Braces- I need info!

[spudmasher]

So if your teen has braces....

1. How painful are they?
   
2. How willingly does your teen clean them?
   
3. How self conscious were they at first having them fitted?
   

Also, does anyone know if the ceramic/ clear braces would be a choice on NHS? DD qualifies for NHS treatment so can that offset any cost? DD age 14 is a working actor- would that be taken into account at al? ( predicting no- hard times etc)

[amumthatcares]

My DD had a brace fitted at 14, for a year. When she was told by the Ortho that she would need one she was distraught - 'I don't want to wear that' 'I will look hiddeous' 'Everyone will take the mick' etc, etc. To be honest she really made us feel guilty and pleaded with us to have the clear ones, but there was no way we could justify the cost. So, train tracks it was. Oh, then when they were fitted she admitted suddenly realised so many of her friends had them! She had the initial discomfort/rubbing/soreness but it does ease off and the end result is most definitely worth it

[IShallWearMidnight]

DD2 will be having braces soon - we have an appointment with a reconstructive dentist (?) next week to discuss exactly what they want to do (she has submerged molars, so there are various options, all of which have different braces apparently). She's not fussed as so many of her friends have or have had braces.

DD3 will also need braces at some point, but her teeth aren't bad enough to qualify for NHS treatment, so I need to save up a bit for that .

[saycheeeeeese]

Just make sure they all wear their retainers afterwards. ...otherwise they msy end up in my position 15 year's later having to get braces all over again!!

[bruffin]

My dd has an adult tooth that may be impacted ISWM. They removed the baby tooth and are currently maintaining the space with the brace and havny decided yet what to do.

[spudmasher]

Thanks so much everyone. so much useful advice here.

[Sparklingbrook]

Good luck with it all spud. DS was upset when he found out he was having a brace (we had tears all the way home from the orthodontists) and two years does seem like forever, but suddenly we are 6 months in. He is having the bottom brace applied at Feb half term so don't know how that will affect things. I just keep focussing on the end result.

[spudmasher]

Thank you Sparkingbrook. I woke up feeling really stupid this morning- I am the one meant to be supporting DD and I'm more fussed about it than she is at the moment!!!!
Anyway, armed with information and positive stories I feel better equipped to support her now.

[Sparklingbrook]

I had many a thread going about it in July, I was really stressing. MN made me feel better, but it is a big deal, and a commitment. Nobody likes to see their child getting prodded and poked. I actually watched the extractions.

But it's all ok, and I forget he has it now.