Only a Week!!!

[newbraceface]

Hey guys! I only have one week until I get my braces. I got my spacers yesterday, and so far, I ahve not felt much pain. I do have a high pain threshold, but I have been able to eat solid foods and such. Am I weird? Anyway, I have a few questions. First is what color bands should I get? I don't want anything too flashy. Also, my orthodontist will give me the basics like floss picks and wax, but what other gadgets should I get? I already have a water pick, because my sister recently had braces. I have already gotten into the habit of using it, which I guess is good. My last question is, can I use whitening toothpaste while I have braces. I know I should try to avoid it, but I have a favorite toothpaste because of the feel and taste ect. but it is whitening. So will I have to give it up for a year????? Thank you in advance!

[moodychopin]

Hi newbraceface - Hardly an expert (mine are going on next week too!) but Ortho has said it doesn't really matter on the toothpaste side of things. Your told to avoid whitening but apparently there 'whitening' effect isn't that noticeable. Been told that as long as I don't go and get my teeth whitened professionally there shouldn't be a problem with staining when they come off. Don't just take my word for it though!

How long have you been sentenced to?

[newbraceface]

[quote="moodychopin"]Hi newbraceface - Hardly an expert (mine are going on next week too!) but Ortho has said it doesn't really matter on the toothpaste side of things. Your told to avoid whitening but apparently there 'whitening' effect isn't that noticeable. Been told that as long as I don't go and get my teeth whitened professionally there shouldn't be a problem with staining when they come off. Don't just take my word for it though!

How long have you been sentenced to?[/quote]


Lucky for me, only a year. A year and a half at the most!

[stephcsun]

You are very lucky ..my 2 weeks with spacers were the most difficult I couldn't chew at all. I got the clear bands and 5 weeks in they have not stained, but I do avoid plenty of foods. I think you should keep using the same toothpaste you were using to keep your teeth the same color. There are orthopicks which are easier to use, but if your teeth are crowded like my bottom it won't go in-between easily so use the regular string floss. One thing I recommend is getting ACT Braces mouth wash, and if you want to avoid getting white spots at all cost the MI Paste I heard works great. I recently bought one and hope it works as they claim.