Okay, so i just got linguals on my top teeth about 5 hours ago. I was supposed to get them on my bottom as well, but it was too difficult & we are going to do ceramic later on.
It feels extremely wierd, I did not prepare myself for this. So far my speech has not been effected too much but my biggest concern is the eating aspect. I tried eating soft brownies but I feel as if I cannot chew. It feels like my bottom teeth hit my top braces, preventing me from being able to chew. Is this normal??? And how will I ever get used to this?? I am starting to feel as if I made the wrong choice and should have just gotten the ceramics on my top as well. I was just so concerned with having noticeable braces in my workplace and school, etc. It's my first day and I need some support!
Hi st03115--Let me start by saying that it DOES get better! I only have my bottom ibraces on, but in regards to eating...my tongue was so sore, that I had a problem chewing...and I hate to tell you this, but it gets worse before it gets better. Day 3 and 4 were the worst for me. I would suggest soup, jello, cereal soaked in milk, pancakes, scrambled eggs--very soft foods. Rinse your mouth with salt water twice a day to help soothe your mouth. WAX up a lot!! Especially before you go to sleep, because you want your tongue to be able to relax and not get all cut up. Also--take motrin or advil every 4-6 hours for the soreness, etc.... Hope this helps you....we are all here for support because I will need it throughout this whole experience!!
When are you getting the bottoms on??
Sorry to hear you're a bit miserable at the moment. I am very sure that things will indeed get better for you, even though things are tough at the moment. Just try to keep remembering why you are doing this.
I know that I had a lot of adjusting to do and found eating to be a real challenge for a long while. You cold try smoothies, and those breakfast drinks. Also, as odd as it sounds, McDonalds is also a great option because all their food just about melts in your mouth. No substance at all!
I think it is different for all of us, and some seem to have a harder time than others. I seem to remember being able to eat something 'normal' in just under a week.
Keep your chin up and I hope things get better for you soon..
My friend, I feel your pain. The first couple of weeks are SO tough. It IS different for everyone but I was absolutely miserable at first. It got so much better after 10 days or so and know it's been 1.5 years and I'm reaching the end of the road.
Smoothies, Orajel, Wax, and meditation (okay that last was a joke). Hang in there. It will get better and when you start seeing your teeth move it is so good.
Thank for you the support. It definetly makes it easier knowing that others are feeling the say way. My main concern right now is the whole chewing thing. When I attempt to chew my bottom teeth hit my top braces, which prevents me from doing it. Has anyone else had this problem???
I got them on today and I feel your pain! I got both top and bottom but they could not put the top wire on yet since I have to get a tooth removed before my next appointment. It's not the pain so much thats bothering me yet but the fact that I can't chew either. Like you said, the top teeth hit eachother before the back and I cannot imagine it becoming normal even though everyone says it will. I am also having trouble with the letter S which I hope gets better soon because it's pretty embarassing! It's nice to hear someone else going through the same thing...how long are yours supposed to be on for?
You sound like you're having the exact same problems as me. My "s" sound has been pretty bad all day. Kind of amusing, but hope it will get better sooner rather than later. The chewing thing is worrying me, because I don't think it would be too good for my teeth to have it hitting the brackets constantly when and if I get used to it.
I am supposed to have these one for 20 months. I'm only on day 2! Haha. I got back to the orthodontist in 2 weeks to figure out my bottom teeth situation, & am hoping that the chewing situation has gotten better by then. I just put some wax on tonight on my back top molars and it's definetly helping. I can deal with most of this, I just really really really hate this whole chewing thing.
I am in the same boat guys - got my top fitted on Monday! it is not so much the chewing thing with me but the pain. The back has really rubbed my tongue so much that it hurts when I talk and my throat fills sore as well.
I go back to get the bottoms fitted on 22 Sept which I am not looking forward to and I hope the pain goes soon.
I am waxing up but it does not seem to want to stay on there which is a pain!
I hope it gets better as I am not sure I can cope with this for 2 years !!
top lingual braces fitted 18th August 2008
bottom lingual braces fitted 29 September 2008
Seriously, it DOES get better!!! Try and remember that. I know how hard it is to keep that in mind because I felt EXACTLY like you during my first two weeks.
Your tongue will adapt. Your speech will improve. Your teeth will move and be pretty. I know it's tough to believe at this point but it will all come together.
I was MISERABLE the first couple of weeks and seriously considered having them removed. I'm SO glad I didn't. It's been 1.5 years and I get them off next month....
I found that if you rolled the wax to warm it up and applied it to dry teeth it stuck better. Orajel REALLY helped me in the first couple of weeks.
Also, don't be afraid to ask your ortho questions like "I can't chew is there anything you can do?".
Today was no better...actually worse since the back of my tongue is really scrapped up. I've been practicing my S's but they still sound horrible. I wouldn't care if I was alone but at my job I am constantly on the phone and I feel like my coworkers want to talk to me more than usual! Still can't get any real food down...I hope that changes quick because I am getting really cranky. The whole speech thing really worries me because I have read that some people have a lisp the whole time. I have also heard of other people getting better in a few days but I guess I am being impatient and want results now!
How many days have you had yours on for?? Are they on top and bottom? I am on day 4, and it really hasn't been that bad for me, **knock on wood**. My tongue is a little sore, but yesterday I finally got some real food in me. I ate some really soft pasta in an alfredo and marinara sauce which softened it even more, and i was able to chew some of the chicken on it as well. Now I feel better. Don't limit yourself to smoothies and shakes etc, there are a good amount of things that we still can eat. I also ate tuna in the morning which went down easily. I think I am feeling better because I am getting actual food in me now. But I do regret these things when I see a big juicy burger knowing I can't bite into it!
The food thing IS miserable - im on day 22 (top&bott) and still struggling with most foods - my teeth still hurt when i try to chew and my tounge is still bad... BUT, things are improving and it's definitely not as bad as the first week.. so fingers crossed!
I got mine on Tuesday so today is day four for me. I am trying to eat things besides smoothies etc. to get used to it but it is just not pleasent at all (this coming from a girl who loves nothing more then to eat). Besides the food getting stuck everywhere, I feel like I cant chew anything properly and it goes down whole. I have both my top & bottom done (no wire one top yet) and I feel like the top left bracket is too big or something because when I bite down, that is the only thing that touches. The right side doesn't touch at all because of the interference which I'm assuming is the reason I can't chew. The dentist was sort of in a rush and didn't check my bite or anything so I don't know if there is something wrong or if it is something I am going to get used to...so far haven't gotten used to it at all Do you feel the same way?
I am feeling better tonight but did manage to eat some sweet potato mash and Veg Chilli. The Veg was cut up into really small pieces so did not really have to chew and the sweet potato mash is soft so no need to chew either but because it is quite filling I feel much better.
The right hand bracket right at the back is still cutting into me but I am just using the wax on that bracket now and everywhere else is fine.
I also have a dull ache in my teeth and am not sure if there is movement already.
top lingual braces fitted 18th August 2008
bottom lingual braces fitted 29 September 2008
Also--take motrin or advil every 4-6 hours for the soreness, etc.... Hope this helps you....we are all here for support because I will need it throughout this whole experience!!
Do you feel the same way?