Adult Braces Experience

Dingle_berry

Can anyone recommend an orthodontist around Dublin city centre? Looking to get overcrowding sorted, not necessarily a smile worthy of Hollywood!

ETA please PM recommendations as per the rules.

chris0808

Could anyone recommend an orthodontist in Dublin ? PM me if you know anywhere. Thanks.

PippaChic

Getting the braces from my top teeth off today - can't wait!

BandMember

PippaChic wrote: »

Getting the braces from my top teeth off today - can't wait!

Lucky you! Best of luck with it and let us know how you get on, hope everything goes well for you.

PippaChic

And they're finally off. It's so strange to feel my teeth against my lips again! The bits between the teeth are from the mould he used to make up the retainer - which I should get in the post on Tuesday!

carefulnowted

PippaChic wrote: »

And they're finally off. It's so strange to feel my teeth against my lips again! The bits between the teeth are from the mould he used to make up the retainer - which I should get in the post on Tuesday!

They look lovely! Congratulations

PippaChic

carefulnowted wrote: »

They look lovely! Congratulations

Thank you so much
I was really disappointed initially, I thought they looked weird - but I'm gradually getting used to them! I think the braces make the teeth look shorter as they 'break up' the length, so the teeth look really long afterwards.
I have a bar across the back of the 4 front teeth and I keep poking at it with my tongue, my tongue is quite sore!
I'm pleased now that I went through this, I was unhappy with how they looked before.

percy212

Do NOT get Invisalign under any circumstances. I wasted 5k on 2 rounds of it several years ago. They don't work unless your issue is very minor. I am currently spending another 4k on damon train tracks to fix the mess invisalign made.

messy tessy

percy212 wrote: »

Do NOT get Invisalign under any circumstances. I wasted 5k on 2 rounds of it several years ago. They don't work unless your issue is very minor. I am currently spending another 4k on damon train tracks to fix the mess invisalign made.

Yikes, sorry to hear that. I wonder though why the orthodontist didn't tell you that you that it wouldn't be suitable? I was told invisalign wouldn't work as I have a large space on my lower teeth, so wasn't an option even if I wanted it.

percy212

I guess inexperience of invisalign on the dentists part...I don't really know. It was a big waste of money which still makes me cringe! The dentist I see now has a poor opinion of invisalign in general. I think he has a point. Train tracks all the way

messy tessy wrote: »

Yikes, sorry to hear that. I wonder though why the orthodontist didn't tell you that you that it wouldn't be suitable? I was told invisalign wouldn't work as I have a large space on my lower teeth, so wasn't an option even if I wanted it.

messy tessy

percy212 wrote: »

I guess inexperience of invisalign on the dentists part...I don't really know. It was a big waste of money which still makes me cringe! The dentist I see now has a poor opinion of invisalign in general. I think he has a point. Train tracks all the way

Keep thinking of the end result!

bowsandarrows

Can anybody PM a recommendation for a good Ortho somewhere convenient for the city centre? Thanks so much!

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Looking at getting braces soon. 19 years old.

I have had a consultation with a dentist who also does braces, quoted €3150 for both upper and lower teeth metal braces.

However, seriously considering going to a qualified orthodontist instead, after reading other threads on here..albeit for about €1000+ more..

Any thoughts??

percy212

Don't skimp. I did, and it cost me double. Go to an orthodontist. Do NOT get invisalign, which is a total scam.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

percy212 wrote: »

Don't skimp. I did, and it cost me double. Go to an orthodontist. Do NOT get invisalign, which is a total scam.

Many thanks. Won't be going for Invisalign at all after hearing poor reviews. Will be getting the full metal ones, the best performing ones (so I've heard)

percy212

Yes, I have the modern train tracks. Damon I think they are called. They are definitely working on my wonky mouth, so I can recommend them. Best of luck!

Curb Your Enthusiasm

percy212 wrote: »

Yes, I have the modern train tracks. Damon I think they are called. They are definitely working on my wonky mouth, so I can recommend them. Best of luck!

Damon were actually the ones the dentist (€3150) was going to use for me.. still worth going to an ortho to get them done?

percy212

Yes. Definitely. Would you let a GP perform surgery on you? I wouldn't

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Damon were actually the ones the dentist (€3150) was going to use for me.. still worth going to an ortho to get them done?

