Got braces today, Going nuts.

[Ziggy]

Finally got my braces on today. He put brackets on the top today, nothing on the bottom yet. The braces aren't too bad, but the other things he did are driving me nuts. He want's my back molars to grow out a bit (protrude?) so he built up my back teeth with what looks like a stalagmite and also built up the front of my lower front teeth and the back of my uppers. Needless to say chewing is a real pain in the butt. I can break up the food a bit but really chewing it is out of the question. Any ideas? Solutions? Advice? Encouragement? I was able to get down a sandwich on soft white bread and some yogurt (can't chew the little bits of fruit in the yogurt, however).

Anyway, other than the brackets wearing a hole through my cheek I'm in no pain. More frustrated than hurting. I go back in 5 weeks.

As always, thanks.

[djspeece]

Well first, congratulations on getting your journey underway! Sounds like you got the dreaded molar buildups, which I was able to avoid. The first few weeks are the worst as you adjust to a new look, increased discomfort (which should improve over the next 72 hours or so), and just the whole idea and psychological impact. Of course you know to use wax liberally, and reapply as needed. Ibuprofen is great for dental pain, taken per label directions. It will get better once you go brain dead and are able to forget about it. Just kidding. It will get better though. Best of luck to you.

[Ziggy]

Thanks for the encouragement. The pain is moderate and slept okay last night. Still, when I was researching braces nobody mentioned those molar buildups, except here. Now, how do I get a steak into a blender?

[NeilH]

Congratulations on getting started, you will soon get used to them and will figure out a way to eat but understand molar build ups can be a pain at first.

[cdmoses6]

It will certainly get better! Promise!! I am a year in braces now and I eat chicken wings, steak, corn on the cob... anything really! At first things are difficult because it's a huge adjustment. We've all been there! And we've all gotten through it Hang in there bud! There's light at the end of the tunnell.

[Ziggy]

...There's light at the end of the tunnell.

And I hope it's not a train! It is a little better today although it's still a pain. BTW, the doc called me this evening to see how I was doing. That was a nice touch. When I asked how long the turbos will be on he said, "Quite awhile." Crap!

Top teeth starting to hurt but still don't need to take anything for pain. Gums around top molars VERY sensitive since yesterday. Got some Sensodyne Toothpaste hoping that will help. We'll see. Front brackets are clear and all brackets are self ligating. Pretty cool little works of engineering.

[lemonweeps]

Hello

I got molar buildups too because my bottom teeth hits the upper bracket. I took around a week or two to get used to it. Yeah, it was a total pain in the arse, I didn't even want to eat anything that requires me to chew.

So it has been like 2~3 weeks, I just eat anything HAHA.

[lollypop]

I had them at first too. Mine wore down fairly quickly. They were annoying as hell.

[Oversmite]

I think I have these molar build ups too, they look a bit like a blob of cement? I'm having a hard time chewing too!! I thought it'd be easier once the pain settled, but as they're in the middle of my jaw they're right in the my prime chewing zone lol.

I've mostly been getting by with smoothies, meal replacement shakes, soups and soft burrito bowls. I feel like I have to eat like a duck and just swallow my food.

Here's to hoping we both adjust!!


-MM

[Ziggy]

I'm the original poster. It's taken awhile, but as others have promised I'm finally getting used to it. Can I eat everything like I did before? No. Am I starving and losing weight? No. I can't tell you how to do it, but somehow you just figure it out. Sushi doesn't work because I can't chew the seaweed, but I can eat all the parts with a fork. Thin crust pizza is great, I just have to cut it into smaller pieces. Anyway, I feel much better about eating than I did before. I'm sure you will, too.

[Oversmite]

Glad you've found a way to make it work, Ziggy!!

Hopefully I do too :D


-MM

[sizzletasticlily]

It took several weeks to get used to everything. I was so frustrated I was in tears. I still am unsure if I did the right thing. My teeth are straighter and I went to a highly reviewed place but they weren't board certified and a year later I have problems and had to consult a board certified ortho. My best advice is to make sure your ortho is board certified and trudge along.

[MadSpinner]

Literally enjoyed reading everything in this topic. Though I enjoyed it, I am becoming nervous as to how will I adjust on my new braces tomorrow. Hopefully I can survive this, as others have.

[MetalMouth77]

MadSpinner,

If you like most of us on here, have been ashamed or hate your teeth most of your life. You can and will survive the experience. I have only had my braces on for 4 days. Have had no pain with ibuprofen (2 every 4 hrs for 4 days) only a little tenderness when direct pressure is applied. But I used my wax and more wax. Ortho told me to eat with it in. You use more wax but will not shred your mouth!!

Lastly, I will tell you I have smiled more teeth baring smiles in the last 4 days than I have in the last 4 years. This is because I am no longer ashamed. I am doing something about it!

I know others have more severe challenges and movements to make. I did not get bite buildups or extractions. But I did have my wisdom teeth out, first time I was ever under anesthesia. Super scary. Maybe I am lucky or maybe I am just so excited I am ignoring the side effects.

So far no drool or splitting. Not yet enough space to have a lisp...it might come, but I am ready. I am doing this for me and everyone else can .......(well you know)

Good luck, share with us... Let us all help you.

I reply to pay it forward. When I had moments of doubt before I did it I asked for help and people answered me. So now I answer others with my experience and my orthodontist's advice. Your experience will vary but someone will have had a similar issue or try to help.

[Len]

I'm reading this because I'm having my braces put on next thursday but I already have the metal bands and on the second day they hurt like hell and my lymphatic glands were so swollen on the throad and then I went to the orthodontist very concerned then she told me to take some Ibuprophen and now I'm fine but my cheeks hurt so much because they're injured but I'm fine and she will give me some wax on thursday when I put my braces on if the pain keeps on.