It's not as bad as I thought

[Featheryy1221]

So my first week in my braces is done and I must say, it was not as terrible as I was expecting. I had read some posts before getting my braces on about how terrible it is and how you have a lisp, too much saliva, and a lot of pain. But for me, the lisp was barely noticeable. If you think that's bad, you should see how it is with a palatal expander. haha. Talking with braces is a breeze compared to that situation. Especially because with braces, it gets better, with an expander you always have certain words you can't say properly, no matter how much time passes.
I think the expander actually really prepared me for the braces. The actual tooth pain wasn't bad. I stuck to soft foods the first few days, since I knew it would hurt if I did otherwise. I do think I have a higher pain tolerance though, and I actually weird and kind of like the pain.
The only thing I will say is that molar bands are SO ANNOYING! Those things actually hurt from day 2-4. My advice for them is to wear wax on them before you go to bed (especially if you sleep on your side) and do salt water rinses.

I'm starting to get used to how I look in braces. The first day I was in shock, because they looked so weird, but now they're growing on me.

For the most part, braces aren't too bad. I'm sure after my first adjustment I won't agree with this, but so far so good. So if you are nervous about getting braces or nervous for your brace day, don't be.

[Anna5]

I am so happy for you that your first days in braces have not been that bad! I found my first week in braces the worst, so if you have passed that, you will probably be fine for the rest of your time in braces. Good luck with your treatment!

[beckyboo0205]

That's how I felt too! Either we are just tough or worked it up so much in our heads!!

[Tashi23]

Good for you. I'm actually really nervous for my first week in braces, getting them May 8th. I can't wait to finally have them but i just have a feeling its not going to be a good time at first. Plus i have a low tolerance for pain.

[Featheryy1221]

I am so happy for you that your first days in braces have not been that bad! I found my first week in braces the worst, so if you have passed that, you will probably be fine for the rest of your time in braces. Good luck with your treatment!

Thank you Anna! I hope you're right about being fine the rest of the time. I'm sure once I get thicker wires on in later appointments, I'll be in more pain. It wasn't an entirely fun first week, but I definitely thought it'd be a lot worse. I'm sorry your first week was the worst though. That seems to be what most people say.

That's how I felt too! Either we are just tough or worked it up so much in our heads!!

I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling this way. It's probably a combination of both! I tend to overreact and worry too much about things, so I think I prepared myself for the absolute worst week ever.

Good for you. I'm actually really nervous for my first week in braces, getting them May 8th. I can't wait to finally have them but i just have a feeling its not going to be a good time at first. Plus i have a low tolerance for pain.

You'll be fine. The first couple days are weird, because you have to get used to the brackets, but once you get through the first few days, it gets better. Like starting yesterday I haven't even really noticed I have braces, unless I think about them.
As for pain: when it comes to tooth pain, so far I think the spacers actually hurt more.
I hope it's not too painful for you and that your brace day goes well. Don't stress about it. Good luck with your treatment!

[Tashi23]

Thank you

[djspeece]

Great attitude, congratulations, and good luck! Keep in mind that if you tell your ortho you are not having much pain, they somehow decide to add powerchains, elastics, or metal do-dadds. They say it's part of the "treatment plan" but don't be fooled.

[Featheryy1221]

Great attitude, congratulations, and good luck! Keep in mind that if you tell your ortho you are not having much pain, they somehow decide to add powerchains, elastics, or metal do-dadds. They say it's part of the "treatment plan" but don't be fooled.

Thank you djspeece!
I'll definitely keep that in mind! I have 5 powerchains on so far, so I guess they decided I needed some pain early on. haha.

[Ciara]

I've had very little pain or discomfort from the start. Some of us are just like that and it sounds like you are one. I had spacers for 2 weeks (no discomfort at all), and have and power chains now for the past 6 months, again no discomfort. I've had the odd poking wire but that is about it. I don't have a lisp, teach phonetics and phonology classes at university, give presentations to audiences of 100+. I forget most of the time that I have braces.