I went to a cosmetic dentist fully expecting to be referred to an
orthodontist for regular braces. I had first looked into braces and lingual braces, the
kind that go on the back of your teeth, and was not looking forward to wearing braces for
the next couple of years. I'm in my forties and think there's still a stigma attached to
adults with braces. My cosmetic dentist explained that my options were more than regular
braces. Veneers in my case were out of budget considering how many teeth were affected,
and bonding doesn't last as long as I'd like. Invisalign, those clear molds, would be
great except it was felt I'd be wearing them for quite some time.
I was lucky that my doctor had already performed several accelerated orthodontic
procedures and had a well trained team for this purpose. Somehow I thought that since it
took less time than regular braces it would cost less. It doesn't, but the result is the
same so I guess that's fair. I decided to go with it, figuring I could endure a few months
instead of years with braces.
I didn't mind the part where they make some of your teeth narrower, that was less to go
through than having a cavity filled and meant no extractions. The periodontal work was
more uncomfortable. Not the surgery, but the healing up afterward. It took a few days of
Advil and then it felt fine. While you obviously can't see your teeth actually moving, you
sure can tell they are week by week.
I couldn't believe that after six and a half months everything was straight and perfect
looking! I now wear a retainer (invisible type) just once a week when I sleep, and at some
point it may only be once a month. This keeps the teeth from moving out of position.
I think for adults that are as impatient as I am, this is a great way to correct your
smile.
Michelle
Next: Discuss accelerated
orthodontics
- Introduction to
accelerated orthodontics section
- Accelerated orthodontics - an overview
- When is accelerated orthodontics a possible solution?
- Procedure description: Accelerated orthodontics
- How much does accelerated orthodontics cost?
- Pros and cons of accelerated orthodontics
- Before and after photos - accelerated orthodontics
- Personal stories from people who have had accelerated orthodontics
- Discuss accelerated orthodontics on the cosmetic dentistry
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