Adult Braces Experience

funkey_monkey

Quick question, my braces do not extend back to the last teeth in the arch. Therefore there is a bit of a step outwards from the braced teeth to the last tooth. Is anything done to bring it into alignment? Although no one will see it, it looks odd and is slightly annoying me visually.

Also, I need to get my lateral incisors shaved as there is a gap between it and the central incisor. Now that I've the elastics in the it is rotating one of my central incisors transversely. Will shaving the lateral incisor resolve this and what does shaving the incisor involve? Is it a painful process?

jimmer123

I don't have a bracket on my back molars either and there is a difference in position but I don't mind.

Cant answer your last question I'm afraid.

applesock

Feel like my teeth are nearly clicking today, must to moving. Looking really straight which makes the process worth it,would love to be getting them off , but from what i can gather from dentist need more time fix my bite. Ive had them over 2yrs now, i daydream about getting them off & then think will i look weird without them

funkey_monkey

Getting close to completion apparently. Still not 100% happy with upper arch, to me there is still too much prominence from central incisors - it is 4mm at the minute and othro says they aim for between 2mm to 4mm. Got two teeth shaved as well.

I might stick up a photo of the progress for independant advice when I get them cleaned next week.

Duberlin Chick

Ate mustard like an eejit and now power chain is luminous Yellow. Rookie
Error

dublingirl83

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Quick question, my braces do not extend back to the last teeth in the arch. Therefore there is a bit of a step outwards from the braced teeth to the last tooth. Is anything done to bring it into alignment? Although no one will see it, it looks odd and is slightly annoying me visually.

Also, I need to get my lateral incisors shaved as there is a gap between it and the central incisor. Now that I've the elastics in the it is rotating one of my central incisors transversely. Will shaving the lateral incisor resolve this and what does shaving the incisor involve? Is it a painful process?

Hi funkey_monkey

My braces didn't go as far as my back teeth either. It didn't cause me much problems initially apart from the visual aspect which people couldn't see.
But as teeth moved move food then began to get caught there all the time.

I went back to my ortho who extended my braces all the way to my back teeth ( on bottom only)
He said some people do need there braces on back teeth but not very common.
If it causing you issues I would definitely ask for them to be extended. It made a huge difference to mine.

Should be getting mine off in May (fingers crossed)

dublingirl83

dowhatyoulove wrote: »

Just got powerchains in and brackets. No notion if this means I am further along in the process. Glad though as the gaps where I got teeth taken out were very annoying! Had them in since April last year..

Power chains are usually a sign things are moving on. I've had the chains on and off a couple of times. Think they are for helping little gaps in teeth close.
They really do work but can make teeth a little harder to access to clean.
Ps) try avoid curry sauce, stains chains something terrible

archie84

I have had my braces on 8 months now and im 29. My braces do not go to my back teeth. He said if he did this there was alot of risk of creating a gap between my front teeth. This may be rhe reason for you guys also!!

applesock

I've had the powerchains on my teeth since the end of January. I didn't realise googled after seeing it mentioned on this forum. A lot reckon they are put on towards the end of treatment! 😄 I'm hoping this is true. What's everyone else's experience with them? Mine are not very noticeable at all.

funkey_monkey

dublingirl83 wrote: »

Hi funkey_monkey

My braces didn't go as far as my back teeth either. It didn't cause me much problems initially apart from the visual aspect which people couldn't see.
But as teeth moved move food then began to get caught there all the time.

I went back to my ortho who extended my braces all the way to my back teeth ( on bottom only)
He said some people do need there braces on back teeth but not very common.
If it causing you issues I would definitely ask for them to be extended. It made a huge difference to mine.

Should be getting mine off in May (fingers crossed)

There is no issues with food debris, just the visual step outwards as the arch goes backwards. However, the ortho did say that my bite was good as is and he didn't want to risk anything for this reason.

dowhatyoulove

dublingirl83 wrote: »

Power chains are usually a sign things are moving on. I've had the chains on and off a couple of times. Think they are for helping little gaps in teeth close.
They really do work but can make teeth a little harder to access to clean.
Ps) try avoid curry sauce, stains chains something terrible

I hope things are moving on! I only have two gaps on the top arch and one is nearly closed so the other side just has to get a move on. Teeth are very tender with them on, moreso than the start of treatment!

