Metal Mouth Message Board

Hello Fellow Braces Wearers,

I’m 22 and I just got my surgically compromised metal braces (I didn’t want to go through the surgery for several reasons) last Monday July 16th and two top molar extractions (the ones next to my canines) is the following day on Tuesday. I need to remove all my wisdom teeth, but I’m waiting for my next insurance year to start up again in September for that. Right now my mouth is a hot mess. I have most of my brackets and archwire except for the teeth that were extracted and the back molars that have spacers (which are killing me). I’m scared about getting dry socket even though it’s been 5 days since my extractions so I’m only eating lukewarm soup and yogurt and drinking smoothies, while avoiding straws and spitting.

Being new to braces I have a few questions:
Am i being too paranoid about dry socket? Have I avoided getting it?
What are tips for cleaning my teeth? Right now it’s taking me about an hour flossing, brushing, salt water rinse, and avoiding the extraction site?
Also the brackets on my canines are tearing up my skin, is it safe to put wax on them since they are right next to the extractions?
Also did anyone else out there have surgically compromised braces? What were your experiences?

Good Afternoon (at least where I am)

I had to have a broken tooth #3 extracted before my braces. I had the tooth extracted and a bone graft placed in the socket to support the bone. It took several stitches to close the site. I week later I was back in the dentist office for some work on the other side of my jaw and the dentist said everything looked good at the extraction site. Fifteen days later my stitches were removed. I ate soft foods the entire 15 days only chewing on my left side. My point is that dry socket usually occurs in 3 to 5 days post extraction. The stitches usually prevent dry socket from occurring.

About 23 days after the extraction I had my braces applied. The orthodonist put a wire across my extraction site. My orthodonist and my dentist are working together to help me achieve my goals. My dentist had to send a letter to my orthodonist to say it was ok for me to start orthodontics. I believe that your orthodonist will not do anything to damage your extraction site.

I hope this helps some.

Sorry, I forgot to answer your questions about cleaning your teeth and wax.

I would buy an electric toothbrush and a waterpik. The electric brush that I have has an ortho brush head that is great for the brackets and gums. The waterpik can save you a lot of time with flossing. Although when using the waterpik, it is recommended that you still floss at least once or twice a week.

As for the wax, it should be fine to use the wax around the extraction site. I am very fortunate that I am 5 days into my braces (metal top and bottom) and I haven't had to use any pain meds or wax. I am able to chew normally with no pain, but I have had to chew slowly and only small bites at a time.

Good luck in your journey.

Thanks for the reply, it’s been really helpful. I’ve been debating whether to buy a Waterpik or not, but it’s seems like it’s worth the investment.