Metal Mouth Message Board

Mine are called "Moose" elastics - and I want to DIE wearing them... I don't know how you are doing it (in retail, Attagirl...) - I work in sales as well, and can't feel confident going to meetings, on the phone, etc. with them on. I have to wear one on each side - in a triangle-type confi...

I have to say that the build-up and anxiety before getting braced is SO MUCH worse than actually having them. I was freaking out the month or so before I got them on, researching pictures online, practicing smiling with my mouth closed, and just about could not stomach anything since I was so anxiou...

This was the WORST! The day of getting them on, I didn't even show my Grandmother when she said: "Let me see!" I shook my head, and that was that....I just didn't want to make a big deal of them, so when others wanted me to show them off, I just felt even worse about them. I am getting bet...

Anyone have glued together teeth right after being braced? I got mine on just under a week ago, and just tried to floss for the first time a few days ago. I found that many of my teeth on the bottom were glued together! I have Damon 3's on top and bottom, and it took FOREVER to break the seal betwee...

2XRound: I feel terrible and so sad that you came home tonight after going out because you *felt* that everyone was staring at you! They may not have been--you are just ULTRA-SENSATIVE to your new braces...I know how that feels, I am too. But, let me pass on some wisdom: YOU NEED TO HAVE A PMA = a P...

I had top and bottom put on 5 days ago---and they put composit (bonding material piled up) on the top of my back lower molars so I couldn't close my mouth at all--and could not even get my lips closed! I begged the ortho to take them down, and he did a bit. So I can close my lips now--but not normal...

Yesterday was my first day back to work since being braced ( I got top and bottoms on Oct. 31st and took a couple sick days to get "used to it") I was REALLY nervous. I work on a college campus, and although I am 23 (a recent grad of the school), I didn't want to come off as "young-lo...

Thanks so much hannah164 and kikikaren ! I am on to day 2 already. A few cuts in the front and back of my mouth...but the warm salt water rinses REALLY do help! I might be doing those all day! I know it will get better. It just takes some time to get used to.... Thanks again! You all are so wonderfu...

Hi Melli! You and I are "brace buddies" according to others on this board. Both with Damon 3's on top and botton on the same day! I have all metal, no ceramic, and as you know, also I am a 23 year old female worried that others will assume I am 17 as well. Overall, today it feels like the ...

I agree! With all of the advances in modern medicine, why is the front of my inner lower lip torn to shreds? It makes no sense to me either....

I am told that my lips need to "toughen up" but you are right Barbiedoll, they shouldn't have to!

Well, I got them on today! Damon 3's full top and bottom. No pain at all...a bit sore, but that is it. Now I just have to live with them. I think that is the most difficult and painful thing for me to deal with at this point. I am feeling a bit down, I have to say. I just cannot imagine living with ...

Dr. J, I am curious about your answer. Like Paul, I have very straight teeth, but I am getting braces due to poor occlusion, an inconsistent bite and a possible Class 3 jaw alignment emerging. I also suffer from chronic morning headaches and TMJ. My front teeth do not touch (there is a large gap) an...

I am getting damon's October 31st on top and bottom. My biggest issue about getting braces is how they will look--all metal. My ortho says that they are 50% clear...but I am not so sure about that. The pictures I have seen don't seem to be 50% less visible that traditional metal. Also, he says it wi...

It is so wonderful to hear about your experience and thoughts, objectinspace! When you said: All that stress disappeared once I saw them for the first time in the mirror. They don't look nearly as bad as I had thought, I still look like me, and conquering this fear made it all worth while. It hit me...

Wow--you all are so incredible! I got home from work today to find this plethora of responses (when I wasn't sure I would get any) and I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined this message board! It is wonderful to find a community as supportive and caring as you all. Great suggestions--I will be...