Metal Mouth Message Board

I had 4 premolars removed for overcrowing and bimax protrusion. The extractions were my least favourite part of my treatment so far, but the procedure itself is over really quickly and the wounds heal surprisingly fast. It was only the first 2 days after extractions that I was super cautious as I wa...

As above, get a Waterpik! Worth every penny.

It's always worth it for curry. I usually wait until my last few days before adjustments but this time I just didn't care and had curry after about a week. Yeah, I have yellow ligatures, but they're only noticable close up. And now they're already stained, I don't have to worry about what I eat for ...

I had to pay an extra GB£500 to get clear brackets, so $800 seems reasonable. I think it was worth paying the extra.

I've never had much success with wax, it just gets warm and slides off. When I have pokey wires I cut a piece of cotton wool pad (the kind I usually use to remove make-up etc.) and place it between the brackets and my gums. It stays in place over night and gives my gums a bit of relief and healing t...

Congratulations! It's been a long sentence for you so you deserve that party! Your teeth look great, enjoy your new smile

My estimate was 18-24 months. I'm coming up to the six month mark and my ortho is pleased with my progress so far and has just fitted a square archwire and powerchain, so at present we're looking being finished in good time, hopefully nearer the 18 month mark.

Waterpik for sure! I am so glad I bought one as it has made keeping braces clean so much easier. Regarding food, for the first few days you'll probably need to stick to a soft diet. I recall having protein shakes, mashed potatoes, macaroni cheese, yoghurts, smoothies, scrambled eggs, etc. The pain w...

As others have said, it gets better so stick with it. I've now been braced for nearly 6 months and that time has flown by. After the first 5 days the pain had subsided considerably and I could eat fairly easily. After a few weeks you'll start to see changes in your teeth and will remember why you're...

Welcome!

Looks like great progress having only been fully braced for a matter of weeks.

Rest assured it will get better! The first five days were the hardest for me, after which I was able to reintroduce most solid foods. I never got on with wax but did find that when the gums are inflammed piece of gauze placed between the gums and the brackets gives the gums a chance to recover.

I aim to brush 3 times per day but when busy at work this is sometimes only twice. I rinse with water or have sugar-free gum if I snack during the day. I also use a waterpik which was money well spent. I have a check-up and clean at the dentist tomorrow - first time since being in braces - so I'll b...

My orthodontist advised me to avoid biting into foods for the duration of treatment - partly due to the sensitivity and partly due to the risk of dislodging brackets. I'm now 4 months in and have got used to having to cut everything up to eat. This is routine now so it doesn't bother me, although I ...

I recall from my first week I ate lots of macaroni cheese, mashed potatoes & beans, and soup. I was able to eat scrambled eggs on soft toast after a few days. Breakfast was Weetabix or porridge (oatmeal).

Hi! Good luck with round 2, it sounds like you've learned your lesson and will be more compliant with your retainers this time around.