Over 40 and new to braces

Message

#1 Post by **mickeyk** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:55 pm

I got my braces on Nov 30, 2006 and have had a miserable time since getting them. I am a very picky eater so now I am having a hard time finding things that I can eat. I have never liked oatmeal or grits, but they are now my new best friends. All of the things that my doctor has told me not to eat are the foods that I love, such as nuts and popcorn.
My co-workers see me eating the oatmeal, grits and soups everyday and they have to tell me of the things that their 14-16 year olds eat and can't understand that I am way older than their kids and that my bones and gums are completely developed so things hurt a whole lot more than those still growing.
I had my first adjustment on January 18 and is still feeling the effects...18 months seem like a long time to have to correct a mistake that another dentist caused (front teeth gaping because of pulling my molar).
I hope that reading everyone's posts and being able to vent about my experience will help me get through this. I will say that there is one good thing that has came out of getting the braces off, I have lost lots of weight and gone to wearing single digit pant sizes now.
Thanks for letting me vent.

#2 Post by **lionfish** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:46 pm

Sorry to hear you're still on a limited diet - have you checked out some of the soft food suggestions on this board? They will give you a broader range of foods to choose from and give more balance to your diet. Subsisting on a diet of grits and soup for 18 months sounds rather dire.

#3 Post by **Tin Indian** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 6:22 pm

MickeyK, When I first got my braces my ortho said to chew lots of sugar free gum as it would stimulate blood flow and reduce the tenderness of tooth movement.I was skeptical but I tried it and by gummy it worked. Now I keep a supply handy at home and at work.

#4 Post by **mickeyk** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 6:27 am

Thanks everyone who has replied.
I do know that I have to get back into the saddle and try eating some of the hard foods. I am making progress alittle because I can eat chicken with no problem and pasta.
Although it may have sounded like I don't have a positive attitude about having my braces, I do because I know this is going to improve my bit and my smile and I am looking forward to this.
Finding this website and reading about others my age who have braces is really helping me and I will continue to come back and read and explore what others are doing.
Thanks again for the posts!