Curb Your Enthusiasm

percy212 wrote: »

Yes. Definitely. Would you let a GP perform surgery on you? I wouldn't

very true. Many thanks for your input. The ortho I'm looking at in Cork also offers visits/checkups up to 24 months after the braces are put on which is great.

Seems to definitely be worth the extra cash in the long run.

messy tessy

I have ceramic braces on since April and already have noticed a massive improvement in the top ones. They are barely noticeable and was really delighted I decided to get it done. Mine cost about €4200 which is a lot, but I think it is worth getting them done right.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

messy tessy wrote: »

I have ceramic braces on since April and already have noticed a massive improvement in the top ones. They are barely noticeable and was really delighted I decided to get it done. Mine cost about €4200 which is a lot, but I think it is worth getting them done right.

Were your teeth very wonky or only slightly?

Dingle_berry

Definitely go to an orthodontist. There is a reason that they did the extra training! Preferably go to one with their own practise, not a big chain where the orthodontist could change several times over the course of your treatment.
An orthodontist should be able to give you an estimate of what needs to be done from a quick (30-40 min) exam. Soecific treatment plans need casts and X-rays.
Questions to ask, if you're not told are;
What are your options? (Metal only, ceramic, lingual [behind teeth] or Invisalign?)
How long will it take? Rough estimate
Will you need teeth extracted?
How often will you need to visit your regular dentist during treatment for cleaning etc?
How much will it cost and how is it paid? Beware of paying everything up front.
How often will you need to attend for adjustments?
Things like a broken bracket can happen, will it cost you extra? Will they charge you to clip the arch wire if it is irritating you?
Will you need retainers after? Permanent and/or removable? For how long? Are they included in the cost estimate?
Do they stock the specialised toothbrushes, wax etc and how much are they?
If you play sports will you need a gum shield? Do they provide them? How much?

The experience itself is very VERY uncomfortable at first. Something pushing on all your teeth constantly. Not sore but like a wisdom tooth coming up. The pressure eases after a day or two but then the roots of the teeth are tender and biting even soft foods like a ripe banana is... uncomfortable!

messy tessy

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Were your teeth very wonky or only slightly?

The two teeth beside my front ones were very crooked, so much so that the pressure on the wire resulted in one of the brackets coming off after a day!

I have to get them on the bottom teeth yet - which are overcrowded and wonky. I have an overbite on the top teeth, so the orthodontist is waiting for them to be better aligned (or something) before the end ones go on. He said I would only chomp them off, like I am a horse or something!!!

ChampagnePop

I've just had my first tightening - so sore again, my teeth look 90% they're already but it's only 6 weeks! I have ceramic braces and it's so nice to get clean elastics!

littlemouse22

Hi All,

Today I got my top brace on and tomorrow I will be getting the bottom brace on.

I am already starting to feel alot of pain from the top brace quite uncomfortable - like a pressure pain or bad tootache in numerous teeth. Found it hard to even eat soft foods today as touching the bottom of my teeth is quite tender. It was also very sore to brush my teeth as they were so sensitive to touch. Is this normal for day 1?

Has anyone any tips or recommendations for my first few days/weeks that could help?

BandMember

littlemouse22 wrote: »

Hi All,

Today I got my top brace on and tomorrow I will be getting the bottom brace on.

I am already starting to feel alot of pain from the top brace quite uncomfortable - like a pressure pain or bad tootache in numerous teeth. Found it hard to even eat soft foods today as touching the bottom of my teeth is quite tender. It was also very sore to brush my teeth as they were so sensitive to touch. Is this normal for day 1?

Has anyone any tips or recommendations for my first few days/weeks that could help?

The first while you get the braces on is going to be very sore. I mean, they are basically a clamp around your teeth and are literally forcing them to move. Although it can be painful, remember that pain is a good thing as it means that the braces are doing their job and your teeth are moving into their correct position.

As for diet tips, I found soups, stews, casseroles, pasta etc. to be the main staple for the first couple of weeks. Avoid hard foods and the list of stuff they gave you to avoid in general for the duration in terms of discolouring the braces/ties or getting stuck to the brackets like curry, toffee, caramel, nuts, anything with seeds etc.

