Metal Mouth Message Board

Just reading all these horror stories about the first few days/weeks of braces - how awful they feel in your mouth, how you can't eat etc etc. Just wondering if there are any braces-wearers out there who had surgically-assisted maxillary expansion and then had to wear the expander for 6 or so months, and then how adjusting to braces compared to that experience?

I had the surgery (which was oh-so-fun) and then had to turn the screw for 2 months (13.5mm gap at back, 9mm gap between front teeth), and I just wanted some comparison to know what I am in for!

Thanks again.

Mel

I have had my braces for just over two weeks and it really has not been bad at all. After the first week I really have not noticed them - my incisors are tender, and thanks to the salt water rinses I have only had two small mouth sores and they healed very quickly. Like KK said, your attitude is the most important factor. If you haven't seen Brandy's blog you should really check it out - she details her SARPE and braces adventures - the link is over on the surgery board.

I did not have the surgery but did have the expander in for just 2 weeks shy of one year.Braces went on a few months later.Tops and then a few months later bottoms.Braces are a breeze compared to the expander.
Summergirl

Well, tomorrow is B-day, so I'll find out the comparison soon! Wish me luck