Metal Mouth Message Board

Well [i]almost[/i]. I'm getting my braces on next week. I've been wanting to do this for about 15 years and finally decided to go for it. I saw an orthodontist years ago and was told it'd be 4 years of braces and... a lot of money. I waved off, but have regretted that decision many times over the years. I've also been chicken, though, so I never saw another orthodontist again until just recently. This time I was told 18-20 months, which is certainly a less daunting time frame.

I've got a deep bite and crooked/crowded lower teeth. My top braces go on next week and bottom ones in a few months. I'm excited to be getting started, but also apprehensive. I'm really not concerned about the appearance of braces, just a bit worried about what it'll be like — how much pain/discomfort/annoyance I'll have along the way. Reading posts here has helped a lot, though. I think I have a much better understanding now and that's making me more relaxed.

I guess I'll spend the next week using up some Crest White Strips I've got on hand, as well as indulging in some favorite foods that I might not be able to enjoy for a while. And I just ordered myself a Waterpik. Any other suggestions for someone about to get braces?

I suggest putting together a portable braces kit - I bought a cheap makeup bag and filled it with toothpaste, a compact mirror, floss, interdental brushes, advil, lip chap, wax, and a travel toothbrush. It fits perfectly in my purse, and I always have what I need!

My ortho gave me an electric toothbrush as part of my treatment, and it has made a huge difference over manual brushing. I always get heck at the dentist when I go in for cleanings, but at my last one the hygienist commented that I'm doing such a great job and my teeth are really healthy! The bits I can see look whiter too (but maybe that's my wishful thinking...).

Oh good idea. I'll put together a little pouch with all that in it to carry in my bag. I've never been fond of electric toothbrushes, but I may have to rethink it if I find I'm not getting my teeth clean enough with a regular one. Thanks for the advice!

Hi allergygal, I guess I'm getting my braces about a week behind you. I'm pretty nervous as well. I'm sure we will both do great. I was at my ortho's the other day, and was surrounded by tweens, I'm just hoping that I'm not the only grown up I see in his office...LOL
~Elizabeth

[quote="BetsyBug"]Hi allergygal, I guess I'm getting my braces about a week behind you. I'm pretty nervous as well. I'm sure we will both do great. I was at my ortho's the other day, and was surrounded by tweens, I'm just hoping that I'm not the only grown up I see in his office...LOL
~Elizabeth[/quote]

I haven't seen another adult patient at my ortho's office, but one of the women who works there recently got braces on. So at least I know I'm not the only adult patient

Since I just got mine (just upper braces so far), I'll give you a rundown on how it's been for my first day and a half with braces:

There's nothing to fear from the process of having them put on. The worst thing about it is just the taste of the bonding agent they put on your teeth before attaching the brackets. Maybe you'll get lucky and they won't get any on your tongue like they did to me (yuck!!!!). Your mouth will feel very odd afterwards because you suddenly have this bulk on your teeth. It's so strange. At first, I didn't even think I'd be able to close my lips over the braces! But it's amazing how quickly your lips adapt. The main thing my lips are having trouble with are the little rubber band hooks (for use later when I get my lower braces on). Those hooks are really annoying and I kind of have to move my mouth a little funny because of them. I'm sure it'll get easier.

So far, I've only had some minor overall soreness/aching — nothing Advil can't take care of. But my teeth and my bite just feel all out of sorts, making it very hard to chew anything. I've been eating soft food like cottage cheese, soup and scrambled eggs and it's still difficult. I also discovered that a couple of my upper teeth are actually very sore if they get touched by lower teeth. Just sitting here, they don't hurt, but if I bump those teeth with lower teeth when trying to chew, it does hurt. Basically, everything about my mouth is a little sore and awkward. It's not bad, though.

I guess that's about it for my first day and a half of braces. Good luck with yours. Let me know how it goes.

I think if I can make it though the impression gunk then I can deal with anything in my mouth, they don't flavor it at my ortho's office so I was there with it feeling like it was creaping down my throat ready to gag at any moment.
Tastes aren't too bad for me but I will avoid the bonding stuff since you say its pretty bad. I will post some before and after bracing pictures soon so you can see what my teeth look like with and without metal.

My husband has been great telling me all about when he had his braces, he didn't have a bad experience so he is really positive. Helping me not be so nervious. I think I'm more anxious to get it done than nervious though. Seems like I have been dealing with this jaw pain forever so to finally have an end in sight I wanna do it now...LOL!