Day 3 with Braces and the worst was all in my head!

[Sadia MJ]

Hi users. Day three in braces and I have to admit it is no way close to being as bad as I thought it would! I had spacers in for a little over a week and I can in all honesty say that those things where spawn from hell itself! They were uncomfortable, irritating, painful (but not so bad that you can't carry on with day to day, just a constant pressure) and annoying. I felt the pressure from the spacers on every tooth all the way to the nerve. It made me question going through with braces at least ten times a day, especially when I was trying to eat. I figured if these little bands could hurt so much, what would these little brackets against each tooth feel like?! Needless to say, I had a full blown panic attack the morning of my appointment to get my braces in. Ended up calling and waking my best friend, ranting on like a mad woman about being completely out of my mind for voluntarily doing this to myself. Fortunately between him and my husband, they managed to calm my nerves enough to make my appointment; and I am happy I did. The best part, those little bands from hell came out! The appointment itself lasted just over two hours. The little devils apparently did not create as big of a space between my teeth to easily fit the back brackets in, so the dental assistant had to really force them in. That was not painful per say but it was uncomfortable. Everything went smoothly after that and before I knew, I had the braces in. I opted for clear sapphire crystals but had the dental assistant out light blue bands in (as requested by my 7 year old daughter) First though after seeing myself, OMG I look horrible!...second thought, my husband will divorce me for sure! My doctor reassured me that they looked fantastic and that they "took me well". The feel of braces in your mouth take some getting used to. To me, it felt as though my lips couldn't cover my top jaw and the brace itself was protruding out of my lips! Then there's the feel if it against the insides of your mouth. Unlike the spacers that where wedged in between two teeth, braces rest on each tooth which gave my entire mouth a "heavy" feel. You'll become very aware of the various parts of your mouth while at the same part becoming very aware of all the various parts of the brace itself. There are these very little points and hinges that can be sharp and uncomfortable. These are the parts that hurt your mouth and you'll soon learn that there are various facial expressions that 'hurt' more than others. Your lips will eventually find a new "resting spot" as will your jaws itself. To me, every mouth is different and you truly would not know how your mouth adjusts and your level of comfort until you are in them. Reading others experiences have been very helpful in preparing for what may come but in the end, you would not truly know until they are in. My husband initial reaction did nothing to help my self image (he laughed) but after that, till even this morning, he have reassured me that they look fine and that they're hardly even noticeable. I have to say, kids have been kinder than adults. My daughters' classmates thought they looked very "cool" and had tons of questions for me while the adults around me where not as kind. My first day was completely pain free as was that first night. I was preparing myself for day 2 when supposedly the pain was supposed to kick it....it's day 3 and I am yet to feel any pain! I almost feel guilty about it! There is some pressure and my cheeks cut on the insides especially when I smile, but i've been rinsing with salt water and giving it time to heel, so it's really not too bad. Stuck to liquids for the first couple of days but ventured some "soft" food yesterday. My advice...take your time and eat. It is a little tiring and you need to really go slow but it will be worth it. Soft fruits are best and a protein shake help fill up. Vitamins are important and I would recommend getting one to replace nutrients that you will be losing because of the restricted diet but this will only be for a short while. Brushing and flossing will take some time as well but I strongly suggest you take your time and do it. Take the extra fifteen, twenty minutes and brush and floss properly. The way I see it, you've just endured spacers (and extractions and what ever else you needed to do before installation), you've endured two plus hours in a Dental chair not to mention the thousands of dollars spent on them...the least you can do is spend 20 minutes every night to make sure you protect and safe guard your investment. After all you don't want to spend more time than needed in this! I have to once again say thank you to every one who have posted their stories and to archwire itself for having this available to us. It is indeed very helpful! All in all...my braces experience thus far have certainly been an interesting once, not at all painful and very self affirming. Roll with the punches and have fun with yourself in them! You're doing this for you...no one else and nobody else have to go through it but you. So try to enjoy the experience as best as you can.

[kennyandrew85]

Paragraphs would be nice lol

Glad it's going well!

[beckyboo0205]

I hope this is how I am! I just got mine on... almost 3 hours ago. I have been so worried... so far so good but I'm sure some pain has got to kick in... maybe... but maybe not. I've definately been preparing myself for the worst.

[Sadia MJ]

I'll have some pictures taken and upload them. I've taken some without, just to get some with. I think the pain really depend on your tolerance. But I've really not had any pain at all since putting them in. Even took some bite from a sandwich today...slight pressure but nothing to complain about. Good luck kennyandrews85! Hope it's as painless as mine is!

[klobird]

All very well said!! You have just conquered the biggest obstacles...and now it gets exciting believe it or not!

Good luck on your journey!

[Ciara]

Hope the rest of your time in braces is as easy. Some of us are just lucky.
I've had no pain with braces yet- a little rubbing at times but that is it. Even after adjustments, it has been fine. I have no pain with spacers either! I have 2 at the moment and I forget they are there.

[Sadia MJ]

Lucky you with the spacers! These were a pain to deal with but gladly they are out. Happy to hear you've had no issues with yours. Good luck to you!