Newly braced

[Duckyfuzz]

Hi. I've spent months reading people's stories on this fab board and finally took the plunge and got my top braces on yesterday. In so grateful for people posting their stories and updates - without them I don't think I'd ever have plucked up the courage.

A bit about me: I'm 37, I'm from England and have 3 kids. I am also a teacher.

I have always hated my teeth. I sucked my thumb ( for an embarrassing length of time) and have a narrow smile and a 9mm overjet. At age 11 I had an orthadontist but he gave me a dreadful contraption that filled my mouth and held my bite in place. I couldn't suck my thumb with it so I didn't persist. I then hated him as he kept accusing me of not wearing it as there was no progress. So here I am nearly 30 years on and I've finally bitten the bullet to do something about it.

I have self ligating ceramic brackets, except on the back two teeth which are metal. The plan is he widens my smile and my overjet will reduce. My lower teeth re also crowded and a bit tilted in so these will be moved out. I don't get the bottom set on though til my third appointment. Prob 16 weeks

So, my gums are shredded ( not great when you are a teacher) and I'm too nervous to eat anything that doesn't pour down my throat. I'm such a wimp when it comes to tooth pain. I feel like I've entered a world of pain and dental floss and eternal examinations in the mirror.

Anyway, that's it for now. I hope I will be able to share my journey with some of you. It feels great to be able to post somewhere where we are all going though the same thing.

[mapleleafman888]

Congrats for taking the plunge and getting something done about things!

[TMJJill]

Congrats. I have clear self-ligating Damon's on top too, metal on bottom. I was 11 months into treatment when my lowers went on. I was 40.

I can completely relate with what you posted. I can also tell you it absolutely does get better. I went from taking a half hour to floss to getting both uppers and lowers in under 30 minutes.

My favorite 'assist' with the rubbing brackets is silicone wax. I found it to be 1000% better than the regular wax. I'm not sure if you have it in England, but there is a brand of Silicone wax ear 'pillows'/plugs called Macks. The package contains bits of wax large enough to plug your ears up. I just tear off a piece in the size I like for my brackets. It is much cheaper than the orthodontic silicone wax packages and lasts well. Just remember you may need to dry your bracket a bit to get it to stick well.

As for in-between cleanings after meals, sometimes a good rinse is enough. I like the proxa-brushes or "Christmas Tree" brushes. They are small to stick in a purse and do wonders with the larger pieces of food.

My upper arch has developed beautifully. I have been in braces to help fix a bite messed up due to bruxism and TMJD. With treatment, my bite is now almost complete. I'm getting my braces off soon after a bit over two years.

Good luck on your journey.

[chichi]

Welcome and congrats on being braced! I'm also in self-ligating brackets (Damons). You will learn to eat again and the shredding will stop eventually

[Duckyfuzz]

Hi! Thanks for the lovely replies. Great tip about the wax too - I'm sure I bought some wax for my youngest after he had his grommets fitted but may have been in his ears for swimming so probably not best to put it in my mouth. I've got some of those brushes too. At the moment it hurts to use them but its got to get better. By the time I saw my class out of school this afternoon I could taste blood in my mouth too. Funnily I don't mind the ulcers though. It's the sensitive teeth. I keep worrying they are all going to drop out and there will be a pile of them on the floor attached to a wire.

I'm desperate for movement too. How long until you noticed a change. I am constantly taking photos and comparing them to my first, half expecting to see a big shift. I'm so impatient!

However, still really glad I've taken the plunge and I will have a look at your stories to give me some more tips. Xx