Regretting new braces..

[SophieLouise]

I only had my braces fitted yesterday and I am already starting to regret it. I have an awful gap in the front of my teeth which I've hated for years, but I never realised I wouldn't be able to eat at all with braces on (foolish of me!).. I can't even eat soup or soft bread, really struggling as I'm used to eating 3 or 4 meals a day and I haven't eaten anything since yesterday before my braces. Tempted to just go back and have them off already, please tell me it either gets better or bearable!!! Thanks :(

[djspeece]

The first few weeks are nasty but it does get better! Lots of people make smoothies - toy can use that to search this site. Also, take ibuprofen as directed on the label (unless you are allergic or there is some other contraindications. Hang in there!

[FlowerPower]

Yeah it will get better. The first week I remember thinking there was no way I would get used to these. Not only that, I have ceramic braces so they're extra bulky and few of my brackets popped off. I was even rethinking my choice of ceramic. Well, 3 weeks later and while I am still using wax, I can say you do actually get used to them. I am also eating the things I used to eat before braces. (As best as I know how. Eating will NEVER be normal considering you do have braces on your teeth) Sometimes I don't notice them in my mouth anymore. Talking is also much easier, and I have just accepted that I may have a slight lisp throughout the whole ordeal. I'm probably not even going to change my bracket type either. Just hang in there.

[Aspiring]

It does get better. I'm just over a week in, myself. I used OCT analgesics the first day and the first two nights. Wax a lot for the first several days, though I haven't needed it for a couple of days now. I select my meals carefully, and I have a supply of meal replacement shakes in the pantry.

At about 24 hours in, I think you're at the worst point of it. Hang in there.

[Skwiredmouth]

Hang on there mate!! I had the same feeling and depression for the first few days. Within a week I could eat rice.

Now I am 3 weeks down its much better and I just had butter chicken. Sometimes people eat it in week 2 itself. Its just the first week when your body needs to adjust.

[testimony777]

It definitely gets better. I have ceramics on the top and bottom and my first 48 hours with braces had me questioning all my life choices up to that point. I was absolutely miserable and couldn't imagine it getting bearable as even a 100% improvement would have left me in pain. But by the end of the first week I could eat solid foods; by the end of the third week I had moments (albeit every so brief) where I forgot about my braces and now almost one year in they are a non issue (most days). Some things will suck until the day you are de-bonded (like eating green leafy vegetables or rice) but you won't be in pain forever. Just hang in there!

[Jeska0113]

It does get better hang in there! You can also find a way to accomodate what you eat lol i eat bread and pizza and a whole bunch of other foods but i rip them into very tiny pieces in order for it not to get stuck between my braces. An extra step, but I'm ok with it

[abc321]

Hi Sophie

Totally normal from my own experience and what I've read on here! I stuck with very soft food the first couple of days eg mac and cheese, soup, yoghurt, banana, berries etc. Now over a month in I can eat most food although I avoid biting with my front teeth as they seem the most sensitive. The feeling of wanting them removed on day 3(!) passed, but I'm not yet at the place where I don't notice them and I am still having to use wax on certain brackets which would otherwise tear my cheeks/gums to bits. I do hope someday soon I can forgo the wax! Good luck!

[pcspinheiro]

Pain has been normal for me during 3-5 days after first wire and pretty much after each wire change. Usually I just suck it up and live with it, but I was told I could take paracetamol, NOT ibuprofen because the later has antiinflammatory properties and you need inflammation for the tooth movement process. I'm a big food fan so that has not stopped me from eating anything at all, I'm only more careful on HOW I eat it. Have not pulled a bracket yet. Good luck!

[Kslyons]

Today is week 7 for me with braces, and it does get easier with time. I am just now starting to finally eat a little better! My back teeth would not come together to chew anything, but now they do. I still can't eat certain foods, but I eat what I can. I had no trouble when I had the braces put on; no pain or discomfort whatsoever. I'm getting my first adjustment next week, and the Orthodontist said that I may feel some pressure with the wire change, because the next wire will be a little thicker.

[Lynloraa]

IT GETS BETTER! I cried for the first couple of days I had braces because I didn't know how to chew or eat. But, after about a week, I got used to it and I was able to do more and more. Just stay with it, I promise you'll love the results you can see.