What is one thing you did not expect/plan...

[bessadoo]

I'm 34 and getting braces in a few days...I'm curious to know what are the things that Orthodontists don't tell you about when you get braces.

So, please share so I can mentally prepare myself : )

What is one thing (or more) that you did not expect, plan for or that nobody told you about adult braces?

[JillD]

Maybe it is just me. I didn't know I would be required to wear retainers day and night for six months after braces.

[djspeece]

- That it is not unusual to have to come in between regular visits to get an archwire snipped, or to replace a bracket
- Things may get worse before they get better
- Women love older guys with braces

[Siobhan]

For me, I didn't know I was getting bite turbos behind my front teeth. That was an unpleasant surprise.

I'd also say the first couple of weeks were rough, second-guessing myself. Just know that it will get easier and stick with it.

[beckyboo0205]

For me, I think I did so much research and reading before hand that the 1 thing I didn't expect... was it to be as easy as it is!

I was preparing for the worse in every way and everything has turned out to be way easier than I thought!

[nellarmonia]

My chapped bottom lip! I think I have a permanent split. I know it was there at my last adjustment 4 weeks ago. Still there.

I have two positive things I didn't realize: Weight loss!! And I expected to give up a lot more foods than I actually have to.

[Faithsdaisy421]

I had no idea how much I would a) bite my tongue and b) spit when I talk. Yuck!!! I have to focus when I talk to not do either of the above mentioned things...

[ljms]

Dry lips.

The first indication I had that it would be a problem was the tube of lip balm in the kit my ortho gave me.

[Woobster]

I'm about 2.5 months in (I'm 34 as well), and I really have to focus to pronounce my "S"s correctly. If I don't, I have a bit of a lisp.

Other than that, I'm totally with beckyboo... It's been a breeze!

[WiredOldLady]

I didn't expect that eating would be such a pain in the rear. Right now, none of my molars meet at all so chewing is not easy. My jaw muscles get sore (like after a workout) with any meal that involves chewing anything. I think it has to do with trying to correct my bite but doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

[BraceForIt]

very interested with this post, ill be getting my braces in 2 days time so im sure ill have something to add once they are on!

[MrsCharisma]

Also 34!

I think the only real surprise for me is how quickly things can change. All can be going well, and then BAM my teeth HURT. Or my braces are cutting up the inside of my mouth, etc. Two days ago I could barely chew anything my teeth hurt so badly. Today? Eh. All's fine. It's so odd.

[Norrie]

Also 34!

I think the only real surprise for me is how quickly things can change. All can be going well, and then BAM my teeth HURT. Or my braces are cutting up the inside of my mouth, etc. Two days ago I could barely chew anything my teeth hurt so badly. Today? Eh. All's fine. It's so odd.

This same thing happens to me! Drives me nuts. Today is a torn up tongue kind of day, even though yesterday was totally fine. Meh.

[prairiehouse]

How much I'd dislike them at first (this only lasted a couple of hours).

How difficult it would be to get used to eating, brushing, flossing, having them in my mouth, etc. This only lasted a few days though.


How LITTLE it hurt. Pain wise I've had a great experience. I expected more based on what I read on these forums.

Since then it's been smooth sailing.

[bessadoo]

Tomorrow's the big day so all of your responses have helped me prepare!
Wish me luck!