Metal Mouth Message Board

I'm nearly 3 weeks into having my braces on and wondered if anyone else at the beginning of their journey had moments of doubt and being overwhelmed by the whole process?

I can't really eat because of the extractions I had for the braces and feel like the gaps in my mouth are so huge I can't imagine how long it will take for that to change.

I realise this is probably all normal but would be great if others could reassure me - I feel a bit like I've taken on something so massive - and just need to keep reminding myself to keep my eyes on the prize and the end goal of lovely straight teeth.

Thank you

Of course the feeling of being overwhelmed is normal, i had the same feeling before getting braces even, but knew i really should go for it so i did

Theres still a lot of little things that bothers me, but i try to take it as things come

You cant surpass all the big stuff, without getting past the small stuff first, its all part of the big picture

Sounds about right! Please don't worry, if you can help it, it WILL be worth it!

T xx

If you look at my signature, you can see everything I've been through. I've been excited to do it, but it is also overwhelming for sure. So many changes to so many parts of your life, and the changes aren't always pleasant. You are a brave and courageous person for going through this to have nicer looking teeth and a more functional bite, so try to remember that when you feel overwhelmed.

Also, I try to think of all the kids who have braces and it's a total non-issue. How do they do it?!

Oh yes, overwhelmed is putting it mildly. It seemed like a great idea when the plan and expected benefits were explained pre-bracing. Once the braces were applied I was just appalled at the way they looked and felt. Oh and then a couple of months later he added elastics. Rest assured it does get better, and you'll find your way with eating, smiling, romance, and the rest of it. As you will read here, many people don't even seem to notice that you got braces! And, when they are removed, people don't seem to notice, or at least comment. Give yourself time, use wax freely, ibuprofen or your preferred OTC medication for pain, and come here often. I had my braces removed in October after 3 years, and while I did not have a lot of cosmetic issues to fix, I will say that it was worth it. Hang in there and best of luck to you!

Thank you all

I also think about kids having braces often - especially when I am brushing and flossing so diligently and wondering if 13 year olds do the same!
I completely relate to the bit about it all sounding so straightforward when it was explained as a plan - but 3 weeks in 30 months seems like a very long time. And yes even though I think I sound and look difference I'm really the only one that really notices anything different - I'm just hoping that the feeling I have of having braces in my mouth will feel more normal in time (I know that it will) and that 3 weeks is VERY early days.

I think there's something about the complete lack of control involved in the whole process - and yet being in control completely in the long term by taking the decision to make things right. And already I can sense how far I've come so things can only get better.

Thank you all for your kindness - and for reminding me that I'm not going crazy. Big picture and no worrying (or perhaps more realistically less worrying) are going to be my resolutions for 2016

Your self-doubt in taking the braces plunge will come and go as your treatment progresses. One month, you will feel utter pride in your new teeth because the treatment is going well. The next, you will hate how your teeth looks dues to large gaps. Rest assured that these feelings are fleeting and that the end may seem eons away but it will go by really fast. Soon here, braces will become a part of your normal life and it'll even seem unnatural to not have them.

Thank you - I can't imagine it ever feeling unnatural not to have them. But it's only been 3 weeks. Not long enough for them to feel part of me yet - but am sure and am hoping they will.

Im waiting for this day that they become apart of me as well. Right now i keep feeling like im wearing mouth guards for sports.

How long have you had yours for?

I hope you feel better soon. Once you start seeing changes, this will all be worth it!

thank you!

If you are a guy, grow a beard if you want to disguise the braces.

Pros are you tend to lose weight.

Try to get excited about it. Be thankful that you get ortho treatment. Try learning about it or find something that sparks your imagination with it.

jfriend33 wrote:If you are a guy, grow a beard if you want to disguise the braces.

Wait, what? I'm not quite sure I follow that logic unless the beard is totally out of control .

I'm a week and one day into treatment here. I'm slowly getting over the "oh no, what have I done" phase. My main complaint is not being able to eat much thanks to molar build-ups. I'm an avid cook and likewise, I enjoy eating. I just tell myself it's a great way to kick off a New Year's diet!

Things should get very interesting next week, as my husband gets his next Wednesday...