LOL about the curry stains, it wasn't until I ate a curry and brushed my teeth after that I seen the stains! Nearly gone though! Got different size intradental brushes and they seem to do the job. Flossing is mega difficult though!

funkey_monkey

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Getting close to completion apparently. Still not 100% happy with upper arch, to me there is still too much prominence from central incisors - it is 4mm at the minute and othro says they aim for between 2mm to 4mm. Got two teeth shaved as well.

I might stick up a photo of the progress for independant advice when I get them cleaned next week.

For a short time only. I'm not 100% happy with where they are currently. The twist on the central incisor is very noticable in these photos. Plus I think the overjet is still too much. I would also prefer a broader arch - I think they are too narrow still. Am I being realistic in my expectations here? Braces have been in for just over 5 months.

My short upper lip is not helping matters either



For reference this is what they were like prior:

Keano

Mine are coming off Thursday week

funkey_monkey

Does anyone think there should be much improvement expected in my photos above? I was told only one more adjustment needed, but when I look at those images I'm very disappointed in the outcome so far - especially as a twist on the incisor has been introduced as well.

Keano

How do they feel at the back?

funkey_monkey

Keano A Legend wrote: »

How do they feel at the back?

Not sure what you mean here? If you mean alignment between the upper and lower arches then it is okay.

Keano

When you slide your tongue along the back do they feel flush?

I'm getting started on Friday week (the 21st).

I'm getting the top brace fitted first because if I were to get the bottom one at the same time I'd be unable to bite fully. Also, I've a blocked tooth on the bottom that would need to be freed first. Treatment time was estimated to be 20-24 months. I'm looking forward to the end result but I'm terrified of having them on, especially having to keep them clean.

LottieP25

funkey_monkey wrote: »

For a short time only. I'm not 100% happy with where they are currently. The twist on the central incisor is very noticable in these photos. Plus I think the overjet is still too much. I would also prefer a broader arch - I think they are too narrow still. Am I being realistic in my expectations here? Braces have been in for just over 5 months.

My short upper lip is not helping matters either



For reference this is what they were like prior:

Is he going to align the gums at all for you ?

funkey_monkey

LottieP25 wrote: »

Is he going to align the gums at all for you ?

Are you talking about laser gum re-shaping? I did mention this to my dentist when I realised that braces alone would not solve my problem smile.

She was concerned about reshaping causing excessive visible tooth length - so-called horse teeth.

In regards to the ortho do this - I'm not sure, I don't think so as it was not mentioned. I would have recollected if he had done this, as a gummy smile is a big issue for me.

I've read that apart from the risk of 'horse teeth', the gums can grow back or require veneers in order to stop their advance.

LottieP25

No just aligning the gums at end of ortho treatment is pretty standard afaik, your laterals could be aligned . Not going as far as laser realignment or crown lengthening, just changing your brackets and moving the gum line.

I dunno if It can be done to everyone , I'm not an expert , but I'm getting mine done at the moment as part of my ortho , i notice the difference.

I dunno six months smiles is a very short time period to get everything perfect.

FairytaleGirl

Hi all!
Have an assessment on 25th for eligibility RE adult braces on the NHS.

Just have a quick q, I'm scheduled to have a post crown done the day before the appointment, will this be ok? (at present my tooth is broke away up to the gumline - two back from incisior) should I go ahead and get this done? Just thinking I could probably use the gap if I do get approved for the braces, and the post crown is gonna cost around £150.

Otherwise, I hope I get approved and get to join this thread soon!

Keano

And I'm done!

Will post up pics tomorrow |:D

I'm getting mine fitted tomorrow. Quite nervous about it.

Keano

Best of luck Karsini, it's the best decision/money I have ever spent.

Yeah it's hurting a bit alright. My gums feel quite raw, if I as much as touch a toothbrush off them it hurts. Apparently this is normal for the first few days, though.

My biggest fear, as I've said before, is having to clean and look after them. I always brushed my teeth regularly so that's not a problem. My problem is flossing. My teeth are badly overcrowded and I have trouble getting the floss in there. I can do it with some of my teeth but not others.

funkey_monkey

LottieP25 wrote: »

No just aligning the gums at end of ortho treatment is pretty standard afaik, your laterals could be aligned . Not going as far as laser realignment or crown lengthening, just changing your brackets and moving the gum line.

