Metal Mouth Message Board

Great tip with the water rinsing, KVS. I drink tea (cold in summer, hot in winter), and so even though I brush (at least 3 times a day), the staining is there. I also got a real shock once when I had a meal with curry in it. It turned my cute hot pink rubber bands to bright orange!!!!! I have not do...

Wow, what a difference already, Zipp!!!!! I had my expander for 6 months, and it worked well, but I never got used to talking or eating with it.

I had an expander, Amanda. I'm 44 now -- was 42 when I had it. It was a long 6 months for me. It worked great, but I never did get the hang of talking properly with it. Forget about eating. I had to take mine out to eat. Getting my metal braces has been a breeze by comparison. Now, 22 months later, ...

Hello all. Not sure if this belongs here or in bracket club -- Admin, feel free to move if necessary. I have not been a frequent poster for a while, but I have used the forum as a fabulous source of information during my journey. The last time I checked in, I had an allergic reaction to my latex rub...

Hi all. I've been away for a while. Just wanted to update you on my latex allergy issues. I did really well with my non-latex rubber bands -- no irritation whatsoever. I will say that the non-latex rubber bands are not as strong and seem to snap easier -- forget a good yawn. It's now 4 months later,...

Oh, thank you all for your replies! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I just found out that a friend of mine, who does NOT have braces, also has a latex allergy, and she cannot even allow her dentist to touch her face with the latex gloves because she'll break out in a rash. That sounds super-s...

Hi all. I've been away from the forum for quite a while. I hit my 1-year anniversary with my braces at the beginning of April, and I'm hoping it won't be too much longer. Last visit in early April, my ortho put a power chain on my uppers and put me in rubber bands -- 2 on my right and 1 on my left. ...

Thanks everyone!!

No surgery for me, Andantae. Just 6 months in a removable palate expander prior to bracing.

Welcome Lisaszy. I don't know if there is a way to approximate what you will look like. With my lips closed, I don't notice any difference in my appearance now that I have braces (mine are full metal). I suppose if I had a large overject, it would be more aparent than it is. I'm an adult (43) and al...

I don't have an exact end date. Originally I was told about a year total with the expander and braces. The expander took longer than expected and, as a result, I did not get braced as soon as expected, so maybe I'll be in metal for a year. I think maybe my ortho gave me a best-case estimate so that ...

Welcome Maggie Lou, and congratulations on taking the plunge! I'm 43 and braced for 2 month. My son is braced too, so it's a neat experience going though this together.

That's great, Bmoe. Once your girlfriend has a couple of consultations and asks a bunch of questions, she'll be able to make her decision about which type is best for her. As far as looking youger, I'm 43, and if my braces make me look younger, I think I'll keep them longer than I need them. :wink:

Hang in there, Anneke. It gets better very quickly. The initial shock of all that bulky metal will soon fade, and I promise you'll hardly notice them. I'm 43 so I understand feeling self-conscious about it. I've only been fully braced, all metal, for 2 months, but within days I can tell you I actual...

So glad you're getting another consult, G's Mom. My son has a similar problem to yours. He is missing BOTH laterals. It seems to be a pretty common problem, although when we first found out about it, I was horrified. My son has been in his braces for 2.5 years -- closing gap in front, waiting for ca...

I see Dr. Krishnan in Prince Frederick. I got a lot of good recommendations for him, and he's been handling my son's braces journey for several years. Where is Dr. Hickory? Sorry your progress has slowed, JoviFan. I would not be surprised if mine goes that way too. I see such a change in a short tim...