Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, there -

After five days of spacers, I can't wait to get my braces on tomorrow. I'm 33, and have a similar story to a lot of other adults getting braces: my parents couldn't afford braces when I was younger, and now I'm finally able to get my teeth fixed. I have overcrowding below, some twisted and crooked teeth on top, plus a crossbite and very off midline. Hoping to get some of that fixed, at least Supposed to be braced up for 30 months, then 2 to five years for retainer.

I've already lurked a bit, and read all the "first day of braces" stories that Icould find. Can't wait to get some colored ligatures on and have some fun with that (and practice my mashed potato making skills ).

Thanks, Karen!

Well, they're on . Thanks for the lip balm tip - that really helped. The technician let me put more on between lowers and uppers, too. They are way more comfortable so far than the spacers were, I just feel like I have those plastic Dracula teeth that kids get for Halloween LOL!

I took some Tylenol pre-emptively. We'll see how I feel tomorrow!!

Welcome aboard.

May your ortho journey be pleasent and pass quickly.

Wear your braces proudly and we look forward to following your progress.

Yesterday went well, today a little sore but nothing major, EXCEPT my poor tongue is getting shredded, it feels like. Is this normal? Not sure whether to call and see if they can do anything about the pieces sticking out on the bands in the molars, or if this is one of those "grin and bear it" things. I've been putting wax on, but if I put a large enough glob to keep the metal from poking through it then my tongue knocks it off. Hrm.

I'm salt water rinsing like a champ, though...

Wendy I've had my braces on for about a week now, and I had the same problem with the things on the inside of the bands on my molars bothering my tongue. It bothered me for a few days and wax was kind of useless as my tongue would just knock it off... but then my tongue kind of toughened up and it hasn't bothered me in a few days. I hope it works out the same for you. Good Luck!

and welcome to the forum. Glad you posted.

I'm so excited for your that you're finally on the path to that fabulous smile. You are going to see so many changes! How cool is that. I started my journey just a month ago and all is going just fine. I'm getting used them more and more, and eating more and more too : )

I took Advil for the first few days and it helped a lot. Things were feeling better after that.

Best wishes! I look forward to hearing more from you.

Thanks again, everyone! I finally broke down and called the ortho this afternoon after my tongue kept swelling, and they had me come right in. The technician ran a gloved finger over the inner part of one of my bands, and I could hear the 'snap' as the latex caught on the sharp bit.

Needless to say, I'm now sporting ground-down bands sans cleats . Woo! Still putting whatever wax on that I can, to allow my poor tongue to heal, but it's already feeling better. Keeping up the salt water rinses, too. Thanks again!!

Hi from another newbie!
Only in my first week of braces; I got "clear" ligs as I thought they would be most invisible but guess what? They have stained something awful what with all the coffee and tea I drink.
Next round, I'm gonna go for some color that won't be mistaken for a hygiene problem!
Good luck to you -- mstikl

Thanks, Karen!

Mstik - I've got metal brackets, mainly because I knew I couldn't go with clear ligs because of my love for tea and diet Coke . So I'm metal with pink and purple ligs. How are you feeling with the braces after a week? Now that my tongue's healing I'm much more comfortable with them.

Wendy

Just had some "solid" food (sort of)- first time since B-Day.
It feels so weird to chew, still painful in places but just basically STRANGE and icky with all the gunk that gets stuck.
I've taken to chewing with my hand over my mouth, seems to make me feel more comfortable. But real solids, past well-cooked pasta texture, I think might be another week or so away.
How's it going for you? See and/or imagine any movement? I swear I see some, but my husband thinks I'm just over-excited (he's probably right!).
Bands going on the molars 10/29.
Let me know what's going on with you! -- Dona/Mstikl1

Mstk - I'm getting better with the solid food. I've had knife-and-fork cut pizza and a soft burger (carefully ripped apart for now - too scared to bite right in. Feels like I'd pull the wire straight off!). I did lose a few pounds last week, mainly because of my sore tongue. I'm not complaining!

I have seen movement in one of my front teeth, which is a great feeling. After five days that one started feeling painful and loose, then it moved and tightened up in a better position over the next two days. Woot!

I cover my mouth when I've taken too big of a bite and have to chew with my mouth open to keep the inside of my lips from ripping up on the front brackets. Other than that, I chew as normally as possible, though my lips don't close the way they used to LOL.

I've been practicing the "hard swish" with the water and can get most of the gunk out of the front wires as I eat, so I'm not so self-conscious at work lunches, etc.

How're things going for you??

Hi there!
Oh, tea and red wine and coffee and curry and...!
MMM, some ribs on the bone!!!
Wow, movement already, so cool. I am so hooked on the mirror when I get home from work, my husband thinks I'm going back to adolesence (well, I AM a bit immature he he!)
Yes, the swishy thing works, and it feels great to actually be able to feel space between my formerly too tight teeth.
We are going to have to plan a post-brace e-banquet; everyone get together with "What was your first meal after braces came off?"
I'm starting my list right now!
Purple ligs, still vacillating over the second color. Pink, med blue, neon green???