Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi All,
Just joined and wanted to introduce myself. I'm a 30 year old female from Maine. Had braces (top and bottom) from ages 10-15. Never could get used to that darn retainer, though! My top teeth stayed perfect but the bottoms shifted a bit. Nothing horrible, but after all the time and money invested the first time around, it seemed like a pretty big waste not to maintain them.

So, I went back to the same Ortho that did my work the first time around. It was pretty neat to go through the process of the photos, impressions, x-rays and spacers. It was exactly as I remembered it, except the goop they use for the impressions hardens ALOT faster these days and it doesn't slide down the back of your throat like it used to. Those metal trays haven't changed a bit, though!

The spacers were put on 2 weeks ago. They had a bit of trouble getting them in as my teeth were very tight. The girl promised me that they would be sore. She advised me to expect headaches and soreness and to keep aspirin on hand. Ha! Piece of cake! Not one bit of soreness. However, today...There still wasn't enough room to get the bands in there (no wonder I didn't have any pain, right?). Though they did try and that process was exactly the same, too...Right down to the "bite tool" they used to use.

So, they bracketed my back teeth and are using them for the same purpose as the bands temporarily, until my teeth shift enough for them to be able to squeeze the bands down in there. I've got brackets on all the bottom teeth. No pain yet. Also no sores on the inside of my lips from the brackets. That was the part I remember being the worst the first time around. I made wax a close friend back then and stocked up this time as well but haven't needed it so far. We'll see what the next few days bring, as I can't imagine that I'm out of the woods on that yet.

I'm biting one bracket when I attempt to chew, so I may have that one repositioned if it doesn't improve by the time I go back next month (and if it doesn't pop off).

My first experience was basically pleasant. No major pain, no popped off brackets, no broken wires, etc. I did all the things I wasn't supposed to (chewed gum, ate corn right off the cob, chewed ice, and never wore a mouthguard when I played sports). Though I steered clear of boys who also had braces, just in case the myth was true!

This time, they assure me the retainers are easier to get used to. I still have my old ones, believe it or not! Just couldn't talk without a lisp when they were in. I'll wear them this time around no matter how awful they are.

I'm not one bit embarrased about wearing the braces. But I'm not exactly thrilled, either. Socially, I don't mind wearing them at all. But I'm a professional and have to meet with clients and attorneys often. Somehow, I'm a bit concerned that I won't be taken seriously because of the braces. Guess it has something to do with the fact that braces are generally associated with juvenilles. Invisalign was an option, but since non-compliance essentially defines my entire being, I really didn't think removable trays would work for me.

So, this starts my journey to perfect teeth...Again. Looking forward to seeing how others are coping!

Hi janjan, Welcome to the site. As you can see I'm also from Maine. I'm sure there are others here from Maine, but you're the first I've seen.

I've had my braces for two months. It sounds like you've already adjusted to yours. It has taken me a bit longer. In the begining I was pretty self conscious about them.

I too am a professional and attend lots of meetings with people from outside the company. Basically I've decided that if I don't have a problem with them nobody else will either. In reality who would care if someone else has braces or not. If they do that's unfortunate for them.

I'm a guy and do feel that women have the advantage when it comes to wearing braces. Women can look "cute" in braces. I think it's much harder for a guy to pull that off.

Enjoy the journey.