I dunno if It can be done to everyone , I'm not an expert , but I'm getting mine done at the moment as part of my ortho , i notice the difference.

I dunno six months smiles is a very short time period to get everything perfect.

I'll see what he says when I go back. Part of my problem is a short upper lip. I'm not sure what if any treatment there is for this.

Does anyone know of treatmtent?

applesock

Karsini wrote: »

Yeah it's hurting a bit alright. My gums feel quite raw, if I as much as touch a toothbrush off them it hurts. Apparently this is normal for the first few days, though.

My biggest fear, as I've said before, is having to clean and look after them. I always brushed my teeth regularly so that's not a problem. My problem is flossing. My teeth are badly overcrowded and I have trouble getting the floss in there. I can do it with some of my teeth but not others.

I find that happens to me sometimes after i get mine tightened , that even a tooth brush will hurt,but you'll manage dont worry.
As for the flossing and overcrowding, would you consider maybe getting a Waterpik flosser? I use floss on the teeth i can get at properly and then i use the waterpik on my whole mouth.

applesock

applesock wrote: »

As for the flossing and overcrowding, would you consider maybe getting a Waterpik flosser? I use floss on the teeth i can get at properly and then i use the waterpik on my whole mouth.

I never knew about this! Thanks.

Buyer12

Hi all I am new to this as well. Got my braces on today and whilst they are not sore it's very uncomfortable in my mouth :-( I know the soreness is to come so have read this full thread for encouragement and tips! How are yours feeling one Karsini?

My gums have improved a lot but I'm finding it a bit painful to eat stuff, especially with my front teeth. I'm also a bit afraid of them, afraid of breaking them while eating, so that's affecting me too.

The whole experience has felt very strange; I can actually feel the teeth loosening up already.

TheDoctor

Big rumours I could be getting mine off next month!!!

Buyer12

Yea I have only swallowed soft food no ...chewing here yet!!! Me bite isn't meeting properly so she had to put "cement" onto tooth so I wouldnt bite my brace and it feels like a bad filling so I have chewed properly yet :-( I can't believe it's only day 2 for me time is crawling and 2years seems daunting....hoping I have made the right decision. On the positive side snacking in between my "meals" is not even worth it cause of cleaning etc so expecting to shed some pounds!
The doctor that's great to be nearly finished congrats..

Lovbnmoma

Hey Guys, Have my braces on a year now! That year went so so quick so dont worry about time dragging, it feels like that at the start and it takes a while to adjust to them in your mouth but after a while you wont be as conscious of them! I have ceramic on my top and metal on bottom, ortho isnt happy with the movement on my top teeth so Im getting the metal on top ones in July for three months and hopefully that will be it then! Im kinda dreading the metal ones though. I got elastics on them last weekend, have to wear them all the time bar when Im eating and I hate them, I think they are so ugly! Anyone else with the elastics? Whats the reason for them does anyone know?

jimmer123

http://www.archwired.com/Elastics1.htm explanation here on elastics.

I had elastics on for a good few months and didnt find them that annoying but I was alot more conscious opening my mouth when I had them in. They are ugly

Lovbnmoma

Yeah they arent actually uncomfortable as such but definitely more conscious when opening my mouth! Thanks for the link!

LottieP25

I have metal topand bottom with a year, elastics with a while now, you don't notice mine though , well at least I don't think you do.

Really conscious about my front tooth at the moment, he moved it up to even the gum line so one central is about 2mm shorter than the other, it looks stupid.

Priced getting a temp filling added to the end of it but cheapest is about 110 euro, and I just can't justify paying that much for something that will be coming out when the braces come off anyways.

Getting fed up of them now I must say, can't wait to get them off!

Ooonie

Well I'm officially one month into my braces. Some bad post-extraction complications meant that my orthodontist couldn't do my first tightening yesterday. He tried to tighten them up but had to stop I was in so much pain.

I had 4 teeth out 6 weeks ago and got dry socket in every single one so my poor mouth is in desperate shape at the minute. Healing is very slow.

