Six weeks into Damon braces

[buttersnacks]

New to braces and to this forum, hi all. Thanks for all the insight you've provided so far in my lurking.

A little background info on me: I'm 31 and got damon braces six weeks ago. Never had orthodontic work done, or even recommended until somewhat recently. I had the same dentist for about 15 years previously, and my teeth have pretty much remained the same throughout that time, with crowding, a crossbite, and a deep bite. I think things started to get messy from my wisdom teeth which I had removed quite some time ago. My dentist never mentioned any of that stuff though, just routine cleanings and the occasional filling. I moved and switched dentists, and almost immediately she started recommending that I get braces to fix these problems. Having a perfect smile was never something I cared about too much, I didn't mind the tooth that was set back behind the others a bit. I just considered it part of who I am. It was more my dentist's concern about the future health of my teeth that got me concerned, especially the crossbite stuff. It took around a year and a half of her prodding before I worked up the courage to do it, and she gave me a referral to an orthodontist here in the city. Went through the consultation, x-rays, and that disgusting pink mouth mold stuff. All in all, a 20-24 month treatment plan.

Anyways, got them put on early December, ceramic top, metal bottom, with Bear elastics on Day 1 for 22 hours a day to fix the bite in the back. Also opted for the Acceledent Aura.

Thoughts and things I've learned so far:

1) Wish I had just gotten this done a long time ago. I was feeling pretty self-conscious about having braces, especially as an adult, but like everyone else has echoed, turns out that nobody cares and your social life continues on as normal!

2) The first two weeks were really frustrating when it came to eating. The amount of time it took to eat a meal basically doubled for me, and that was if I even finished it. One particular experience that sticks out in my mind was out with friends one night at a ramen bar, I thought this would be an easy meal to get through, but because of these molar buildups or whatever they are, it turns out ramen noodles love getting lodged behind your archwire on molars, while the other end freely dangles down your throat. Not painful or anything, just weird, awkward, and frustrating.

3) What a chore to keep these teeth clean now! I had a cleaning by my dentist about a week before I had them put on, I brush with a Sonicare toothbrush and use a waterpik after every meal. I've always hated flossing, and now it's gotten even worse with the archwire in the way. Threading takes forever! I also had my first adjustment today and my orthodontist noted lots of tartar buildup on my front bottom teeth. It was actually really disgusting how much he scraped off, I've never seen that much before during my regular 6 month cleanings. Picked up some Plackers for Braces, hopefully I can get into the habit of doing it more often although even with these it's still a pretty tight fit behind the wire and between some of the brackets.

4) I bite my tongue and my lip accidentally a lot now! Not sure how it happens, but I feel like a total klutz with my mouth. I managed to bite down on both sides (left and right) of my tongue at the same time tonight even. The elastics don't help the situation either.

Finally, I haven't really noticed much movement yet, and despite some of the inconveniences that have been introduced, I'm excited for what's to come, especially seeing the progress pictures you guys have posted! I'd post mine, but I guess since I'm a new member I can't post images yet. Sorry for the essay, I just sort of let my mind flow freely and wanted to get a post in so I wouldn't be deleted in a couple days. Looking forward to the journey with you all!

[buttersnacks]

Oops, apparently can't edit my posts as a new member either, but forgot to mention that I got my bottom wire changed to a thicker one at the adjustment today, and will probably get it changed again at my next adjustment in 4 weeks. Hopefully that means good things!

[angelina]

Oh that must be a bit of an odd feeling to have these things in your mouth when you weren't unhappy with your smile! You're right though, even though we feel self conscious people don't really think anything other than "oh, he/she has braces". I'm similar in age to you and people have been really supportive and understanding. I can also wear a bikini now for the first time since I got pregnant ten years ago thanks to the soup and smoothie diet and the fact I can't just snack all day without wanting to brush my teeth after

I hear you on the tartar buildup. My first post here was me stressing about my buildup. I didn't even know what it was at first because I've never experienced anything like it! I had it all removed by the hygienist and I still noticed a tiny bit coming back after a couple of months and I went to my dentist (who recently had braces removed himself) and he just said it just happens and assured me my braces were clean, then I went to the orthodontist and he wouldn't stop talking about how clean my braces are. So I would imagine ortho's are pretty used to seeing it and understand it's not always a case of not looking after them, it's just something that can happen.

[buttersnacks]

Well, I've been a good boy about my elastics, and today the orthodontist reduced me to nighttime wear only! Feels like I'm cheating by not having them on at all times anymore, I'm loving it. Also got my expander spring removed and get to engage my lateral incisor now to bring it forward. Today is a good day in braces history :)

[djspeece]

Well, I've been a good boy about my elastics, and today the orthodontist reduced me to nighttime wear only! Feels like I'm cheating by not having them on at all times anymore, I'm loving it. Also got my expander spring removed and get to engage my lateral incisor now to bring it forward. Today is a good day in braces history

Congratulations! Onward and upward!

[Alani]

I am also 6 weeks into Damon braces . Hopefully all goes well for you!