Utter Hell

[Swish]

So, long story short, I'm 18 and I just got braces yesterday. I'll need them for a year to a year and a half. It's been hell for me, more or less... so far, anyways.

My teeth feel like they're going to fall out of my mouth. That part isn't SO bad, but it does annoy me.
What's much worse is this TPA thing in my mouth. I can't stand it. My orthodontist didn't tell me what it was or that I was going to need it, and I already want it out. I can't eat anything. I tried to eat pineapple and that was a total disaster. Food keeps getting stuck in between the TPA and the roof my mouth. I also can't talk without sounding dorky.

Is there anything I can do to eat? Talk? I have to mumble... It's pretty annoying.

[noveldevice]

I don't have a TPA (thank god, I really hope my ortho doesn't spring it on me), but try more of a liquid diet. I ate nothing both coffee, yogurt, and cream of wheat most of the time for the first six to eight weeks after I got my braces, but it's so much easier to eat now. I'd say that if you give it some time, things will probably shake out for you.

Just go easy, eat a lot of yogurt, cream of wheat, soup, etc. Try warm liquids when your teeth are hurting; I found them very soothing.

You can get through it!

[GRILLZ]

mash potatoes are soothing too. you can get through this. the first 3 days are the worst. it gets better. by one week post, you'll be feeling significantly better. hang in there!! we are here for you

[mikek]

It definitely gets better over time as your mouth gets used to everything. Hang in there!

[tashay1985]

Yes hang in there, it does get better once you get used to everything. I felt that way in the beginning like "What did I just get myself into!" I honestly wanted to go back and have the ortho remove my braces a few hours into it but i couldnt because i had extractions. But Now its been 15 months and i am so happy that i finally did this, and i believe you will too! Just remember it's a phase and it will not last forever. Eating very soft foods does help, and eating slowly. I took a lot of over the counter pain relief like Tylenol, Advil, some Excedrin migraine Helped tremendously. Another thing that helped was a ice pack since my cheeks were very sore, and i sucked on lots of ice. I hope you feel better soon