Started braces and elastics in the same day!

[sara2280]

Well I got my braces put on 4 days ago. Clear uppers and lowers for an open bite and a cross bite on my right side, reasoning is more medical than aesthetic. Originally, they were only going to put my uppers on, to get used to them, but I elected to have them also do the lowers. Figured it was just easier to get used to them all in one shot. Figured this would be it. Well, my Ortho decided to take it a step further and started me on elastics right away. A lot to take in to say the least. I had left the office in a little bit of shock and felt weird being 33 with braces especially because I had straight teeth, just a jacked up bite that is wrecking my back teeth that would eventually lead to my whole bite collapsing. Plus, my mouth felt full and I felt like I couldn't contort my lips and face around all this. Didn't expect this feeling. Also didn't expect to have a lisp! So here after 4 days, the soreness in my teeth has pretty much subsided but my jaw feels super tight and tired from the elastics. I have "Manatee" heavy gauge elastics from canine to canine on each side. So with the elastics in I really can't open my mouth to wide. Big change. Has anyone else started elastics from the beginning? I wasn't expecting this until my first adjustment. Also, I am sort of obessessed about staining the ligatures. I have been avoiding red sauces, not drinking pop, drinking my morning coffee through a straw, brushing immediately after eating, etc. so far so good. I don't have my first adjustment for 6-8 weeks so I want to make them last. Any advice would be appreciated!
Sorry for the long post! Hope everyone is well!

[nikkibabie19]

Look at it this way. U'll have no new pain to go through again. Heck u did everything in one! Nothing surprising to happen to u again. Unlike me who after 1 1/2 yrs in braces jus started elastics ! Wow the tightness! Can't yawn or sneeze! Or open my mouth properly. I sound funny when I talk. Not quite a lisp but jus half retarded lol.

Well all the best

[sara2280]

Nikkibabie19,
It does get better. I am 5 days in now and although it feels tight, it doesn't hurt. My lisp has subsided for the most part except with the elastics in I am really struggling with F's. But that is unavoidable as my elastics will not let my lower lip touch my upper teeth to make the F sound. Just have to keep it in the back of my mind and take it slow with that one.

I was surprised with starting so much at once how quickly my mouth adjusted. The assistant said that I would be eating mush for a month. I was glad that only lasted a couple of days but was definitely popping Motrin there for 3 days.

Thank you for the positive spin! I appreciate it!

Best of liuck!

[nikkibabie19]

I am on day 5 as welll (with elastics)

IT does get better....i can talk and adjust my tongue better so the words sound like actual words....Its still a bit tricky with a new elastic with all that tension.. But i manage.

[king504]

It can be painful at first, but once you adapt to it - it will be smooth sailing.