Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi Brandy, I got my braces off last Thursday. My upper essix is very hard to get on and off. After the second day my teeth were hurting horribly and it seemed all my teeth were shifting. I can only assume that from when I got my molds done to when I got the retainers my teeth shifted. Now the upper ...

I would stand by your belief and instincts. They rarely prove wrong. If you think the gaps should be closed, tell him this again. After all they're your teeth and you'll have to live with them. Not him. I hate to say it, but if he doesn't give a good reason and you don't feel confident, insist on ha...

I was debraced on Thursday! It really is amazing and feels wonderful! My teeth are SO big and smooth. Wooooo! 2 Years was worth it. To everyone thats thinking it's going to be forever. Don't. It will be over before your realize it and you'll be looking at your new straight teeth soon.

I agree. It is costly and not everyone can afford it. My parents were in the same situation. Now that I'm older and can pay for them myself, I've gotten them. When Adults get braces I feel it represents someone that's willing to go through pain and change to better themselves. Not that straight teet...

Listerine. Period. This stuff works wonders. I had some swollen gums and started rinsing with the original Listerine and within 3 days it was gone. I also used it after getting my tongue pierced and it worked then as well. Rinse with it for a few minutes then soak a cotton ball and leave it wedged b...

It's the periodontal ligament loosening up. It's perfectly normal. And seriously addictive. I can't help but purposefully do it when my teeth are in a state of transition. Sorta like, the bubblewrap in your mouth!

Hi LadyJ, Grats on taking the plunge. I'll agree with Meryaten in that you look to have plenty of space for the teeth to move around, and probably won't need expander springs. You may get elastics to help your bite and align those molars but it really is amazing what can be done with just brackets a...

Hi BoSox, Congratulations on the great progress! Your teeth are coming along nicely. As far as your arches not meeting or still off, that is completely normal. I've had my arches off and on several times throughout my treatment. Even at these late stages I still have some movement going on in there ...

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Well it's been almost 2 years since I've been braced. I have an appointment today at 1. Last appt the Dr planned on debracing me and get molds done again, but I've had some movement and probably need to keep them on for a little bit longer. I'm really excited and little anxious as I've gotten used t...

This is most definitely an infection. Swelling, discharge and bad smell, are good signs it's an infection. How's your lymph node feeling on that side of your neck? if it's swollen and tender or painful, you have an infection. I have had this happen to me before. A potato chip got wedgend between my ...

The reason for the lighter archwire is to not hold the teeth so tight. Lighter archwire with a combo of elastics/powerchains equals greater movement. The lighter wire lets other teeth move and reposition. The heavy archwire is used towards the end when everything is aligned and your bite is good. It...

I'm 35 with braces. I think women with braces look great! In fact I think anyone with braces looks great because it represents someone that's willing to go through pain and change to better themselves. Not that straight teeth makes someone better than anyone else, it's more of a personal empowerment...

As an update, I had a talk with him and asked him to take a look and talk with me about my treatment plan. I also said I'd rather not get the molar band if it wasn't absolutly necessary. He replies "We do this all the time, it's not a big deal" But then after looking at my bite and teeth, ...