Metal Mouth Message Board

Ooh, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. The novelty of having braces is quickly wearing off. I'm tired of my colleagues asking about my braces - "When did you get them?" and "How long do they have to be on?" and "Are they painful?"

Last night, I kept biting my cheek (never happened before braces), so I didn't sleep well at all. If I didn't have a string of meetings today, I'd call in sick.

And, I'm starving. I expected to not eat as much as usual with the braces on (a wonderful thing for a woman wanting to lose a few before her wedding), but I'm hungry so often. I went to bed hungry last night. I woke up hungry this morning. I'm not sure if I'm not getting enough protein, or just not enough food, but I'm very irritable over the whole thing. There's nothing I would love more right now than a big omelette for breakfast with a cup of hot cocoa to wash it down.

The only saving grace is that I've noticed some movement in my teeth. My most crooked front tooth is not as much anymore. The change is very subtle, but today, it's the only thing keeping me from ripping my braces off.

Sorry for the vent. I'm going to crawl under a rock and hide now until my debanding date in about 103 1/2 weeks.

Sorry to hear about the way you are feeling. We all know this is tough, we just gotta stick it out. You can make it.

- Missing Tooth -

It will get better! People will stop asking questions and you will get a handle on the food thing. FWIW I am still a few pounds thinner than I was when I started but I am maintaining well now.

I get in a horrible mood and it isn't even my braces!

I think that an omelette and a hot chocolate sounds just like what the doctor ordered. Why don't you have one? Eggs are one of the easiest things for me to eat when my mouth is sore, which it sounds like yours still is after just 6 days. Hot chocolate sounds like a winner too!

I also like to eat peanut butter alot. It is high in protein and I eat it right out of the jar. If you get the creamy kind, nothing sticks to the brackets and you don't have to go digging stuff out of your teeth. I eat it between meals so I don't have to mess with brushing. (Don't go overboard or you could gain weight - 1-2 Tablespoons is more than enough).

Good luck and don't worry! (Be Happy)

Feel better! I am on the same boat as you on and off...seeing movement really is motivation to continue.

Like it was said, eat that omellette and that hot cocoa...if you have a hard time chewing, at least drink that hot cocoa; it will make you feel better for sure

Buck up, you WILL get used it! I'm feeling just fine now. But three weeks ago I, too, wanted to rip them out. Keep going, keep going, it's going to be worth it.

I feel your pain except I'm at the other end of my treatment and just want it to be over. Tired of wearing these braces, tired of food being stuck in them and tired of feeling them rub against my lips and cheeks.

I'm sorry about the pain...as far as getting the protein and all that good stuff, I recommend Carnation Instant Breakfast. It's got all the nutrients and tastes great!

Leslie022 wrote:I'm sorry about the pain...as far as getting the protein and all that good stuff, I recommend Carnation Instant Breakfast. It's got all the nutrients and tastes great!

I agree...I have that everyday just to get some healthy stuff in my body...the strawberry one is awesome!

jrbecca, I totally feel your pain! I got mine the day before you...and the novelty is wearing thin. The pain in my cheeks and lips is just getting old, and i'm tired of all the questions and looks of absolute SHOCK from my clients (teenagers!). And, sitting through meetings and having to talk and be professional?? Ugh!!

Just keep thinking that in a few years, when this is all behind you, you'll look back and hardly remember why it seemed so difficult at the time.

And when you're feeling your worst, take good care of yourself (I've been eating gobs of peanut butter and taking bubble baths), and try to remember that it's all uphill when you're at the bottom!!

Hi jrbecca,

I am so sorry that you're having a difficult time and hope you feel better soon.

I agree with all of the posts. Yes, there are certain foods/beverages you can't eat when you have braces but I'm sure there are lots of foods left that you can choose from. What has worked for me is if it is something chewy, like meat, be sure to cut it into smaller pieces - it will make it so much easier to eat it. If you haven't already, you will find a favorite spot in your mouth to chew from. If you drink hot cocoa or another type of beverage just rinse your mouth when you're done. I truly think going back to "almost" your regular foods/beverage will make a difference in how you feel about the braces.

I promise you, the questions will stop - these questions are common. You will enjoy the questions when you are getting near the end of your ortho treatment.

Take care and keep us posted.

ssfw

Oh, jrbecca, I feel your pain! I got my braces on five days ago and have been walking around hungry all the time too! It makes me cranky too. But then last night I had sweet and sour meatloaf--it was so easy to eat I had three pieces and felt really full--for the first time since the evil envasion of my mouth. I have the feeling it will be a recipe I make over and over and over. Good luck!!!!!

Rebecca

It DOES get better..............I have lost almost 10 lbs. Not even trying. I just can't eat like I used to. It takes too much time..........and too much chewing! But as your bite adjusts you will find things that are easier than others to chew up and get down.

I am still getting those mood swings.......sometimes I get in a FUNK and just have to shake it, cause I know in the long run it will all be worth it. I just wish I hadn't waited until I turned 40 to make the decision!!!! Progress looks slow, but remember: the tissue and nerves that you can't see in your gums have to move as well as the bone and that all takes time.

So Cheer UP! We're ALL in this together!!!!!