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Original poster

Adult braces

54 replies

whytheygetworse · 14/06/2021 16:19

I've always put off having braces - as a teenager, I was told I'd need to have jaw surgery and wear a head brace and possibly have extractions and that it all still might not work.
Now I've decided to see what the options are and have an appointment with an orthodontist in a few weeks.
Has anyone got braces as an adult and what was your experience like? I have crowding top and bottom and also quite a big overjet. Also still have some issues with my jaw but really don't want to have to have surgery so hoping there's another route. To be honest if I could at least straighten my top teeth at the front I would be happy!

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purpleben · 16/06/2021 09:18

I had a Damon brace fitted in January and it's the best thing I've ever done. Six months on and my confidence has rocketed, I can smile again and feel so much more confident. My only regret is I didn't get this done sooner. Mine cost 3k and I still have about 12 month to go.

Omletteforbreakfast · 17/06/2021 17:46

Best thing I ever did and wish I had done it years ago. I had quite complex issues with a bridge on one side, implant on the other, slightly protruding upper and bottom teeth so crowded that every time I went to the hygienist - and I go every three months-they reacted as if I hadn't been for years. Had it done 5 years ago, have a wire top and bottom and has given me so much confidence. The orthodontist commented I talked without showing my teeth, and I certainly didn't smile v much in photos. Took just under a year to sort- and am still so happy with the result. I had invisilign - once I got used to popping them in and out and the extra brushing I didn't look back.

Original poster
whytheygetworse · 19/06/2021 07:28

Thanks all. If the orthodontist suggests extractions would people go ahead with that? I think on the bottom there wouldn't be much room for the crowded teeth at the front to move but I really don't like the idea of having to get teeth out.

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Monkeytapper · 19/06/2021 07:33

Have you got a pic of your teeth you can post?

ladybee28 · 19/06/2021 07:37

@whytheygetworse

Thanks all. If the orthodontist suggests extractions would people go ahead with that? I think on the bottom there wouldn't be much room for the crowded teeth at the front to move but I really don't like the idea of having to get teeth out.
If your ortho explains why and it makes sense, then I'd get a second opinion (to ease my mind) and go from there.

I had my wisdom teeth extracted to make space for the orthodontic movement and it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected it to be. My dentist is a lovely gentle wizard, though, so I may be biased Smile

LopsidedWombat · 19/06/2021 08:32

So many amazing results with the before and after pics!

I have wanted to get my overbite fixed for years but for one reason and another not got around to it. I've always wondered, once corrected, are you left with any lines or wrinkles around your mouth? If your top lip sticks out a bit, as mine does, are you left with large nasolabial folds? I'd hate to fix one problem but end up with another!

Omletteforbreakfast · 19/06/2021 08:39

I had my teeth filed to get the fit right as bottom so crowded. It sounded pretty gross when I first looked into it but was actually very straight forward and simple. I suggest shopping around a bit unless you have an orthodontist you know - I had several different opinions ranging from sublingual to ordinary train tracks and invisilign - I tried the specialist clinics in central London but was put off in one that I didn't meet the orthodontist, by another that the fee structure that initially seemed super reasonable didn't include all sorts of things. I also met one who was super critical of my teeth cleaning even after intensive hygiene, interdental, flossing yada yada which made me so fed up- my own dentist couldn't see what the issue was. If you are anywhere near Richmond I highly recommend Anastasia at Smile Studio- delightful and very good at her job. Her no nonsense approach was very reassuring and I am very pleased with the result.

QuimKardashian · 19/06/2021 08:50

Depending on where you live I'm sure someone can recommend one of their wonderful dentists. I can if you live in greater London

Original poster
whytheygetworse · 19/06/2021 11:54

@LopsidedWombat

So many amazing results with the before and after pics!

I have wanted to get my overbite fixed for years but for one reason and another not got around to it. I've always wondered, once corrected, are you left with any lines or wrinkles around your mouth? If your top lip sticks out a bit, as mine does, are you left with large nasolabial folds? I'd hate to fix one problem but end up with another!

This is something I've wondered as well!

I'm not brave enough at the moment to share a pic...

I'm in Scotland (near Glasgow) if anyone has any recommendations!

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Original poster
whytheygetworse · 08/07/2021 07:28

Today is the day Shock Going to the orthodontist to see what the options are. So so nervous about it!!!

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LemonDrizzles · 08/07/2021 17:23

I had braces in my late twenties. Had to take four teeth out. I'd been"dreaming" of having them done since I was 12. Wore the braces for a little over 3 years. After that, was meant to wear a retainer but then after a few years stopped and bottom has started moving. Considering getting bottom done again. Top was an overbite (due to sucking thumb).

