Just got braces ...

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#1 Post by **Phoenix461** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:16 am

I'm new to the forum. I just got braces yesterday (top and bottom). The discomfort was minimal last night (probably because they used the lightest wire to start me off) and so far today with the exception of a few canker sores forming. I put the dental was on the brackets which seem to be rubbing against my mouth.

I'm a a 48 y.o. single female and a lot lof people think I am nuts to put braces on now. I had to remove an impacted tooth last year and had a bone graft done in that area. My periodontist recommended that I have the bottom teeth straightened before I get a tooth implant. My teeth don't look "crooked" to the naked eye and are not crowded thankfully. But, I noticed that they have shifted a bit over the past several years. My suggested treatment plan is 18-20 months.

I tried eating salmon and steamed cauliflower last night but my teeth/mouth are just too sensitive at the moment and I gather from all the posts on here, that it will take several days for that to subside. So far today, I have had a protein shake, oatmeal, chicken soup and will puree some boiled chicken and squash tonight to see how that goes down.

Clearly I have a lot of reading to do here and everything I have read so far is quite helpful.

#2 Post by **636chick** » Sun May 17, 2009 2:06 pm

Welcome! Looks like we have the same b-day. I had mines put on Thursday. I am adjusting much better now but it seems as if they are rubbing the inside of my mouth more, especially at night. I hope to hear more about your journey.

#3 Post by **brainkneeak** » Mon May 18, 2009 5:42 pm

Welcome to AW..

You can use a salt water rinse or Peroxyl for canker sores and minor mouth wounds.

Things will get better in a few days.

#4 Post by **Phoenix461** » Tue May 19, 2009 6:25 am

Thanks for the warm welcome. I did have some "minor" discomfort but not to the point where I needed Advil or anything like that; at least not yet. I managed to lose one bracket off the top left side way in the back. My orthodontist says it is quite normal that is why he didn't wire the last two teeth in the back as he wanted me to (1) get used to having the braces in the mouth and (2) prevent excessive canker sores while during the first couple of weeks. He says he may or may not put the bracket back on that tooth. When I go back to see him on Friday, May 29 and he looks at my chart/mold, he will decide what to do.

As far as the canker sores, I have been rinsing with the warm salty water morning and night and using the dental wax over the offending brackets/wire. The sores seem to be healing.

Flossing is a pain in the neck but I do it because it is necessary. I have been using a really tiny interdental brush as well so it seems to be helping.

Is it just me or does everyone go through this? I am craving every kind of food I cannot have at the moment. Pizza, popcorn, cheese ... you name it and I am craving it.

#5 Post by **Phoenix461** » Thu May 21, 2009 11:57 am

1 week in ... the canker sores are my main problem so far. But, I have been using dental wax and swishing with warm salty water and that has certainly helped. I hope my mouth toughens up quickly.

My molars (top and bottom) have the brackets on but have not been wired yet. I have a feeling that when I go back next Friday to change the wire, the molars will be wired.

I am still quite nervous about eating "normally" because I am afraid of popping off the brackets. So far, I have been cautious and having mostly liquids.

#6 Post by **Phoenix461** » Wed May 27, 2009 6:28 am

Yesterday I actually ate some grilled tofu and roasted peppers on a spinach wrap. I have been biting with the front teeth to ensure stimulation to that area and chewing with the molars. My braces were filled with food and I quickly ran to the bathroom to rinse/floss/rinse and brush.

#7 Post by **Impulse** » Wed May 27, 2009 2:47 pm

Hi there

Thanx for the reply- but im jealous

You seem to be eating better than me!! Soup and shakes have lost their appeal, but should be worth it in the end. Good Luck for Friday

#8 Post by **Phoenix461** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:43 am

Well, here I am after my wire change on Friday as well as getting the molars wired this time. I also found out that two brackets had popped off of my canines so I had those replaced/rebonded.

It went much better than I anticipated but am back on soft foods. I don't feel any kind of pain when I am not eating - just pressure from the braces. However, when I try to bite down on something very soft, I feel sensitivity that makes me go OUCH! I'm trying to get back to eating as normally as possible.

Is it normal to have this kind of sensitivity when biting down after a wire change?

#9 Post by **Phoenix461** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 6:14 am

Ken - many thanks for the encouragement.

I didn't even know the brackets were broken/had popped off. As I sat there waiting for the adhesive to set, the technician seemed to read my mind and told me that it could have been that the brackets did not bond to the teeth properly, etc. and not to worry as it is normal.

What worries me is that I won't know if a bracket is broken/popping off since I didn't feel it the last time. Hmmmm ....

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Just got braces ...

Just got braces ...

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