they are too obvious.

Original poster
Getout21 · 03/09/2017 22:21

Wegmans love that your mum has done it!

Are fixed clear braces the same as 6 month or different?

Hunger the end is in sight! I don't mind them on for a yr, will just mumble & nod.

OP posts:
Original poster
Getout21 · 03/09/2017 22:23

This is bringing back memories of the bloody traintracks & elastic bands. 😱

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