Metal Mouth Message Board

I got a pendulum, not a TPA - but I can tell you this is par for the course, and it sucks. Ortho said "Minor discomfort" and "it takes some getting used to". He did not explain I'd have to re-learn how to swallow, would not be able to eat for weeks, would have an indent on my ton...

That sounds like a lot of work for one week! Hopefully it won't be necessary!!!

I read my post and realized I said "7 months" when in fact my ticker says it's been 4!

Dear God, it's only been 4. *grumbles*

Anyone that's had these appliances can feel your pain. We've all gone through it. I definitely went in to my ortho and said "Take these damn things off or I'll show you some slight discomfort". While he played with the springs, it really didn't help. I was not amused. I've gone through can...

While on travel I woke up with a cut on my lower lip. Wax on one of my brackets had fallen off and the sharp metal on the bracket impaled me. (Okay, it wasn't THAT bad, but OMG it hurt, and eating was impossible!!) I walked around with a fat lip and without eating, for days, and co-workers quickly l...

I just got my pendulum in and my tongue is in pieces from it. I won't pretend it's a TPA, but here's what I've done! Motrin and orajel (be careful not to overdose). Cold water helps the tongue too, but I won't lie - it's not pretty. Eat....soup, with crackers. I also would take an english muffin and...

For purposes of care, pain management, speaking difficulties, etc., can anyone tell me the difference between the helix, pendulum, rapid palate expander, and the others? There's not a lot about pendulums out there (especially recently) and I'm not sure if what people are saying for some of their exp...

Congrats and welcome! Good luck in your journey through this interesting time!

I've broken two brackets and between ortho being out of town and working on specific teeth, they are waiting about 2 and a half months before replacing both of them (brackets were bottom teeth, either side). I guess it depends on your actual treatment as to how imperative it is. Where I live, if an ...

I drink sugar free rockstars out of a straw. Every few sips I swish a bit with water. My ortho wants me to only have one carbonated beverage a week and I explained that just wasn't going to cut it - so he explained that the water would help. It's the best compromise really - so far, no issues. But I...

I think this is more common than some people seem to think, and while bite turbos CAN be the answer, they are not always the best. I'm hitting brackets ( see this post ). I told my ortho and they asked if I wanted turbos (my technician who also has braces recommended against it) and I said NO! I hav...

Got braced May 26th. Was (and still am) unable to chew properly, but that's a whole 'nother story ! July 13th went in for spacers. Had almost ZERO problems with them! How awesome is that?! July 20th went in for a mold of my top teeth. Easily the most intense and horrible dental experience I've ever ...

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input! I got spacers today - but since Brace Day (May 26th 2010) I've broken two brackets trying to chew. So it's back to soft foods until my bite adjusts, and learning not to care what people think - because taking care of my braces and my bite are why I am i...

I have insurance as a federal civil servant. It covered $0.

Hopeflly there won't be a next time but if there is kick your husband (gently) and demand sympathy!

And definitely warm salt water rinses!!