For those thinking about taking the plunge...1 mnth update
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:10 am
This is intended for all of those browsing around the site that are contemplating taking the plunge (I'm sure there are many, as I was one myself 
) It has been exactly one month since I had ceramic uppers put on. (Lower metals go on in a few months) I prepared myself for what to expect (thanks to this site) and expected the worst. Here is an honest account of this very reluctant person's experience:
First, the looks issue. Yes, you will be shocked the first time you look in the mirror, and yes you will wonder what everyone else is going to think.
After a couple of days, however, you will get used to it and realize that nobody else really cares! (I'm an instructor at the local college and the very few students that said anything only said positive things!)
Second, the pain. The spacers are probably going to hurt.. a lot.
Happily, this usually doesn't last for more than a few days. I had 8 put in, 2 of them metal because the teeth were too close to get the rubber ones in. (I had to go back in a week and have them exchaned for the rubber- total time 2 weeks.) Take advil (or equivalent) BEFORE you get them in and keep up with it so the pain doesn't set in and you will be fine. By day four I was eating normal food again.
Third, mouth sores. Yep, you're more than likely going to get them.
The braces will annoy the heck out of the inside of your mouth for the first week or so. (Salt water rinses and wax will get you through the worst of it.) Even though at the time it seems impossible, in a couple of weeks you wont have near the soreness issues you did in the beginning.
Fourth, loose teeth. Yes, your teeth will feel loose. They are moving around, so what else would you expect! It makes them a little senstive, but not really any discomfort. IT MEANS THE BRACES ARE WORKING!!
Finally, is all of this worth it? Only if you want healthy teeth and gums (now that you can actually floss between your teeth), want to fix annoying jaw pain (TMJ), and want a great smile, void of gaps and/or crowded teeth. Don't let fear stop you from achieving your goals.
Hope this helps!
) It has been exactly one month since I had ceramic uppers put on. (Lower metals go on in a few months) I prepared myself for what to expect (thanks to this site) and expected the worst. Here is an honest account of this very reluctant person's experience:First, the looks issue. Yes, you will be shocked the first time you look in the mirror, and yes you will wonder what everyone else is going to think.
After a couple of days, however, you will get used to it and realize that nobody else really cares! (I'm an instructor at the local college and the very few students that said anything only said positive things!)Second, the pain. The spacers are probably going to hurt.. a lot.
Happily, this usually doesn't last for more than a few days. I had 8 put in, 2 of them metal because the teeth were too close to get the rubber ones in. (I had to go back in a week and have them exchaned for the rubber- total time 2 weeks.) Take advil (or equivalent) BEFORE you get them in and keep up with it so the pain doesn't set in and you will be fine. By day four I was eating normal food again. Third, mouth sores. Yep, you're more than likely going to get them.
The braces will annoy the heck out of the inside of your mouth for the first week or so. (Salt water rinses and wax will get you through the worst of it.) Even though at the time it seems impossible, in a couple of weeks you wont have near the soreness issues you did in the beginning.Fourth, loose teeth. Yes, your teeth will feel loose.
They are moving around, so what else would you expect! It makes them a little senstive, but not really any discomfort. IT MEANS THE BRACES ARE WORKING!!Finally, is all of this worth it? Only if you want healthy teeth and gums (now that you can actually floss between your teeth), want to fix annoying jaw pain (TMJ), and want a great smile, void of gaps and/or crowded teeth. Don't let fear stop you from achieving your goals.
Hope this helps!