Yes I'd recommend it and yes take out teeth. I can still bite and chew without those teeth - I don't miss them.

All the best

TheBestForLast · 11/07/2021 08:18

@whytheygetworse

Today is the day Shock Going to the orthodontist to see what the options are. So so nervous about it!!!
How did you get on?
Original poster
whytheygetworse · 11/07/2021 09:46

@TheBestForLast I was really surprised as I was expecting to hear that it would be really difficult or I would need extractions etc! He said actually that he thinks if I get a fixed brace that I may not need any extractions and it might take around 18 months! So I've decided to go ahead with a fixed metal brace and I've got a date now to go and get it fitted!

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TheBestForLast · 11/07/2021 11:02

Exciting!! 18 months will fly by. I've had mine six months now and I'm much more confident already. Best thing I've ever done. You'll see a difference in no time 😄

Original poster
whytheygetworse · 04/09/2021 07:00

Booked in to get my braces fitted on Mon and I am getting more and more anxious as it approaches! Any tips or advice?

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Original poster
whytheygetworse · 04/09/2021 11:12

Hopeful bump

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Flumo · 04/09/2021 11:18

I'm 27 and had had my braces on for 4 years 😫 my teeth are taking so long to fill the gaps I wish I hadn't bothered but I need jaw surgery too. I've still got a least 2 more years as I need to wear braces a year after the surgery.

SnarkyBag · 04/09/2021 11:24

I’m booked to get mine fitted in 3 weeks. Had all my final scans and X-rays yesterday. Very excited and glad I still have to wear masks for work for a while!
Good luck!

Mulletsaremisunderstood · 04/09/2021 11:48

@Flumo

I'm 27 and had had my braces on for 4 years 😫 my teeth are taking so long to fill the gaps I wish I hadn't bothered but I need jaw surgery too. I've still got a least 2 more years as I need to wear braces a year after the surgery.
That seems like ages! Are you getting it done privately or public?

I had mine done in my late teens, including maxiofacial surgery. I went private because the waiting list was so long for public, and my parents paid in instalments.

A friend of mine got hers done on the public system a few months before me, but ended up having hers for about 2 years after I got mine off. Even though hers was more straightforward, as she had no major jaw issues like I had.

I had monthly appointments, where they would be tightened/ adjusted, but she was often left for 3 or 4 months between treatment.

IShouldBeSoLurky · 04/09/2021 16:49

I’ve had mine on for a month now OP and I felt sooo nervous as well. Honestly I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by how little discomfort there’s been. I’ve only needed to use the wax they give you to stop rubbing twice. Eating is a bit of a pain and I have to clean my teeth a lot but it’s honestly been a breeze so far. Good luck for Monday

Original poster
whytheygetworse · 04/09/2021 20:00

@Flumo

I'm 27 and had had my braces on for 4 years 😫 my teeth are taking so long to fill the gaps I wish I hadn't bothered but I need jaw surgery too. I've still got a least 2 more years as I need to wear braces a year after the surgery.
Wow that seems like such a long time! Did you have a lot of extractions?
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Original poster
whytheygetworse · 04/09/2021 20:02

@IShouldBeSoLurky

I’ve had mine on for a month now OP and I felt sooo nervous as well. Honestly I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by how little discomfort there’s been. I’ve only needed to use the wax they give you to stop rubbing twice. Eating is a bit of a pain and I have to clean my teeth a lot but it’s honestly been a breeze so far. Good luck for Monday
Thank you! That's a relief to hear - I've heard some people have a lot of pain with wires etc which is part of the reason I'm feeling a bit worried! Hopefully I won't be in too much discomfort!
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Booyou123 · 15/04/2023 04:40

@whytheygetworse how is everything now?

I have just started my braces journey a few months ago!!

angstridden2 · 15/04/2023 07:45

Can I ask how much you’re paying for invisalign? I’m in the south and have been quoted £4,500 which seems a lot but don’t know if costs have gone up from when a friend had it done a couple of years ago.

Original poster
whytheygetworse · 15/04/2023 08:31

Booyou123 · 15/04/2023 04:40

@whytheygetworse how is everything now?

I have just started my braces journey a few months ago!!

So I went for normal wire braces in the end. The orthodontist said that this would be the better option for me as he had more control over movements etc. I had them on for just over 12 months in the end and couldn't be happier with how they turned out! I didn't have any issues with pain or discomfort during the process other than being a bit sore the day I got them and at the first adjustment, after that they were fine! I had elastics for a few weeks as well which were fine, no issues with them! I now have a retainer that I wear every night and will wear forever to stop any movement!
How are you finding the process so far?

Adult braces
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