Newly braced and having panic attacks...help!

Message

#1 Post by **Jecca** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:13 pm

Hi, I was braced 2 days ago, and boy the first night I did not get any sleep! I had panic attacks the whole night...My teeth were pretty straight to begin with and I got the braces to try and correct my TMJ, the ortho said it might make it better it might not.

I decided to wait on the braces and thought I can live with this. I went to tell the staff and they said "fine, you owe us 600.00!!!! (for the records) I said go ahead and put the braces on me, I would rather pay 2100.00 total for all braces/retainers/ treatment etc, than pay 600.00 and get nothing!

My son is gettting braces next month, so I am trying to be strong. These panic attacks come on at night about 2:00 am, they are horrible. I only have to wear the braces for 18 months but it seems like a lifetime right now!!

Is it normal to want to rip the braces off? or do you eventually get used to them? I have to stay active or I think to much...help any suggestions? I must add that the braces make me look alot younger, lol. But they are constantly on my mind...please let me know if there is hope, and that I can shake this!!

I will be grateful for your suggestions!

#2 Post by **josephine** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:38 pm

It can be hard to believe at first, but you do get used to braces. You'll forget you even have them on. And what a great thing that you will have the experience and understanding when your son gets his braces. Distractions do help, as does taking extra good care of yourself and pampering yourself whenever possible (those are good things to do anyway!). You didn't mention any soreness or pain, so those things must not be big issues, which is great. If they are, a little warm salt water and/or wax goes a long way. You can do it!

#3 Post by **Mel-UK** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 5:09 am

Hi, sorry too that you having a hard time. The first couple of weeks are the worst. Then you really do get used to them, even attached to them!

I think a lot of us panic at the beginning.

I know it's different for everyone, but so far the braces have really helped with my TMJ. And in hindsight I've realized how bad the TMJ was and that it was getting progressively worse so the braces have been completely worth it.

Good luck.

Mel

#4 Post by **MissSMILEY** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:55 am

Hey Jecca, I had that same thing. The first two days I wanted to rip these stupid things out of my mouth and was close to asking the Ortho how much it would cost me to have them out NOW.

It's been about 3 weeks, I'm kind of used to them and somewhat fond of keeping the ligs clean. Oddly, I enjoy brushing them even though flossing is a pain in the rear. I am glad I stuck with it just through the few weeks because I'm having a little bit of fun with them. I wake up and run to go look at my teeth and inspect carefully to see which spaces are looser and which are tighter.

All in all, you'll get used to them and just think about all the progress your teeth are making!

#5 Post by **MissSMILEY** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:55 am

duplicate due to an error msg

#6 Post by **MissSMILEY** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:56 am

tripilcate due to the previous error msg