I guess this might fall under the category of “How To”…decide what kind of braces you need. I wore the (horrible for me) metal braces on my teeth as a child and again as a freshman in college. I hated every minute. The Orthodontist had promised me that it would only take one year. At the end of that year as a college freshman, he told me that it would take longer but that he needed to remove them to have my teeth cleaned. I was furious with him for that. As I sat in the dental chair, I thought, Buddy, if you take these braces off, you will never see me again. So, that was that for the metal torture chamber on my teeth. Fast forward about 60 years! I had read a lot about the new clear aligners and even talked to my favorite dentist of all time who also happens to be my nephew, about them. I finally decided to get them. The picture they showed me of what my teeth would look like in only nine months was awesome. I was “sold.” I did everything I was supposed to do for the nine months, which was not fun, only to be told I needed to wear them longer. Deja vu. I was not happy. (Understatement). So, I refused to wear them longer. I, also, refused to get the retainers at a cost of $500.00 more. So, what is my advice to anyone out there contemplating braces for their teeth. Ask around to find the absolute most experienced dentist (preferably an Orthodontist) to tell you what they recommend. The cost of the metal vs. the clear aligners is about the same around here but do not know about your area. According to my dentist friend, the way the metal vs. non-metal braces work is different. So, spend the extra money, if necessary, to get an assessment before you decide. Trust me. I wish I had had sense enough to do that. I mean, I wish I had had this done by a very experienced dentist or orthodontist. The people (dentist) that did mine were very nice but just somewhat inexperienced.

Now, on the plus side of the clear aligners. I should have agreed to wear them longer than the originally prescribed nine months. I had already been warned by my dentist friend and nephew that some teeth are harder to move around than others. I, also, could have used the last set of braces as retainers. But I refused to do that, too. My teeth are not really that malaligned and remember, I am 84 yrs. old. I just simply am at an age that I try very hard to keep my teeth in good shape with good dental care to the point that I just don’t need further aggravation.

I hope I have helped someone out there. If so, would love to hear from you.