Metal Mouth Message Board

I officially have debanding date , and I'd like some honest info on what to expect. Please dont sugar coat it and tell me its not that bad if it really IS that bad. Sometime last year I had to have 3 of my bracket removed and repositioned and I didnt like it at all. It hurt to have the brackets popped off, and then grinding off the glue was painful too. I hate having any grinding/reshaping done because it burns like fire inside of my teeth!! I'm just wondering if they're all going to feel that bad. What can I take for it beforehand? I dont think a couple of simple Tylenol are going to help any. Ugh.

Also, what should I expect of this appt and the ones to follow? Will they go ahead and take new molds for my retainers? Anything else I should know of about the debanding procedure?

Thanks

It's pretty much going to feel like how it felt when your brackets were repositioned as it's the same process. Most people find the de-banding process annoying but it really shouldn't be painful unless you have super sensitive teeth which it sounds like you do. In that case I'd start brushing with Sensodyne. It will help desensitize your teeth and hopefully male the process will be a bit more comfortable for you. Start bushing with it today. It takes awhile to build up so to speak.

Thats exactly what I was afraid of!! And I already use Sensodyne! I've used it for years now...

I should be excited to get these things off but now I think I'm starting to dread it instead.

I guess the only thing I can say is to let your ortho know how difficult it was for you when your brackets were repositioned and that you are concerned about the removal process. They may have a prescription strength toothpaste you can use leading up to deband.
My other suggestion is to bring an Ipod. The glue grinding off process is loud and I drowned it out with music. I just tried to focus on what I was listening to rather then what was going on in my mouth. It's not a long process to go thru. In 20 min you are done. Hang in there. You'll be fine.

Thanks, I'll try that. I never thought to take my ipod with me so maybe that will help.

Perhaps you should pop some over the counter pain killers before your appointment too.. Good luck and congratulations.

I had my brackets taken off a couple of week ago. It was quick and relatively painless. I suggest having lip balm handy. When they were doing the sanding my lips got pretty dry from the air of the sander. I didn't have any lip balm but I wished I did.