34-yr Old, Finally Decided to Get Braces. Kansas City, MO

I have had a gap between my front two teeth my entire life, as well as a significant overbite. I didn't have braces as a kid, and I've always been self conscious about my teeth. I take really fantastic care of them, so they're very white and clean, but no one ever sees them because I hide them all the time. So I had gone to a few consultations in the past for Invisalign and traditional braces, but I could never commit to actually doing it. I wanted something that wasn't super noticeable, since I am 34 I guess I felt a little ashamed. I researched braces online so many times until I discovered Damon clear braces. So I had a consultation for them, and I finally took the plunge and had them put on. February 22nd will be two weeks since I got them. The process of having them put on did not hurt at all, which was very surprising. My orthodontist cautioned me to hurry and eat a big meal since I would be sore later that evening and for the next few days. I did attempt to eat something, but food kept getting caught in my braces, and because I needed a bite plate (not as scary as it sounds--it's simply a hard glue like resin on my back bottom two teeth that helps prevent my front teeth from hitting my bottom brackets because my overbite is so severe), none of my teeth touch except my back two teeth which makes chewing food very interesting. So I didn't eat much on day one. On day two I also didn't eat much, and I decided to go buy a blender to make protein shakes since I figured I'd have a lot of sore days in my future. Now that I am almost two weeks into my treatment, I've gotten much more comfortable with eating regular food. It's really not that bad, just a small adjustment from what I'm used to. It takes longer to chew my food and longer to clean my teeth afterward, but I am so glad that I finally made the decision to fix my teeth. My braces are hardly noticeable, my mouth isn't sore. I do have to wear the small rubber bands for most of the day, but I take them out whenever I eat and then put new ones back in. I'm supposed to change them about three times per day, floss twice a day, and brush three times a day. None of these tasks bother me because I've always kept my teeth very clean anyway, and knowing that I'm working toward a better smile really motivates me. I'll include a few photos of my teeth and braces. Other than the overbite and front gap, my teeth didn't have any issues that needed fixing. There are a few small spaces between my bottom teeth, so I have braces on those as well.

So not a whole lot has changed in the last few days, but for some reason I don't even feel like I'm wearing my braces anymore. I was having a lot of pain in my cheeks on the inside of my mouth because I wasn't using my wax. I don't know why I ever tortured myself that way! I've been using my wax for the past 3 days, and life has been wonderful! I was told not to eat anything sticky, crunchy, or chewy until I go back in April to get a heavier wire put in. Other than that, I can pretty much eat whatever I want. My teeth haven't been sore, and my boyfriend has been extremely supportive. When I tell people that I got braces their first response is "lemme see!!" And then I show them and they're like "omg! You can barely see them!" So that has brought me a lot of comfort. I haven't noticed any movement in my teeth, but it's still very early in my treatment.

So I'm just a few days shy of being one full month into my treatment. I still have yet to see any changes, but it's only been one month so I guess I need to be patient. I've gotten much more comfortable with eating now. I pretty much eat whatever I want; I'm just really careful with it. I still won't really bite into anything unless it's something very soft like a sandwich or something. I've been wearing my rubberbands every single day, all day long, and I only take them out when I eat. I also use the wax all day every day, but I don't even notice that either of them are there. I'm very, very anxious to go to my appointment in April and get a heavier wire and see if the doc notices any improvements in my teeth.

Also wanted to add: as much as I dreaded getting braces and was embarrassed by it, I've become so comfortable talking to my coworkers and friends and family about my braces and my experience. It's actually a huge relief, and I tend to laugh at myself now when I get frustrated with eating.