Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi Anamari! Yes, please definitely get a few more consultations. I had five consultations, and they all recommended the exact same thing -- four extractions (I have an overjet + bimaxillary protrustion + lip incompetence). Extractions are a big step, but getting all those opinions made me confident ...

I've had clear ligs for a while now, and I find that I get almost no staining at all as long as I brush my teeth after every meal / coffee / cocoa. I've never tried a braces cover but I agree with Meryaten, it sounds like it might trap liquids next to your teeth.

Rafs, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. :( I'm glad your ortho finally realized the mistake. For me, I've had the TPA in for a week and half now, and I'm shocked to say that I've totally gotten used to it. My tongue toughened up quicker than I thought, because I don't even notice it anymore (...

I got my TPA a few days ago, and I never had any problem whatsoever with gagging or anything like that. And I'm the kind of person who gags very easily while brushing my teeth. My speech is normal as well. It took a few minutes for me to get used to it after they put it in, but since then I've been ...

Similar experience here. For the first 3-4 months of treatment, my last two molars on the top and bottom were unbraced while the other teeth straightened. On my last visit, the other teeth were braced as well. As your ortho if ever in doubt!

I had four premolars extracted, spread over two appointments. Each time I had the extraction in the morning and took the rest of the day off, but returned to work the next day. Besides packing a very soft lunch I was just fine. Don't be afraid to ask for pain meds before the extraction, but there's ...

Don't worry! It's a lot less traumatic than you think. I've had braces for months, and I really just pay attention to them when I brush my teeth. The months will go by faster than you think. As for the appointment, just go to the bathroom beforehand (in case nature calls during your banding) and tak...

I've always had a big smile (I don't know why, I always hated my teeth!). But since I have four very prominent extraction gaps, I cover my mouth when I laugh or smile big. It's not the braces, it's the mouthful of missing teeth. Call me shallow! The braces don't embarrass me, so I imagine I'll stop ...

Hi, Jackie! I've had eight teeth pulled, so I fancy myself something of an expert. :D I think you're out of the woods when it comes to dry socket - I believe it only strikes in the first few days. I was really paranoid about dry socket too, but I was eating solid food by the second day and exercisin...

When I had all four wisdoms out at once, I left the gauze in for about 6 hours. The first things I ate were pudding and pureed soup. For my recent extractions (2 top, 2 bottom in two appointments) I left the gauze in for only about two hours. I was eating twinkies and bean burritos the same day. Goo...

Hi, Bex! Welcome to the fold. I'm not an expert, but your case sounds potentially complex (no shame in that). Your ortho sounds good, but I really recommend you get a few more consultations (I know you've had two). It sounds like your ortho will be pulling out everything and the kitchen sink for you...

I'm a little older than you (mid-twenties) but I don't see why ceramics would be just for professionals. I have ceramic uppers, and they don't feel any different than my all-metal lowers. They often cost more, so perhaps that's why your dentist didn't recommend them for you. I like them because they...

I can confirm that once the gum heals, it really doesn't feel weird when you're eating. I have four extraction gaps, and while it is annoying when a lima bean or similar gets lodged in there, it doesn't hurt. I'm not in the habit of eating sharp pokey things :wink: but otherwise everything I eat is ...

I just had my first adjustment, and I found that a bite wafer was a godsend for the soreness. Ask your ortho, she'll have plenty of them tucked away somewhere. They're like a teething-ring for grown-ups! Whenever I felt sore, I'd just pop it my mouth and chew away, or bite gently on the edge -- veee...

Bethany - welcome to the club! I've had my braces on for two months and it's gone by fast, so rest assured it's not too bad. For the appointment, I'd advise you to use the restroom beforehand (it can take over an hour to glue on your brackets, etc.). And be SURE TO ASK FOR DENTAL WAX (as much as you...