Hi all,
As long as I know I have "something" with braces.
When I was about 13 years old the dentist referred me to an local orthodontist because of some crookedness/crowding.
A few months later the appointment was made and an estimented treatmentplant came up:
Wearing a activator for about an year, after that I had to wear fixed braces for about 1,5 years and possible headgear as well.
My mom thought I had to make the decision myself, and my dad thought it was not necessary.
Unfortunately at the time I didn't had the courage to go through with treatment, even though I already had something with braces back then.
Fastforward to about 10 years, not much had change teethwise. Altough some wear and tear had occurred because of "teen sins"; bad hygiene and overconsumption of soda's.
This caused some cavities/fillings and some mild erosion later on as wel. At this point I realised that I should be more "protective" with my teeth.
I started brushing twice a day and started using toothpicks and floss as wel. Unfortunately some irreversible damage was already done.
I've also developed a habit of teethgrinding. Some months later on my halfyear appointment I've asked my dentist if I should be conserned and what the possible remedies where.
She came up with a splint. Much like an Invisalign tray, but thicker. I've also mentioned that my canines started to "grow out" as the are pushed out a bit,
and that my gums around those teeth sometimes are a bit irritated.
On that remark she reacted a that the only solution would be a set of braces, then quickly added somewhat negative that it would take problely two years to fix the problem.
For the next year the idea of getting my teeth fixed floated around in my head, when in december last year I've made an appointment with a orthodontist to get a consultation.
The verdict came up, Fixed braces for about a year and a half an problably a quad helix as wel for widening my upper jaw somewhat. All for a price of around €2500,-.
But I didn't had a good feeling with her and her office, since I didn't really felt personally treated. I've contacted another local orthodontist and had an appointment in May this year.
He was a very nice man who treated my very personal. He even was so honest to say that I didn't really need braces, but that there was room for improvement.
Multiple options where mentioned including traditional braces and invisalign. Since Invisalign is about twice the price that wasn't really an option.
He said to think about it and if I wanted to proceed make an appointment for a second appointment.
I talked it over with my girlfriend and she said it was up to me, but if it was necessary that I should do it. In late July I've had an appointment for Photo's and Xrays,
they also made an 3D image of my teeth with an scanner. although this was a bulky device it's apparently way better than getting molds with a plaster like substance
The orthodontist decided to start with upper braces only since I have a bit of a deepbite. The cost is around €1700,- if I only get my upper jaw fixed, or around €2200,-
if I want the full package and get both jaws fixed. I probably get the lower teeth done as wel, since I really want a nice set of teeth. The estimated is about 1 1/2 years.
Last monday I've had an appointment with an oral hygienst, since the orthodontic photos showed some brownish discoloring on my (pre)molars.
Unfortunately this couldnt be removed as it where intrinsic stains. She complimented me on my good oral health as no plaque or other oral problems.
This was a big compliment for me, since I take real good care of my teeth nowadays.
Next thursday I am getting upper self ligating braces (probably In-Ovation R brackets)!
Here are some before pictures:
Upper jaw:
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Lower jaw:
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Side view:
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front view:
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smile:
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If you got any questions feel free to ask or PM
P.S. English is not my native language
