Braces take 2!

[csosborne88]

Hi everyone!

I'm 5 days in to having braces (top and bottom) for the second time. I'm so happy to have found this board and find I'm not alone!

I first had braces at age 15, after a few years of other orthodontic treatment. I had a full mouth plate that I wore at night for at least a year (couldn't talk with it in!). Then I had an extra tooth that was growing into my gum removed in a hospital. And then I finally got braces!

My first experience was over in a blink - maybe 8 months? Then I was given a retainer and set on my merry way.

I thought I was a good listener, but I swear I was never told I had to wear the retainer for life! So I didn't. And then the wisdom teeth came through in the wrong direction and pushed everything forward.

So fast forward 10 years and here I am! I've had 4 teeth extracted (ow!) to make room for everything. I'm hoping I don't regret this down the track as I've read some people have.

So far I've been pleased to notice many adults with braces! I have had to 'justify' my decision to a lot of people ("but your teeth are fine!" not to me!).

So that's my story! I can't stop running my tongue along the brackets, even though I have ulcers on my tongue which sting like crazy! I've just ordered Rincinol PRN from the USA (not available in australia, nor is a similar product according to my local pharmacy), so I'm looking forward to that package arriving!

Thank you to anyone who read this far!

[BracesB4Thirty]

LOL you were probably too excited to have your braces removed the first time round, you probably missed what the ortho said about retainers. I know a few people who didn't wear their retainers after their braces journey that their teeth have moved back to their original place. Hopefully everything will go quickly second time around, good luck...

[csosborne88]

Haha probably right! I also didn't realise teeth moved.. Ah well now I know better!

I'm in braces for 2 years this time. I can have straight teeth in about 8 months, but we're using the extra time to align my bite (I have an overbite). Right now my back molars don't touch, so eating is very fun!

[sirwired]

While you wait for the Rincinol, see if you can find 10% Carbamide Perioxide rinse. (Here it's sold under the brand name Gly-Oxide.) It's not an anesthetic or protectant, but it will clean out the ulcers which aids in healing.

[csosborne88]

[quote="sirwired"]While you wait for the Rincinol, see if you can find 10% Carbamide Perioxide rinse. (Here it's sold under the brand name Gly-Oxide.) It's not an anesthetic or protectant, but it will clean out the ulcers which aids in healing.[/quote]

Thanks for the tip! I don't usually get ulcers, so I haven't a clue how to fix them. I'll go to my pharmacy tonight and see if they've got this, or can get it in.