I made 3 consultation appointments. The first one was to see if I was a candidate for veneers. My dentist took molds and xrays of my mouth and later informed me that I was not a good candidate. My teeth had too much of an overlap and even with slenderizing of my teeth, they would look too thin and out of proportion. I was hoping on a quick fix, but have recently learned that when it comes to your teeth, you should keep your originals as long as you can.
The next appointment I had was with an orthodontist that my dentist referred me to. After a brief appointment of the ortho measuring my teeth and taking notes, he informed me that I would need corrective jaw surgery to correct my bite and begin straightening my teeth. He informed me that the jaw surgery would affect my profile and also consisted of a downtime of at least 6 months for recovery. Well, at my age with 3 kids and working, a 6 month downtime is almost impossible, and I told my ortho this as well. His second recommendation was to have 4 teeth extracted (two on the top and two on the bottom) and wear braces on my upper and lower teeth for a period of 2-3 years. I figured this was probably my only option. I was upset that I had to lose 4 great teeth to improve my teeth, but I was willing to do this because I wanted my smile straight once and for all. He gave me a quote of $6000 and sent me on my way with a records appointment in 2 months, (a record appointment is where they take molds, xrays, wax imprinting and profile pictures of your mouth).
I was stressing about having 4 teeth removed and anxious that it was going to take another 3-4 months before the braces were even in my mouth. I wanted them on soon so I could get them off even sooner. After discussing with my boyfriend about my concerns, he told me to go and get another opinion. So I called around and found an orthodontist I felt comfortable with and made an appointment and saw the ortho a week later.
I figured I already knew the outcome of what this ortho was going to say, but figured I would humor my boyfriend and go. After all he is paying for my braces and he also is paying for my consult. The ortho preformed a more thorough examination and then asked me what the previous ortho had said. I told him about wanting veneers and then what I was told from the previous ortho. He asked me how I currently felt about my bite. I told him that I have had the same bite for so many years that this is the only bite I know. He asked if I wanted braces on both my uppers and my lowers, and I told him, I would prefer just uppers because my lowers are not so bad and I can live with them. He then informed me that if I was happy with my bite and ok with my bottom teeth, that he could preform a different procedure where he attaches brackets to my upper teeth only and cosmetically corrects the appearance of my teeth. He also told me that my lower teeth could be corrected with some slight slenderizing and use of a retainer. I must admit that when I heard this I was pleased. I was so ready to have my teeth pulled and a full mouth of braces put on.
My next question I needed to know was how long would I have to wear them for. He informed me that he could not guarantee 9 months but I could have my teeth corrected between 9 and 14 months. I almost jumped out of his chair and hugged him. I was surprised and impressed that I could have the smile I have only dreamed about in such a short time. I sat in his consult room a short time later to get a breakdown of the costs and was pleasantly surprised when he came back with a price of $2150. What a huge difference then what I had previously been quoted. I made an appointment for a week later to have my records done, and headed home with a bounce in my step and a smile on my face.
Two weeks after my records appointment, I have my braces on. My ortho has placed brackets on only my 6 front teeth for now. When his assistant put them on and I closed my mouth for the first time, the brackets felt as if a million wires were poking the inside of my lip. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling. Of course they have told me in a week I will not feel them at all. They also told me that I will have some slight discomfort for a week or two and to stick to a soft diet. I have made an appointment for 7 weeks from now. My ortho told me that my teeth will almost be in position by then, so I am excited to see the changes in the next few weeks.
I am going away at the end of June for a week with my family (somewhere tropical). I am sure the appearance of my braces will make me feel uncomfortable, but I will get through it. I am only concerned about what I will be able to eat while away.
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