The ortho just changed the wire for me yesterday but even today the pain is quite bad.

Please tell me that the tightenings aren't that bad. I've had rotten luck since I started down this path and am genuinely looking forward to things going back to normal.

LottieP25

Aww you poor thing, dry sockets are awful.

I don't even notice the thightenings if I'm honest, only time I ever had pain was when I got them on for the first time . Then again maybe I'm just very lucky

Buyer12

I need 4 teeth out as well 2top and 2 bottom so getting bottom out first on different days , my dentist won't do them on same day. I have never had a tooth pulled.....I am not even going to google dry sockets but do feel sorry for ya :-(. Can't help anyone with any questions as I am only 4days in!.
I also am having screws in top gums to pull front line back he said that would be in about 4 months... Anyone had these in? I did ask if there was a nicer name for them! Implants seems to be the best going! I really need to stop thinking of all the stuff and take one day at a time cause I really freak and think I must be mad for starting this! Continued good luck to everyone :-)

Ooonie

Buyer12 wrote: »

I need 4 teeth out as well 2top and 2 bottom so getting bottom out first on different days , my dentist won't do them on same day. I have never had a tooth pulled.....I am not even going to google dry sockets but do feel sorry for ya :-(. Can't help anyone with any questions as I am only 4days in!.
I also am having screws in top gums to pull front line back he said that would be in about 4 months... Anyone had these in? I did ask if there was a nicer name for them! Implants seems to be the best going! I really need to stop thinking of all the stuff and take one day at a time cause I really freak and think I must be mad for starting this! Continued good luck to everyone :-)

I think one day at a time is a good mentality to have, definitely! I sometimes find myself thinking about the length of time I have to wear them and it just feels daunting. So much better to forget about it and just plod along and take each day as it comes.

Dry socket is absolutely awful. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like your entire face is melting off. I'm through the worst of it now thankfully but it's just slowed the healing down so much. It's taking twice as long!

applesock

My next appointment on Monday! I'm hoping to get an end date if him.... I've had mine on 2yrs 2months. The end has to be in sight. I read that power chains are put on towards the end of treatment I've them at the moment. Any one else have power chains?i have various other problems with my teeth /bite that could lead to a longer treatment.i day dream about being able to eat chewing gum again.

LottieP25

I still have chewing gum... Just very carefully. !

jimmer123

applesock my experience with power chains is not from the end of treatment. I got mine on halfway through treatment and still have them on. Ive had my braces on for a year now and was given a provisional date of 18 months of treatment.

applesock

jimmer123 wrote: »

applesock my experience with power chains is not from the end of treatment. I got mine on halfway through treatment and still have them on. Ive had my braces on for a year now and was given a provisional date of 18 months of treatment.

Thanks for the reply. I have read they put them on towards the end of treatment was just hopeful, ah sure not to worry. Had my appointment today, I'm looking at another couple months anyway. Ah well. Im abit fed up with braces today.

jokettle

6 months in to treatment today, and the ortho is pleasantly surprised at how quickly things are moving along. Hopefully the 15 month deadline might be met! That would mean getting them off at Christmas

Orthodontist also confirmed that I won't need any teeth extracted. I'm so relieved!

I've only had my braces on for a week and a half but I'm already noticing some differences. Before this, if I bit down fully I could only touch my back teeth on one side at a time, but now I'm able to touch both sides. I didn't think I'd notice something so quickly!

funkey_monkey

I've not noticed much movement since my last appt. Still not happy with the prominance of the central incisors and overjet so I want to continue with the treatment.

We'll see what happens - appt is next week.

dowhatyoulove

My last appointment I got an A* at brushing and was told that my bottom teeth are nearly done and my uppers are coming along quite well.. Here's hoping that means I will get them off before the 2 year mark!!

Buyer12

dowhatyoulove wrote: »

My last appointment I got an A* at brushing and was told that my bottom teeth are nearly done and my uppers are coming along quite well.. Here's hoping that means I will get them off before the 2 year mark!!

That's great to be nearly finished. Well done.
I am just over a week in, had first of four teeth out on the, wasn't to bad actually cause I was dreading it as never had a tooth out! Another one to come out next week and then back to get my bottom brackets wired:D