Just Fully braced - Shoot me now, please!

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#1 Post by **GiovanntiLawing** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:57 am

OMG, please help

Hi all!

Quick recap: Braces went on top 2 months ago (all ceramic), Bottoms went on Tuesday 9/2/08. I've had braces before, but i've never ever ever ever ever (and 6 more ever's) experienced pain like this. I have two types of pain, and I usually have a very good tolerance for pain when it comes to braces.

Here are my issues:

When the bottom braces went on this past Tue, the Ortho's original plan was to go 100% ceramic on the bottom. Unfortunately, that same night like 4 brackets popped off and I found myself right back in the Ortho's office on Wed 9/3 to get the whole bottom re-done with 4 ceramic brackets on the front-bottom teeth and 3 metal brackets on each side of the 4 ceramic brackets.

Naturally, I was expecting a little bit of pain because the braces were just put on, but this pain is like no other. No meds work...PERIOD! I tried popping two Aleve's before they were put on (didn't kick in), during the day (didn't kick in), but the only time it did seem to work was when I popped two before going to bed. BUT, I still wake up with this excrutiating pain...

The second most god awful pain is .... the metal brackets come with these hooks on them that are literally slicing the left and right BACKSIDE part of my lip. Not my actual lips, but the pocket of space behind my lip. I tried the wax, but the hooks are kinda sharp and by the way the backside of my lip rests againtst the brackets, it just pokes threw the wax and continues to stab at the inner backside part of my lip.
I can't tell if its going to develope into a cold sore, but it just looks very inflammed and hurts to do anything. Drink water, eat, or think about putting mouthwash in my mouth (WHICH HURT SOOO BAD I LITERALLY contemplated not brushing my teeth this morning or mouth rinsing), and even to brush my teeth.

I'm not too concerned about the first type of pain because Im sure it will go away as that type of pain tends to do, but what in the world can I do for the second type of pain because this really does have to give! For the first time, braces really has kicked my ass!

My sister told me to try rinsing my mouth out with salt water to dry out the inflamation, but that just doesnt seem right to me. That seems as though it would BURN and HURT HURT HURT far worst than the mouthwash did. And if that is normal, but much salt do I put in the water?

Your advice is much appreciated

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#2 Post by **NYG2007** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 5:53 am

I got all my brackets and the top wire the first day. i got the bottom wire three weeks later. When the bottom was placed on the bottom it didn't hurt that much. I thought the top was worse for me.

I know what you mean about the metal brackets with the hooks I have all ceramic brackets except for the lower arch on the sides and sometimes those hooks are so annoying. The hooks on the ceramic brackets for me aren't bad. The metal hooks are a pain. You do get used to them.

#3 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:35 am

I know what you mean about the pain. I had that OMG I've been punched in the mouth feeling too. I don't know about Alieve, but I personally have taken 4 Motrin or Tylenol at once. I would not do this everyday or unless your pain rating is over 8. Eat something with them to avoid stomach upset. Aside from that, plop on the couch, watch TV, give yourself permission to be crabby, and wait it out. This pain won't last more than a few days, so you just need to get thru it any way you can.

As for the hooks---more wax. I know you've put some on....but you need more....lots more. You need to put so much on there is no way that hook is going thru it. It may not look attractive, but hey, it's about comfort at this point, right?

Yes salt water rinses are supposed to help curb infection and toughen up the inside of your mouth. Lots of people use and recommend them. I think it's one teaspoon to one cup. You can also try some antiseptic oral cleanser. It has hydrogen peroxide in it and it helps heal the wound and prevent infection. Tastes better than salt water too. I buy the generic brand and it works well.

Hang in there, it does get better.

#4 Post by **Bracefacegal** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:57 pm

Giovanni,

Man, I feel for you.

I could take teeth pain, but the pain in my mouth due to the brackets slicing and dicing were out of this world

!

I rinsed with hot water almost ever day to help deal with the pain and used wax, but I hated wax and decided not to use it....I've never gone back to it ever....

Everyone is different, but what does make a difference is making sure you are hydtrated!

Hang in there!!!! It is horrible yes, but it will pass...

#5 Post by **KARESS** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:44 pm

the slicin the lip ..it just has to wear off..sorry.
LOL
Soon the back part of your lip will get tough enough that it wont hurt anymore.

Well nah..it will have periods where it will hurt and leave brace prints..like if u ever fall asleep on your face or something.

#6 Post by **KARESS** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:46 pm

I have permanent brace prints on the inside of my bottom lip, by the way.
cause its always pressed.
Sometimes it burns.
sometimes it doesnt.

#7 Post by **GiovanntiLawing** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 9:31 pm

Thank you all for the advice.

Since I made the post I can see/feel a huge huge difference. I have started using more wax and I went out and bought Orabase. The orabase works like a charm. I use to hate the wax because it was annoying. I now have realized that using a huge blob of it makes it way better and you get used to it (or in my case, forget that its there).

Thanks to all who responded!