Best of luck with them anyway - once you have them on a couple of weeks, you'll forget they are there and they will be off before you know it!

littlemouse22

BandMember wrote: »

The first while you get the braces on is going to be very sore. I mean, they are basically a clamp around your teeth and are literally forcing them to move. Although it can be painful, remember that pain is a good thing as it means that the braces are doing their job and your teeth are moving into their correct position.

As for diet tips, I found soups, stews, casseroles, pasta etc. to be the main staple for the first couple of weeks. Avoid hard foods and the list of stuff they gave you to avoid in general for the duration in terms of discolouring the braces/ties or getting stuck to the brackets like curry, toffee, caramel, nuts, anything with seeds etc.

Best of luck with them anyway - once you have them on a couple of weeks, you'll forget they are there and they will be off before you know it!

Thanks for you reply Suppose you're right - pain is a good sign! I'm just hoping the pain will gradually ease in time especially for brushing my teeth.

The change in diet I can deal with, as I think I've mentally prepared to change my diet before getting them.

Not that I wasn't expecting pain because I was - I just wasn't expecting them to be so tender to touch

Suppose it is only day 1 and it's a completly new/wierd sennsation but I'm finally on the path to getting the smile I have always wanted

BandMember

littlemouse22 wrote: »

Thanks for you reply Suppose you're right - pain is a good sign! I'm just hoping the pain will gradually ease in time especially for brushing my teeth.

The change in diet I can deal with, as I think I've mentally prepared to change my diet before getting them.

Not that I wasn't expecting pain because I was - I just wasn't expecting them to be so tender to touch

Suppose it is only day 1 and it's a completly new/wierd sennsation but I'm finally on the path to getting the smile I have always wanted

That's exactly the attitude to take - positive and keeping your long term goal in mind.

I could also give you another tip my Ortho gave me when he put mine on first. I had made plans for that evening originally before I got my appointment to get my braces on and I was telling him this before he stopped me and gave me a bit of advice that I never thought I would hear from a medical professional - he told me to go out and have pints that night with some mates and watch a big match that was on. The reason was two fold: one, he said that some people feel really self conscious when they have them on first (never cost me a thought to be honest) and two, it would help me forget about it..........and ease the pain, as he laughed his head off! :pac::D

So, I'll give you two tips for the weekend: (1) meet some friends and head out on the town and (2) you will be very pleasantly surprised how much the braces are a very good conversation starter and ice breaker, especially as opening chat lines from the opposite sex! Make of that what you will.... :cool:

Oh, just to be clear - I am not going to be responsible for your hangover though! :P:pac:

ShadyAcres

I'm a little bit freaked out here. I'm currently using invisalign to straighten the teeth. I have one batch of aligners that go 15 of 19,/ 16 of 19, 17+ of 19, 18+ of 19 ,19 + of 19. The last 3 trays are over correction aligners. I was just about to change trays as I usually do on a Sunday and I found another 4 trays in the bag. 19 of 22 ,20 of 22, 21 of 22, 22 of22. Is this normal that over correction aligners are used before the end of treatment?

Edit forgot to say I'm on 17+ of 19 (over correction aligners) and was just about to go to 18+ of 19

GingerLily

I have clear ceramics. Has anyone tried changing the elastic bands on their braces themselves? My friend who had braces as a teenager keeps telling me that you can do it but if never heard of it.

bowsandarrows

Hey guys,

Just wondering, if I get braces and pay up front, can I immediately claim tax back for it this year?

Thanks

messy tessy

GingerLily wrote: »

I have clear ceramics. Has anyone tried changing the elastic bands on their braces themselves? My friend who had braces as a teenager keeps telling me that you can do it but if never heard of it.

My orthodontist needs a pliers to take them off, not sure how you would manage yourself.

Do you find the elastics getting stained easily?

Sebastian Dangerfield

bowsandarrows wrote: »

Hey guys,

Just wondering, if I get braces and pay up front, can I immediately claim tax back for it this year?

Thanks

Pretty sure you have to wait til the end of the tax year. I recall needing a p60 as part of my claim

BandMember

GingerLily wrote: »

I have clear ceramics. Has anyone tried changing the elastic bands on their braces themselves? My friend who had braces as a teenager keeps telling me that you can do it but if never heard of it.

I have people telling me lots of stuff as well, but I know bullsh*t when I hear it and your friend is talking absolute complete and utter rubbish there!! I have the same as you and there is no way that you could change them yourself. Besides, even if you could, why would you want to when you can get it done for free???

bowsandarrows wrote: »

Just wondering, if I get braces and pay up front, can I immediately claim tax back for it this year?

