OMG :( What have I just done :(

[AmICrazy?]

So my braces and bite plate went on yesterday and I am seriously in the "what the heck did I just do" phase :( I have cried twice, I can't talk right with this bite plate in, I can't eat anything substantial (my teeth hurt like heck and none of my teeth even touch to be able to chew with this plate in). I am regretting this so much. I sound like an idiot at work today :( They said the speech will get better after about a week but I am leary :/ Good thing is the plate comes out after 4 months; bad thing is that seems VERY far away and I am concerned how unprofessional I look/sound at work now :( If anyone has experience with a bite plate and can offer some reassurance I really need it right now :(

[naisy]

I know exactly how you feel. When my braces first went on I kept it together until I spotted my self in the car rearview mirror on the way home, then cried my heart out. It was such a shock to see how visible these things were and I was so worried about how I was going to be perceived at work.

I know nothing will make you feel better right now but give it a week and you WILL feel better. Whats feeling like giant rocks in your mouth now you will suddenly realise one day soon that you've gone a whole few hours, then days, without thinking of them. And believe me, no one at work cares about your teeth as much as you think. They may be interested and double take, but that will be the end of it

Keep up with lots of regular warm salt water washes. Hope you feel better soon!

[Olivia]

Hi AIC,

I read your post and hoped that someone with experience with a bite plate would answer soon, because you really seemed quite down...
I don't have a bite plate, or metal braces (invisalign at the moment) but may be I can cheer you up a little bit:

Keep in mind that A LOT of adults are procrastinating braces and straightening their teeth, you just took action where A LOT of adults don't...be proud of yourself!! You are that confident person who takes good care of him/her self!

I work in a very formal and professional surrounding too and I can honestly say that I would not perceive a person differently because of a speech impediment, caused by braces or otherwise. I generally am more interested in WHAT they have to say! I'm sure most people think this!

The results..Think about the beautiful result you will have in X time!

I hope this helped a bit, I wish you all the best!

[AmICrazy?]

Thanks Olivia :) I've laughed (and cried) with co-worker's about it today :/ I just have to trust that in a week the speech issue will be better and keep focusing on the end results. It's still hard not to be depressed about it all right now but I'll make it through!

[jambo532]

I think everyone gets that feeling. I know I sure did. Every once in a while I still have that feeling. But just know that it's all for the greater good. You will get through it I pinky promise.
www.allbraced.blogspot.com

[Ellebraced]

LOL ohhhhhh I think we have all been there. I like to call it ODGWHID (oh dear god what have I done) stage and it sucks. I seriously thought that and almost screamed it out loud in the ortho when I felt my mouth for the first time and then again when I looked in the mirror.

8 weeks for me today and I see huge results which helps the decision but sometimes I still feel ODGWHID but not so bad like the first week. I try to remember how bad I hated my teeth before and to focus on the results not the process of getting there.

I am so glad that you are able to laugh already. Finding the humor in it makes it easier.

[BraceFace2o1o]

I've had the 'what have I just done' feeling twice now. First them when the uppers were fitted and the second time when the lowers were fitted (more so with the lowers). But I remember after a few weeks of having my uppers things started to feel better and I could almost forget I have them. I am going to have an expander fitted next month and I am dreading it messing with how I talk . I think it's totally normal to go through these feelings, but most people only go through it once when the braces are fitted. But I feel for myself, I'm going to have gone through that dreaded feeling 3 times

I know right now it may seem horrid and like it will always be like this, but things do get better, or we at least just get used to them... it just takes time. I feel for you, but think you'll get great advice and comfort coming here and talking about your braces.