After many years of wanting to get my teeth fixed I’ve finally embarked on getting braces. I’ve just had the top set fitted.
Thought I might start an ongoing progress thread a) to keep track and keep positive as it’s a long time to wait for the end result and b) answer any questions for people thinking about getting braces.
In my case I have two missing teeth (congenital missing lateral incisors) at the top and some crowding at the bottom set. So my treatment plan is fixed braces to narrow the gap at the front, followed by composite bonding at the end. I have clear ceramic brackets on the top teeth and the bottom ones which will be fitted in a month will be gold brackets. I was unsure about the gold bracket options and was considering paying the additional £500 for clear ones but the orthodontist explained that in terms of doing their job the gold brackets are far superior.
The process of having them fitted was surprisingly quick and not painful at all. I would describe the feeling of having them on as really tight pressure. I haven’t found it painful although I’m noticing a small amount of sensitivity if I bite down when eating. The braces haven’t irritated the inside of my mouth at all but I’m feeling extra cautious about worrying if the wires will break!
I’m sticking to fairly soft foods at the minute as I’ll be honest eating isn’t painful but feels rather messy and uncomfortable. I have to avoid biting down using my front teeth so everything has to be cut up small and It’s not nice feeling good getting stuck around the brace TBH.
I’ve switched to a very soft headed toothbrush as I worry about snapping the wire whilst trying to clean thoroughly. Flossing and using dental sticks is quite hard but keeping on top of cleaning is going to be important. I’m going to try and make it easy on myself by cutting out sugary foods, sticking to fairly soft foods like pasta and making sure I clean after eating every time.
On the upside I anticipate losing a few lockdown pounds as I’m really not enjoying the eating process right now!
I will upload some progress pictures once there is some progress to be seen!