No, you will need to wait until January 2017 to claim anything back for this year.

messy tessy wrote: »

Do you find the elastics getting stained easily?

If you brush regularly after meals/eating and stick to the list of stuff that they recommend you avoid because it stains them esaily, then I find that I can keep the elastics pretty much stain free.

Craicho5

Lia_lia wrote: »

I'm 22 and got mine about a month ago.

Best decision I have made in ages! They are quite pricey considering I am a student (about €4,500 including extractions), but with a payment plan I'll be grand. And my ortho is brilliant so I'm happy out. They were quite painful the first few weeks but now I can't even feel them anymore! I have ceramic braces on top and will be getting metal ones on the bottom in a few months. He only charged me an extra €150 for the ceramic brackets, yay!

I was told I can't get ceramic braces on the bottom, not really sure why. But sure you won't really be able to see them so I don't mind.

Anyway, if you are thinking of getting braces...just do it! The time will fly anyway I'd say. And nobody really notices them. Loads of adults are getting them these days.

Agree with Lia_lia! I got mine at 32 for around the same price but it was so worth it, you cant put a price on self confidence. Highly recommend you go for it OP. You can get white ones if you are conscious of how they look.

GingerLily

BandMember wrote: »

GingerLily wrote: »

I have clear ceramics. Has anyone tried changing the elastic bands on their braces themselves? My friend who had braces as a teenager keeps telling me that you can do it but if never heard of it.

I have people telling me lots of stuff as well, but I know bullsh*t when I hear it and your friend is talking absolute complete and utter rubbish there!! I have the same as you and there is no way that you could change them yourself. Besides, even if you could, why would you want to when you can get it done for free???

bowsandarrows wrote: »

Just wondering, if I get braces and pay up front, can I immediately claim tax back for it this year?

No, you will need to wait until January 2017 to claim anything back for this year.

messy tessy wrote: »

Do you find the elastics getting stained easily?

If you brush regularly after meals/eating and stick to the list of stuff that they recommend you avoid because it stains them esaily, then I find that I can keep the elastics pretty much stain free.

I get them changed once every 6 weeks, I want to increase the frequency, I would have thought that was blatantly obvious.

BandMember

GingerLily wrote: »

I get them changed once every 6 weeks, I want to increase the frequency, I would have thought that was blatantly obvious.

Ok, well, attempting to change them yourself is the definition of madness! You are spending thousands of euros, you have a trained professional providing you with a service - attempting a DIY job without knowing what you are doing is not only going to defeat his efforts, you could cause some serious long term damage to yourself. I'm sorry if I appear blunt or rude, but that is........I wanna avoid using the words "beyond stupid"........so I'll just say that it is a really bad idea.

My ortho will change mine as often as I want but I never have had to do this, usually get it done as scheduled every 6-8 weeks.

Can I ask though, why do you want to get them changed more than once every 6 weeks?

GingerLily

BandMember wrote: »

GingerLily wrote: »

I get them changed once every 6 weeks, I want to increase the frequency, I would have thought that was blatantly obvious.

Ok, well, attempting to change them yourself is the definition of madness! You are spending thousands of euros, you have a trained professional providing you with a service - attempting a DIY job without knowing what you are doing is not only going to defeat his efforts, you could cause some serious long term damage to yourself. I'm sorry if I appear blunt or rude, but that is........I wanna avoid using the words "beyond stupid"........so I'll just say that it is a really bad idea.

My ortho will change mine as often as I want but I never have had to do this, usually get it done as scheduled every 6-8 weeks.

Can I ask though, why do you want to get them changed more than once every 6 weeks?

I only asked a question and your answers have been extremely rude.

helimachoptor

Bandmember please watch your tone

Secondly gingerlily, you have a treatment plan, it's advisable to stick to it, please dont self medicate on your dental work, you could at worst irreparably damage your teeth and at best prolong treatment and increase cost

BandMember

GingerLily wrote: »

I only asked a question and your answers have been extremely rude.

helimachoptor wrote: »

Bandmember please watch your tone

Yes, I have re-read my response and it comes across badly alright.

@GingerLily - please accept my apology, I should have phrased my response better. I mean no offence, sorry to have caused some.

