Has anyone had their teeth straightened ? If so, tell me about it please

[frenchleave]

My dentist has said that I should have my slightly wonky teeth straightened to avoid gum problems when I'm old(er). Not to mention giving me an A-list smile. I've seen an orthodontist, had the diagnosis and the quote and now have to decide.

The cost is mahoooosive, and I really resent having to spend a wad of cash on something that will cause me Pain and Inconvenience.

Should I or shouldn't I?

I had mine done as a teen and it was a disaster. The retainer didn't work and they moved back again after, and I had problems keeping htem clean with the braces, and there was slight damage when the brace came off. I wish I hadn't bothered.

I had mine done about 3 years ago (so I was late 20s) and I think it was worth it

I didn't find it that painful
On the plus side I lost weight!

i had top and bottom train tracks they initally do hurt but u get used to them my teeth are lovley and straight now people often comment on them

i had top teeth straightedned and huge amopunt of orthodontic work including 2 implants . was a bit uncomfortable for a while but soon got used to it. wouldn't have chosen to do it for purely cosmetic reasons but would have faced tooth loss if i did nothing . started the process when i was on mat leave with dd2 and i was 40 and finished when i was 43 so a bit of an epic . jsut wish i had done it sooner though . also hideoulsy expensive process but the alternative was not an option .

OK thanks, a majority of positives.

My orthodontist suggested fitting the tracks on the inside faces of my teeth for discretion - has anyone tried this? I fear a silly lisp and horrible ulcers.

Had mine done in my late 20's as I was concious of it. I was so happy with the results and it wasn't really painful, just a bit of soreness when he tightened the brace. I had white tracks though which turned yellow the minute i had a curry!!
However I had a wire fitted to the back of my teeth after the brace came off to keep them in position, this gradually got damaged over time, and unfortunately we moved house in the meantime and I lost a large peice of the wire and couldn't find a dentist in this area for ages to repair it, They have now moved back slightly, so i have a slight gap again, although not as much as before. If i had the money I would have it done again, as i am so disappointed that after saving up to get it done, and being so happy and unselfconcious about smiling for the 1st time in years, they now don't look that much different.

i had braces when i was at school as i knew i would have to pay once i turned 18. had them for 16 months and when they came off it was brilliant.

but since then my teeth have half moved back to where they were. even though i wore my retainer every night as i was told to.

Not happy about them going back after all the pain and discomfort i had to put up with but couldn't put myself through it again

With the right oral hygiene regime your slightly wonky teeth shouldn't really impact on your gums. As long as you clean inbetween your teeth with floss/tepe brushes (or similar) then you should alright.

Can take longer for adults. In children the teeth are not yet 'fixed' as they are still growing, so the teeth move easier, where as in adults the teeth are fixed so therefore don't move as quick.

The lingual braces (inside of teeth) are good, but can be more expencive as more tricky to apply. You will get a lisp whatever method you chose, I am afraid. But it does go quite quickly. You should read aloud to yourself so you hear that the words you are saying are wrong, then the brain will work to 'fix' the problem.

Ulcers, unfortunately, the same. Until your gums & soft tissues toughen up against the brace. They should give you a special wax to cover the offending part of the brace.

Bear in mind that you will also have to wear a retainer for a period if time (depends on your case, but around 24 months). You should also prepare for some movement after it is all finished, although this doesn't happen all the time.