Adult braces feel like teeth look worse than ever!!

[WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe]

Had my braces 6 months and feel like my teeth look even worse! I know that can be normal whilst they move etc. but it’s really disheartening and I have a horrible feeling the overall process is going take longer than expected. I haven’t even got the bottom set on yet as orthodontist has been holding off until the top teeth have moved more (there is less to sort at the bottom so if makes sense but feels like everything is going slowly and as much as I hated my teeth before I really hate them now.

they also seem even more discoloured than before. I’m having teeth whitening done at the end but think if they at least looked half decent in colour it wouldn’t be so bad!

If you’ve had braces as an adult please tell me that it’s normal for them to feel worse before they feel better! I’m not going to ask the orthodontist to guess at a timeline because if he tells me longer than another 18 months I might cry!

I had braces on at 24 for 2 years, they definitely got worse before they got better! I think because they have to create so much space and gaps to then move the teeth into it can look bad, trust the process!
What I will say is listen to your ortho when it comes to aftercare and retainers, I stopped wearing mine as often then after a while I just forgot, now my teeth have started to move back and my retainer doesn't fit I'm gutted.

Thanks @buzzwoodyandjessie good to know someone else has experienced this! I think it’s because recently whilst closing gaps at the front it’s created what feels like a huge gap to the side but not so far back that it isn’t visibly noticeable. I’m worried that it might be a permanent gap! I’ll have to ask the orthodontist.

I had hoped overall it would be an 18 month process but suspect it will be longer. I will wear my retainer religiously once it’s all over, not least because of how much this is all costing 😆

I'm glad you posted this because I'm looking to get braces in the next couple of years im in my mid/late 30s and I'm a bit nervous of how I might look being older. But I really want it done. I've heard you can get a permanent retainer on the back for after treatment?

To be fair @SugarNspices quite a lot of people don’t even realise I have braces as they’re clear brackets and only have the top ones on at the minute. It’s only when I’m looking in the mirror and baring my teeth at myself I think god they look awful! Mask wearing was a god send when I first got them!

i don’t regret starting the process just feeling a bit sorry for myself! I also still find eating quite uncomfortable so have to stick to softer foods!

Not worth getting braces at all without a permanent retainer at the end as the teeth will just move back. Ideally also get a night time retainer to wear from time to time.