@helimachoptor - noted, and I have apologised to GingerLily for any offence which I may have caused.

PinkGiraffe

I would appreciate any advice that could be thrown my way. I have been contemplating braces for years. I keep saying after I have paid for this or that, then I'll get them. Realisingn there will always be something else and that I need to go for it now! So I'd like to visit a few otho's & just get the ball rolling on prices & how much work they think I need done.

Can anyone tell me how much approx I'm looking at? I will not be getting invisalign

Can anyone recommend an orthodontist? I am in Clondalkin Dublin but will travel a reasonable distance.

If you would like to pm me that'd be great!!!

rawn

PinkGiraffe wrote:

I would appreciate any advice that could be thrown my way. I have been contemplating braces for years. I keep saying after I have paid for this or that, then I'll get them. Realisingn there will always be something else and that I need to go for it now! So I'd like to visit a few otho's & just get the ball rolling on prices & how much work they think I need done.

I got top braces on 2 weeks ago. I had two teeth extracted. In November the braces will be removed for a week or so for my wedding, then I'll be getting a bottom tooth extracted and bottom braces fitted. All in all it will take about 2 years and the total cost is 5500e. This includes cleanings, extractions, fitting, removal, retainers etc. So it was 700e deposit and 200pm for 2 years. Best decision I've ever made! Best thing is to just stop thinking about it and go for it

GingerLily

I paid upfront and got a 5% discount, so 3.8k total, which I'll claim 20% back from tax.
I also needed two extrations and some xrays so that cost was on top of that again.
I'm 3 months in so far and my teeth already look straight, hoping to get them off this time next year in time for my wedding.

BOHtox

22 and checking in. Might be 23 when I have them on but sure who cares haha?

Hopefully have them off by the time I'm 25, finished college hopefully starting a career soon after that.

Anything anyone would like to tell me? Really looking forward to getting them off and I haven't even gotten them on yet. Are invisible braces worth getting?

Wish me luck - I'll keep yous posted

BandMember

GingerLily wrote: »

I'm 3 months in so far and my teeth already look straight, hoping to get them off this time next year in time for my wedding.

Just to give you a heads up, if I may, in that timeframes given can sometimes slip due to one or two pesky stubborn teeth who are slow to move....but.....don't worry too much if this starts to happen and it doesn't look like they won't be off in time for your wedding. My Ortho mentioned that he has had patients who wanted them off for their wedding or some other once off occasion where there would be photos/some record of so he would bring them in the day before, take off the braces and put them back on the next day. So, just in case this happens, maybe have a word with your Ortho to put your mind at rest and you enjoy your big day with a smile.

Once again, apologies for my earlier post!

BandMember

BOHtox wrote: »

Anything anyone would like to tell me? Really looking forward to getting them off and I haven't even gotten them on yet. Are invisible braces worth getting?

Unfortunately there is no way of answering that question here. For example, where invisible braces might work for someone else, you might need the full metal/ceramic braces or vice versa. The best thing you can do is talk to an Ortho because what is needed and will work for one person will be completely different for another one so there is no "one size fits all" fix, if you get me?

Any decent one will offer a free consultation, talk you through what you need and don't need, breakdown of timeframe and cost etc. while answering any questions you have. Once you've done that, you'll find loads and loads useful tips and advice to suit you and help you by reading the thread. Best of luck!

BOHtox

October 20th is the day I get them on. All going well I can enjoy Christmas dinner in 2018 with them off

messy tessy

My bottom teeth have moved a lot since my last visit to the orthodontist, which is great but now the newly aligned teeth are clashing off my wisdom tooth. It's not massively painful but at the same time uncomfortable when I eat. Did anyone have a similar problem? My next visit is in two weeks.

rawn

I'm getting married in November, I got braces on a few months ago and they'll be temporarily removed for the wedding. I'm a bit worried about staining on my teeth? Has anyone had any issues with that and were you able to prevent/fix it? I have a cleaning booked before the wedding but beyond that I'm a little stuck as I'm pregnant and can't use anything to chemically brighten my teeth. They're already yellowish...

BOHtox

BOHtox wrote: »

October 20th is the day I get them on. All going well I can enjoy Christmas dinner in 2018 with them off

Got them on yesterday. I was told they'll take around 2 and 1/4 years. I suppose if I'm lucky I'll have them off by Christmas 2018.

Already counting down the days...