Hi,
I would like to share my experience with u pple. I had my braces done at Govt hospital at e age of 18. 3 uneven on e upper, perfect on the lower. I had 4 teeth extracted, divided into 2 sessions. Extraction was needed on e lower as well so that both e upper n lower can align well in order to bite and rest comfortably.
Didn't join e waiting queue cos wanted to get it done ASAP, of cos paying slightly more. My comment abt Govt hospital is that making appointment is a real hassle. The phone line is always busy. Need to make appt abt 1.5 to 2 mths in advance. In addition, have to wait abt 1 to 2 hrs for my turn even though appt time has long been fixed and in case when I cancel e appt, mainly due to e various term test as I was in poly then, will have to reschedule and this would mean a 3-4 mths break in between. Ended up, it took me 2 years to get my teeth done though mine was not in that bad shape initially.
Another friend of mine got hers done at private practice. Her situation was quite bad but she was able to schedule herself for tightening every mth and thus she had her braces removed within 1.5 years. Another friend got hers done in 16 mths.
Kitty,
The 1st few days is quite bad as e braces tend to 'cut' my flesh. The opto gave me wax strip to wax the braces so that it is not so abrasive. No problem with talking at all. Can even study as normal. MC is only given for extraction, not for any others.
Need to be on liquid food for abt 2 wks during e initial stage. (I lost 2kg within 2 wks)Subsequently when u go back for the tighening, will only feel discomfort for the 1st and 2nd days.