Maybe this is something you didn't know about me (or maybe it is, if you watch my vlogs!) but I wear braces. I've had 'problem teeth' since my early teens and when I was 11 I had traditional braces for three whole years! I also had a retainer, head gear, elastics... the works! Back in the day they had horrible retainers that made you gag so I was pretty lazy and didn't wear it every night. I have a naturally small mouth and even after having 5 teeth out there's still not much room in there so my teeth always work their way forward and eventually cross over. They're not that bad but as you'll probably spot when I talk in my videos, the bottom row cross over. Braces these days are much easier so I thought I'd give them one more go.
I used the company Clear Guide which is the one my personal dentist uses and is pretty much exactly the same as the other big Hollywood brand you would have heard of, the only difference is it's more affordable. Everyone's teeth are completely different, so please remember this is what was suitable for me and my teeth, you may need different treatment. I'd advise finding the nearest dentist to you that uses Clear Guide and booking in to have a consultation. So I thought the easiest way to do this was to go through some frequently asked questions and I think I may have to revisit this when I'm done.
What was the process at the beginning of the treatment?
At the first visit to my dentist he took photos of my teeth and impressions (when you bite down on that gummy stuff!). He then sent that off to America where they would be analysed. Two weeks later I was sent (by email) a video of my teeth and the process of how they would move. A month later I was booked in to have my braces fitted, they had arrived from America! To make room for my teeth to move I had to have a couple shaved in between but this was completely painless, I didn't feel a thing. I was then asked if I'd like to return to the dentist monthly or to take all the braces home myself, so I took them all home with me that day. I was given 5 sets of braces, a case and some cleaning tablets.
Do they hurt?
When a new brace is first put in it does feel very tight. I always feel very conscious it is there, but after a few days you get used to it. I try to put a new brace in in the morning so that my teeth have been used to wearing a brace all night. At first I got a few ulcers on the inside of my cheeks, but again, when my mouth got used to them they cleared up. During the first few days of wearing a new brace it may be hard to use an electric toothbrush and eat hard food, but again you get used to it.
Do they affect your speech?
At first I was spitting all over the place and I was talking very slowly and it sounded strange. It took a couple of weeks of getting used. Once comfortable with the brace it's hardly noticeable and people hardly ever notice when I speak.
Do they look weird?
The braces are completely clear, the only thing that I think is slightly noticeable is that they make the teeth a little shiny.
Can you eat/drink with them?
No. This is probably the hardest thing about having braces is that you need to remove them to eat or drink anything unless it's water or sugar-free mints. At first I found it really difficult to remove them discreetly without saliva going everywhere. It takes a bit of practise but removing them and quickly covering your mouth with your hand works a treat! I always keep my case with me and never risk using a tissue out of fear of braces in the bin. My dentist asked for me to brush my teeth after every meal before putting the braces back in, but this is another thing I struggle with. I am out and about a lot and brushing my teeth is not always an option. I do always try to make sure my teeth are clean though, before putting the braces back in.
How do you keep them clean?
It's hard. I do have cleaning tablets that you put in a glass of water to soak the braces in, but I only use those on a weekly basis. I also use my toothbrush to give them a good clean daily, but let's just say... morning breath? With braces? Rough.
How long do you have them for?
It's different depending on your teeth but I was given 5 sets of braces originally and last week I went back to my dentist and was fitted for further braces. I'm not sure yet how many will be sent back but the overall process shouldn't take longer than a year. I'm pretty laid back about it as I don't feel rushed, they don't affect my life that much. I was told that you know when to change to the next brace when it stops feeling tight and get's a little too comfortable. It's never shorter than 2 weeks or much longer than 4. I'm on my fifth brace now and put my first one in in May (although things slowed down during Summer holidays when I was eating and drinking a lot!). The more you wear them, the quicker the treatment goes.
How much does it cost?
Again, this depends on your dentists' fees and how much work your teeth need. It's best to find your local Clear Guide dentist and let them examine your teeth. They will be able to tell you how much work you'll need. The braces usually cost somewhere between £1500 -£3000.
So that's that for now. If you have any more questions, comment on this post and I'll save them for my next post which will be nearer the end of my treatment.
* The Clear Guide treatment was given to me at a discount in exchange for coverage.
