Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi! I'm Vivian. I'm 19, and in exactly 27 days, I will have top metal braces. The bottom ones come the next month!

I currently have the spacers on, and I have to keep them on until next month.

I can't say I'm exactly thrilled with the idea of getting braces just as I am turning twenty, but hey! You gotta do what you gotta do, right?

I have always been self conscious about my teeth, so, I guess I'm finally fixing them!

What can I expect the next month? And the day of the actual putting on my braces?

Thanks for all your help and I look forward to hearing from all of you for some time!

Welcome.

Most people say the spacers are the worst part of getting braces. They weren't a problem for me because I have a spacing problem, not crowding.

Getting the braces on, for most people, is easier than the spacers or how they feel a few hours later. A number of threads have discussed what to have as a "last meal" before the braces go on, since some foods will be off limits (cashews, peanut brittle, to name a few, as well as biting into a juicy apple). After the braces go on, generally the soreness doesn't set in for a few hours, so right after the braces go on is the time to eat! Everybody's experiences differ in terms of if/how long they are sore - some people don't get sore at all, others are still sore after several weeks. Going in stages will probably help.

People here can provide lots of good input on how to prepare for braces day. With spacers in that long, you may wind up losing one or two, or even swallowing them, but they won't hurt you. Just call the ortho and let them know.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.