Metal Mouth Message Board

Elastics seem to be common among those who have bite issues. In my case they are to deal with an overbite and an open bite. But, based on the responses here and other posts on this board, the timing and duration of elastics varies a lot. I had a full year with the braces before the elastics were add...

Thanks for the responses. Yes, I have found, after only 7 days, that the pain has subsided some. I'm not popping advil every three hours and waking up at night with throbbing teeth. I can definitely still feel the pressure on my jaw with the elastics in. I wonder how long it will take to notice some...

That is good to know. I have found that the pain has not been as bad, although I do notice the difference when I change them out for new ones (at least once a day as instructed). I have found today that the rubbing on the inside of my mouth is irritating. I'm also a little self conscious when I smil...

or braces squared. More than double the pain and annoyance. On Friday my orthodontist added a power chain on the top (first time), a power chain on half the bottom (to move my center line) and 3(!) elastics to close my open bite. It's about 13 months since I was braced and apart from the spacers (yo...

Hi diue89- I can relate as well. I have only had braces for a week, but suffered serious pain with spacers for two weeks beforehand. I am still in the 'what have I done' mode as well, but am particularly upset about eating. Today I skipped lunch entirely. As you said, all the joy in eating is gone. ...

Wow! Again, thanks so much for the words of encouragement. It really is helpful to have other people tell you not to give up. I have, with your help, stepped back from the ledge and am ready to press on. Perhaps I will make through the first week! I'm still annoyed to no end with the little cuts and...

Thank you all for the words of encouragement -- and for being tough on me as well. I know you are right, although I'm not sure I'm ready to not give up. I made it through my first day of work and it was hard. Talking during meetings was difficult - it's hard to work around all this metal and the lit...

Hi everyone, I just had traditional metal braces placed on both my upper and lower teeth on Friday and it has been complete discomfort since then. I wonder if anyone else has ever felt they could not make it past the first week. I am seriously considering having the braces removed and have already m...