One week & two days

Message

#1 Post by **phillipbee** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:23 pm

Hi-

I just got my braces a little over a week ago. My mouth isn't too sore at this point, and I'm actually starting to get used to them, I think.

My concerns are: I can't get the floss between some of my teeth (flossing has always been an issue for me, but I had been having success with the Reach Access...). In a few cases, the bracket sits right in front of the 'space' between my teeth. At any rate, I assume that when my teeth start moving into position, flossing will become possible/easier - right? In the meantime, I am at least using the little green/white Gum brand picks and several times a week, I dip that in my prescription mouth rinse. (Crossing fingers)

My other concern is: when will I be able to chew again?? With the placement of my brackets, I only have one upper tooth and one lower tooth that touch! They are between the front tooth and the canine on my right side. I despair of my teeth ever moving enough to be able to chew. Did anyone else have to deal with this? How long did it take for you?

Phillip, 45
Seattle

#2 Post by **I love my teeth** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:04 pm

within about 4-5weeks the spaces became much larger and flossing is a breeze now!!

biting is another story, I suppose it's different with everyone, I go in spurts, can't bite for a while, then I can for a while, then I can't again........my last adjustment was june 18, couldn't bite with my front teeth for 3 days, then I was fine for 4weeks or so, now in the last few days I can hardly bite down again in the front or on the upper left side........so for me it changes frequently.

good luck to my neighbor to the south!
Christine, 38
Vancouver

#3 Post by **phillipbee** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:48 am

Thanks Christine!

As much as they have been hammering home the message that you need to floss, Floss, FLOSS - I was finding it pretty alarming that I simply Can't at this point. :0

The issue of my upper and lower teeth not touching is getting frustrating. I really am trying to have a good attitude, though... I AM really happy that I haven't had any real trouble with my lips & cheeks as I hear that so many other people do!! But my tongue has gotten pretty sore from where the wraps around my molars stick out away from the teeth. I *think* I read that perhaps they can be filed down somewhat - I hope that's true. I used wax one day, but got worried that I was trapping bacteria against the tooth, so I stopped doing that...