Metal Mouth Message Board

I have had braces only a few weeks and I've noticed I smile a lot more often now (mostly because my teeth always feel so CLEAN!!!) .... and with that I'm sure I appear more approachable and self confident. Also, I am using my time in braces as an opportunity to "work on me" so I'm sure thi...

I had my teeth cleaned just before getting braces but it was a regular appt for me; not a special cleaning. Also, as far as hygiene after getting braced, I have become far more meticulous than ever before (and I was fairly meticulous before braces). Now I've become dental product junkie. And althoug...

In case you haven't already tried it, start doing warm salt water rinses daily -- they really worked for me.

I will be braced 2 weeks on Monday and, like Theresa48, I noticed movement w/in a few days. I had one tooth on my lower that was slightly crooked and now it is back in alignment w/ the rest of my lowers and this happened w/in a few days! Although it was pretty exciting to see it did freak me out a b...

I don't have a recommendation but I just want to wish you the best with your ortho treatment. Hang in there.

Hang in there! You are almost there!

Thanks Ladies!! Vitamix it is! Do you recommend I buy directly from the website or another source? I'll do a bit of research as well while I wait for your answers. On another topic, what's interesting about getting braces at this stage in life is I am suddenly taking everything I do more seriously. ...

Thanks for your reply! Is the VitaMax good for veggies? I love fruit juice as well but my main reason for wanting to get a juicer is to make fresh veggie drinks (mixed w/ little fruit). Thanks again for your recommendation.

I brush using very light pressure, and my flossing is done well... but my main concern/question is what angle I should hold my toothbrush (for both manual and electric)??? I have always used a circular motion at a 45 degree angle brushing away from my gumline but I've seen online instructional video...

Thanks for the reply! I have been wanting to get a juicer for a long time so this isn't an investment for braces only... the braces have just given me an opportunity (or an excuse) to seriously look into it.

I suffer from receeding gum issues so I want to make sure I am brushing properly. Is it best to brush in a circular motion at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline, or at a 45 degree angle away from the gumline? I use a child's toothbrush for my morning brushing and after meals, and at night I use my...

My braces have been on for exactly one week and while I have been adapting well to my new journey I have been unable to eat vegetables and I miss it! I can give up a lot of things but I can't give up veggies even for a few days so I've decided to invest in a good juicer. Because they are so expensiv...

It's so interesting this came up b/c my girlfriend who had braces when she was a teen told me just this past Friday that her ortho also taught her how to swallow properly. I had never heard of this until now. My ortho hasn't mentioned to me but I will start practicing since my main reason for having...

I just had braces put on this past Monday and once the molar bands are in position you don't really notice them until you chew, but you will no longer have that constant feeling of something stuck between your teeth like with spacers. Just make sure before you leave the ortho's office that the hooks...

Thanks everyone for your replies! Reading your feedback is a huge relief. I will brush only in the AM; use an interdental tool and brush mid day; and thoroughly brush and floss at night. And will rinse thoroughly after all meals/beverages. I've purchased a waterpik but am afraid to use it b/c of my ...