11 days and counting!

[Faithaf83]

Hi! I'm Faith. I'm 27 and like most people here, have been putting up with my horrid teeth as long as I can remember.
As a child my Mum wasn't able to afford braces, so now here I am - getting them on September 30th!

I had ALMOST resigned myself to the fact that I was always going to have gappy teeth, until I had my baby boy last year. Because I'm so ashamed of the way my teeth look, I never smile in photos. The last thing I want is my son looking back at pictures of us and thinking how miserable I looked. I want to be able to show it when I'm happy!
I even had a hard time when my orthodontist had to take pictures - he was telling me to smile with teeth and I honestly felt so awkward because it's something I so rarely do. It didn't feel natural!

I'm spending this week making up a few soups to pop in the freezer for those first few days of pain I've read so much about - I'm looking at it like a positive though. I have 5 kgs to lose before a friends wedding and this will be the perfect kick start to my diet!

[Chuck1026]

Let me start by saying this,... do NOT chicken out!!!

Okay, that being said, congrats on taking the first big step. I am beginning week number 3 already. Time is FLYING. I can eat almost everything I love. Very chewy/sticky and very crunchy stuff is fail, but you will be suprised what a fork and knife can help you make small enough to enjoy!

Make sure you have Tylenol on hand. Advil works, but there are some rumors that Advil can slow tooth movement. I doubt it, but hey, it's your call... In just a few days after being braced, the sensetivity will decrease and you will not need pain meds to prepare for dinner (that was my trick to eat solid foods on day 2 - 5).

After eating, cleanup is a chore... but possible. Flossing is time consuming but so worth it. A waterpick or other similar devices help too. You will learn quickly to carry a soft travel toothbrush everywhere you go! I have a few... one in my desk at work, one in my car... you get the idea.

Good luck!!!
Chuck

[happysmiles]

The braces diet is the best way to lose weight ever! If you want to drop a few kilos you can't go wrong

The pain's not too bad as it is temporary after all and the beautiful smile you end up with will make it all worth it!

[Faithaf83]

4 days to go!!
Excited much?!?! Looking forward to the weightloss and the metal mouth. lol
I have to say, I am not looking forward to flossing. I have never had to floss as my teeth are so gappy - so as the gaps close, obviously I'll have to start.

Has anyone had to use tongue tamers? I have a tongue thust - which has caused my teeth to move outwards as well as the gaps and I also have to have tamers fitted. Haven't read much about them...

[carolyndowdy]

[quote="Faithaf83"]4 days to go!!
Excited much?!?! Looking forward to the weightloss and the metal mouth. lol
I have to say, I am not looking forward to flossing. I have never had to floss as my teeth are so gappy - so as the gaps close, obviously I'll have to start.

Has anyone had to use tongue tamers? I have a tongue thust - which has caused my teeth to move outwards as well as the gaps and I also have to have tamers fitted. Haven't read much about them...[/quote]

I have had tongue tamers for a few days. Did you end up getting them? My tongue is so sore. I want to know if it is normal for your tongue to still touch them if you are swallowing with your tongue at the roof of your mouth.

[Faithaf83]

I had mine removed after 2 weeks. I couldn't handle them anymore. My tongue kept hitting them and caused me to have a major lisp. I work on the phones and no-one could understand a word I was saying. My tongue was a mess! Soooo sore! So my orthodontist said that I will have to have a permanent metal band at the back of my teeth once the braces are removed and wear a retainer overnight. I don't mind. I might also go to a speech therapist so try and learn not to do it!

[Faithaf83]

I found that when I concentrated on having my tongue touch the roof of my mouth when I swallowed that it wouldn't touch - but I had to conciously think about it ALL the time.

[carolyndowdy]

I found that when I concentrated on having my tongue touch the roof of my mouth when I swallowed that it wouldn't touch - but I had to conciously think about it ALL the time.

that is what concerns me. even when I concentrate the one on the right still touches. Maybe on thursday they can move it. I work on the phones too.