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Well, today's the day I have been waiting for! I can begin the journey on the road to beautiful, straight teeth. I was never told what to expect, how long this will take, etc.
So, how long DOES this take? Does he just cement the brackets on, then string the wire through, and voila! Done? Or is there more to it? The wax I keep hearing about - I'm assuming I put that on the brackets, correct? Boy, I know basically nothing. Is there discomfort right away, or does that come a few appointments later after he starts tightening them?
It took about an 1 1/2 hours for both the top and bottom. First they put the brackets on (couldn't tell you how but its not painful, just boring). Then they put the wire in and close the little "doors". It felt a little funny at first but not nearly as uncomfortable as I expected it to feel.
I didn't need to use wax at all - the Damons tend to give people less trouble because the brackets have less rough edges than conventional braces. But yes - you use wax to put on brackets or wires, pretty much any part of the braces that is bothering you.
My teeth hurt about 4-5 hours later. I was unable to eat solid foods for about 3 days, and stuck to a diet of overcooked mac n cheese, apple sauce, ice cream, popsicles, yogurt, and slim fast shakes. Every day will feel better than the last, but the pain went away completely within 7 days. I was eating sandwiches, pizza, and burgers about 7-10 days after. I lost about 5 pounds, it was somewhat rewarding.
One thing you should know is Damon braces are "always tight". And though your teeth stop hurting after a week or so, there will be days when certain teeth are very sore throughout treatment. I have had this happen several times, but I am used to it and oddly enough the pain is somewhat enjoyable. I am going for my first adjustment May 22nd so I am guessing I will be in agony again for a few days.
Though it hurts, it is SO rewarding to notice your smile changing. I recommend taking a picture (or asking the ortho assistant to) right after you get your braces on. Then take another one in a month or so - you will be really surprised at how fast your teeth can move! It really is amazing and makes it all worth it.
Good luck! Make sure and ask your ortho all the questions you have-if he/she doesn't answer they aren't a very good ortho in my opinion!
Let us know how it goes!
Good Luck, Opie. My Damons went on March 1 and my first adjustment is next week. The application process took about an hour since I have a deep bite so also have bite bumpers over the lower front brackets and occlusal bonding on my upper molars. This has made eating more difficult than it would be since only four of molars even meet when I chew. I did have discomfort although nothing horrible and Motrin worked really well. I can't really bite anything with my front teeth and am looking forward to getting rid of the bite bumpers and bonding sometime this fall. I've lost ten pounds and am not sure why because I do still eat! Keep hydrated, take Motrin, and use wax liberally if the brackets bother you. Don't wait for a sore to form! As echoed in the previous post, ask as many questions as you want and take good care of your teeth. Keep us posted on your journey!
I had Damons for 21 months. I really liked them. My ortho did a great job using them to move my teeth. I did use quite a bit of was though. Even in the end.
If you have any questions as you go, feel free to PM me!!
