Kerft's Tingrin Journey

Message

#1 Post by **kerft** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:37 pm

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say thanks to the creator of this site. I am 33 yrs old and I decided to get my teeth fixed! I was a bit concerned at first but after finding this site I was very happy to see that there were people my age and older who have gotten braces. Archwired has been a wealth of information to me and has prepared me for what's ahead.

My journey started on June 15th when I did my consultation and today August 3rd was the day I fitted my braces. Luckily for me I just have a mild overbite and spaces between my teeth (I will post some photos later). I didn't need spacers (relieved! - from what I read they seem to be mucho uncomfortable)

So far today has been really interesting I started about 9 am this morning and now it's 5.30 p.m. and my front teeth have started to feel sore. Eating lunch was very weird but I managed.

Thanks again to you all!

#2 Post by **chillin-in-grilz** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:39 pm

Welcome to the boards! You will like it here. So many ppl always there for support. I, myself love it here:)

Good luck on your journey. Its awesome you have taken the plunge. Unlike most adults are afraid to to now adays.

It seems very popular in the UK. Most ppl on here are from the UK

. Me as a Canadian it is very rare to see an adult with braces.

But in high school, like every 3 ppl have braces

#3 Post by **kerft** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:00 pm

Thanks for the welcome Chillin it looks like we are really in a global family here.

In Jamaica I have seen quite a lots of adults with braces. I guess even though I saw them it was still something that I thought that I could do without. I think for my own dental health and appearance it was a good move for me to make. I am getting a bit anxious about the pain (I do not handle it well) But I took my Advil and did my saltwater rinse and I am keeping my fingers crossed!

#4 Post by **Milk n Cereal** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:02 pm

Hello and

kerft! I am glad that AW has provided so much information and reassurance for you, as it has for everyone else here, including myself!

Congratulations on taking the plunge and a happy b-day to you! You are lucky to have not needed spacers. They were more of a pain for me than the actual braces! Mucho uncomfortable is right.

I'm looking forward to seeing those pictures! It'll be a great way for you to track your progress.

Great to hear that your first meal went smoothly. I remember my first meal - it was as if my braces were getting more food than my stomach was!

The pain does simmer down after a few days, but the Advil sure does help!

Well, I'll be sticking around to see those pictures and continuing to follow your story! Everyone is here for each other through the many challenges and emotions we'll encounter!

#5 Post by **kerft** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:10 pm

I think I am having an over production of saliva! ...

Is this normal?

Milk n Cereal thanks for the welcome too!

#6 Post by **cwatt1** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 7:25 pm

Welcome to the forum, Kerft! Great to have you here. You'll find wonderuf support and education, as I have, from the members here!

Re saliva production: that's fairly common when you're just braced. As your mouth becomes acclimated to your braces it should gradually subside. I've found that if you be sure to drink plenty of water it helps with that as well. Just a theory, but I believe that the excess production of saliva is your body's way of keeping your mouth lubricated so that it can more easily cope with those invaders!

Take care, and keep us posted

#7 Post by **Laurie** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 8:18 pm

I too have an unwanted abundance of saliva. But you learn to deal with it.

#8 Post by **chillin-in-grilz** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:40 pm

I never drool now I do lol.

#9 Post by **kerft** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 5:26 pm

Well I made it through my first night. It wasn't so bad I slept well. This morning was not bad either even though I had to use some wax and I am getting a teeny bit better at flossing.

This afternoon has been the worst, I made some soup and it was the most painful meal I ever had. I realised that my upper front teeth were hurting... really, really hurting, who knew that hitting your teeth with a spoon could hurt so much

Anyway it was Advil to the rescue! so I am feeling better.

I am including some photos of my teeth before b-day and post b-day, they came out really small so I will do bigger ones next time.

Chillin, Laurie, cwatt1 - looks like we are the 'drool patrol'

I am coping with it better, I hardly notice it.

Before
Front View

Side View

B-day
Front View

Side View (it's kind of blurry)

From below

Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:10 pm

Not bad..Not bad at all

#11 Post by **kerft** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:08 pm

Thanks for the compliment and support jt2 - Charley is gorgeous!

chillin thanks for your support as well.

Advil rules!

I don't think I am going to play hero tomorrow, I am just going to take 2 in the morning and not have to suffer. I plan to go to the beach tomorrow, no pain for me!

I am tired so brushing and flossing time...

#12 Post by **kerft** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:21 pm

Thanks Karen.. I have been reading your posts and the salt water rinses have been a lifesaver thanks again for the welcome!

Today has been my best day so far no Advil, not much drooling, my teeth are slightly sore but I can handle it without any pain medication so things are looking up.. yeah!!

I felt a tooth shaking on Monday so I guess they are beginning to loosen up... Progress....

I wonder though.. my ortho says not to use any mouthwashes that contain alcohol..why is that? does anyone know?

#13 Post by **Laurie** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:34 pm

I agree with the others. I really think your teeth are going to look phenomenal!

#14 Post by **Milk n Cereal** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 9:59 am

Kerft your teeth look wonderful.

They are nicely shaped and for the most part are well lined up - I'm sure you'll have great results and after a quick journey too!

Hopes things are going well!

#15 Post by **kerft** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 8:49 pm

It is really good to be a part of this board. Thanks for the info and the kind words Karen, Milk and Laurie.

Today - Advil free but a couple of teeth specifically the lower laterals are now sore. It really seems as if it is a different tooth everyday. I also noticed that my bite is off. When eating today I bit my cheek a couple of times and always on the left side of my mouth...strange.

My ortho called today too. He wanted to find out how I have been managing but I missed his call.

Friday will be my first full week in braces!