Suggestions for my wife...braces at 41

[BMay]

My wife is getting braces on Monday for the second time in her life (4 years as an adolescent) and I'd like to do something nice to ease the shock as much as possible. She is sad, frustrated, apprehensive...as you might imagine.

Outside of soft foods and a Waterpik does anyone have any suggestions on what might make her first day back in braces a little more bearable? Thanks in advance for your help.

[rhomboid]

Don't overly patronize her just be nice and compliment her.

[SilverGirl]

I agree - don't make too big of a deal about it. Just listen sympathetically if she complains, and don't stare at her or keep mentioning them. When I first got mine I felt like a freak, and I just wanted to feel that my husband didn't really care or notice that I had them.

[Snowglobe32]

My wife is getting braces on Monday for the second time in her life (4 years as an adolescent) and I'd like to do something nice to ease the shock as much as possible. She is sad, frustrated, apprehensive...as you might imagine.

Outside of soft foods and a Waterpik does anyone have any suggestions on what might make her first day back in braces a little more bearable? Thanks in advance for your help.

That is very nice of you to want to do something for your wife.
How about a bouquet of flowers?

[NervousNewbie]

Just listen sympathetically if she complains

^^^THIS.

My guy is tired of hearing me when I have an issue, or something I just feel like whining about a little, and he makes it known. It'd be nice if he's just hush up and listen to me complain instead of sighing and rolling his eyes and saying, "I know, you already told me." Yeah, well, I'm telling you again, so quiet down and just listen!

[NervousNewbie]

Oh and as far as doing something a little extra... I'd maybe cook her a nice, soft dinner... something she can just swish around and swallow. Think of her favorite foods and pick maybe the softest, easiest to eat thing.

[Lakester]

First I want to say how wonderful it is to hear you helping to make your wife's journey more comfortable.

I'm 42 and have had my upper braces since July -- lowers coming up. Since she has had braces previously, she knows that soft foods are essential (good time to splurge on soft desserts!). How about surprising her with a movie? After my appointment I knew I'd want to come home and "settle" with the new apparatus, so I had a complete soft menu available and a movie to watch & help distract me.

Also, the ortho sends a bag of goodies home with you afterwards with wax and other essentials. The things I found most useful were the Orabase and Peroxyl -- both of which are for mouth sores -- make sure she has plenty of those on hand.

Best wishes to you both!

[tomrsvee]

Hope all went well for you today. Keep the wine handy and the Motrin close. Most importantly, be supportive as we all go through periods of doubt and 'why did I do this to myself??' the first week or two.

[petal]

I have only had my braces for 3 days, but I do feel more self conscious around my hubby. He is really supportive though. Just listen when she wants to gripe about discomfort etc., and celebrate when she sees or feels the slightest movement. help her keep her eye on the prize....knowing that when all this is done she will look back and be so grateful for your support in gaining a new smile she will feel confident about. If she is open to joining this message board I think that she will find new friends to help cheer her also. It has helped me tremendously! I wish you both the very best of luck during this journey.