I'm going to get braces this year!

[suz6694]

can anyone tell me what to expect at the first adjustment? When do you hear the braces will come off?

[NeilH]

Well that's the first adjustment out of the way. I have had both wires changed, a bracket removed and re-positioned, some elastic stretched between two teeth at the back to rotate a molar and pre-molar and some little white de-rotation things put on two teeth. The whole visit took around 20 mins and as before, no pain, aching or discomfort of any kind. Maybe the much anticipated aching will start tonight or tomorrow but get the feeling I'm going to get away with no pain at all as other than feeling slightly tight, it all feels perfectly normal again! One of the de-rotation things is right at the front so it looks, and feels, like I have something stuck between my wire and the tooth which is just a little bit annoying but guess it will become second nature soon. Will post a photo when I get a moment.

[NeilH]

At last, so happy, can finally join the club... And the reason is that I have experienced my first bit of aching and a couple of tender teeth! I should add that it's nothing too serious, I can still eat pretty much anything and I certainly wouldn't describe it as painful but at least I can partially sympathise with everyone else on this board now.

Also went to the dentist today for a thorough cleaning which wasn't too bad. I have decided to keep to a three month schedule of check ups to ensure I'm keeping everything as clean as possible ready for the de-bonding day some way off in the future.

[NeilH]

Can't believe I'm three months in already. I'm still really enjoying the whole experience and am so glad I decided to go ahead and get braces. I'm also still really happy with my choice of metal brackets, I don't regret that for a second and think they look great. I guess I'm lucky that I haven't experienced any pain or discomfort yet and have adapted really well to the challenges braces bring. I have become super conscious of every aspect of my teeth from how they look and feel to a diligent cleaning routine and the need to take a tooth brush everywhere I go. I enjoy talking about them to anyone who shows an interest and have found that many people either don't notice (unlikely), don't care in the slightest or are really interested in what I'm doing. So overall, still super happy about the experience!

[Sheryl 54]

That's great. I'm pretty happy so far too and have had little to no discomfort either. My biggest pet peeve is living with out some of my favorite foods Salads being #1. its been 3 months and I'm dying for one of my fruit and walnut and chicken green salads. Oh well it will all be worth it in the end.

[NeilH]

That's great. I'm pretty happy so far too and have had little to no discomfort either. My biggest pet peeve is living with out some of my favorite foods Salads being #1. its been 3 months and I'm dying for one of my fruit and walnut and chicken green salads. Oh well it will all be worth it in the end.

I found watercress to be a great alternative to salad leaves, it's easy to eat and good for you too. Glad things are going well for you too.

[NeilH]

Oops.. Big mistake. I popped into the supermarket on the way home tonight as I fancied something savoury and bought a bag of pretzels. Took a bite into one and realised a) it had the potential to break a bracket very easily, b) it could damage the arch wire c) it was strictly against the advice I received to avoid hard and crunchy food. But the problem is they taste really nice and seeing as I got away with eating the first one now want a second and a third..etc. Wish me luck!

[Sheryl 54]

Maybe you can soften them up in the microwave you know like the ones you can get in the shopping malls.

[mysticgirl916]

I love pretzels too, but I am going to opt for the soft ones instead - plain butter, nothing fancy. Easy on the brackets and still enjoyable

[NeilH]

No damage done I'm pleased to report but that's a mistake I won't be repeating for a while!

[rhibee83]

Hi Neil!

So glad to hear that you are not having to much pain! you are SO lucky!!

hahahah i love pretzels! mmmmm i miss them and corn chips! I would LOVE some crackers or nachos right now! I already have a plan for a feast of hard foods when these things come off! lol

I love my metal braces too so glad I got them!!

Glad to hear that everything seem so to be going well for you!!

[NeilH]

For some strange reason, I have started to bite the inside of my bottom lip when eating. And it's not just a small nibble but a large full powered bite which comes out of nowhere resulting in a very sore lip. Apart from that, all is going well, some movement but now much slower and less noticeable.

[NeilH]

And a photo after four months...

[Tobilei]

Yay for no or minimal pain! I'm super jealous! Things are looking good Neil And woo hoo for being 4 months in already!

[Sheryl 54]

Awesome NeilH