50+ with braces for the first time

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#1 Post by **bugnursebrenda** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 8:49 am

Hello All...I finally took the plunge and got them on this past week. I think that I have more dental wax on the "pokies" than I do teeth at this point! LOL...do you ever get used to the sensation of something constantly poking at you?

#2 Post by **Pattyb** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:32 am

Hi Bug,
I'm also a 50+ newly braced person.
It took me a good month to really get used to these things. The first week was the worst with the insides of my mouth getting torn up. I'm almost at the 5 week mark and things are finally better. I go in for my first adjustment in 3 days and I'm a bit nervous about that.

I found that there is tremendous support and great tips and ideas on the boards here. Welcome and let us know how you are coming along.

Patty

#3 Post by **mikesmile** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 8:06 am

Hi Brenda

I'd like to add my own well wishes to you for starting your journey. I'm also part of the 50+ club here, although it's my second time.

As you can see by my ticker, it hasn't been long this time either. I assure you it get's easier, and it shouldn't take you more than a few weeks to get used to them. You'll thank yourself, believe me.

Another thing I learned on this site is: Document your progress by taking photos at regular intervals along the way. It validates everything, plus it's amazing to see the changes. There's some really cool progress photos on people's stories here. Good luck with everything...!

#4 Post by **bugnursebrenda** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 8:43 am

Thanks everyone for the supportive words. I do love support forums when faced with a new endeavor, it makes you feel so not alone. The wires are not so much an issue as the "hooks" that I assume are for the elastics later on. I have found the right spots now and only have to use the wax on 4 areas. The top teeth are very tender and unable to tolerate any little pressure on them right now.

Lots of soup, soft foods and a small investment in dental wax and chap stick are getting me through right now. I am not mumbling all day..."why did I do this" as much as I had over the weekend! Some progress for sure.

Thanks!

#5 Post by yo » Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:34 pm

Add me to the 50+ club! I haven't had mine on very long either. Took me about the same amount of time to get used to them, about a month. I packed on the wax overnight to give my mouth some healing time. Then I tried to stick it out during the day.

Good luck!

#6 Post by **Kitagirl** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:40 pm

Things heal up in a week or two but then as your teeth move you get new sores here and there.

I keep finding new ones on my bottom lips lately! I can't stand wax though so I generally just try to tough it out the best I can..if I have to, I use a bit of numbing liquid, that helps.

#7 Post by **bugnursebrenda** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:42 am

I have just discoverd the numbing gel...Wow! I feel like a new woman this morning! I have no wax on right now and I think I am starting to turn the corner. I suppose this will be an ongoing issue as the months tick down.

The other benefit is that I have lost some weight, ha, ha. So glad to have found this site. Thanks everyone!

#8 Post by **Kitagirl** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 8:23 am

I think the numbing gel actually protects the area and lets it heal...I found whenever things got really bad, I put that stuff on and it did seem to start healing after that.

#9 Post by **Kitagirl** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 8:23 am

Oh plus it helps toughen up the area without you feeling it...are there no "edit" functions in this board? Hmm.