panic attack getting braces on..help!

[kilikena311]

It's awesome that they were willing to make some changes and work with you. My ortho does not use the tongue shield part of the cheek retractor and I probably would have also freaked out if they had. Congratulations on going through with it.

[gavinfilan]

Well done, you! And congratz

Just wondering, though: what's a tongue shield? I've had all manner of things done to me, but I don't think they've ever used one of those on me...

the tongue shield cups the tongue in a hard plastic shell to keep the mouth dry for placing the brackets. for me it also pushed the tongue a little too far back into the mouth for comfort (maybe my tongue is unusually long or something). it also keeps the tongue immobile.

[sauerkraut]

Ah, I see, thank you! I've been spared that, then, thank goodness as it doesn't sound much fun. Glad your ortho was able to work round it, too, and hope you're getting on OK with the braces.

[blindboarder2008]

congratz and that awesome how supportive your team was with you!!! Thats how you know you've chose the right ortho team!!!!! Your on your way now to a beautiful new smile!!!!