Depression and coping with braces

[Quins]

To anyone out there going with the roller coaster of emotions with braces.

I got my braces on the 12th of June 2013 and its been a roller coaster of emotions.

At first I was so happy that after 32 years of waiting to get braces I finally got them on and was extremely happy.
1st month was awesome and could see changes within 2 weeks. Then slowly but surely the constant pain got too much and started driving me crazy. Well soon enough the pain also went away and life seemed like it was going to be perfect again. Well like we all know the pain comes and goes at will and at random. So there are good and bad days. My lips and cheeks also have to endure the constant scratching and scraping. Explaining to anyone who does not have braces "its like putting lots of stones along the inside of you lips".

Yesterday was a a "bad" day and was wondering if I will survive the 2 years of treatment. Today my teeth feel like they are nearly brand new with no pain whatsoever.

I am not saying braces are "doom and gloom", but they sure aren't a stroll in the park. When we all decide to get braces we are so happy about getting them and worrying about the "looks", "comfort" and pain that we forget the emotional side.

On the upside I can see changes happening when I compare photos of when I started and where I am at. Although the wait to see significant changes can drive a person into wondering if it will ever work out and if it is worth it.

This is my main struggle....."THE DREADED WAIT TO SEE CHANGES"

Attached are photos of when I started, when I had the surgical extraction, 2 weeks with braces and now.

[JayC]

Think of it this way... How depressed/self conscious about your teeth and smile for the past 30 years? Braces are temporary and 2 years out of your life. I commend you in going through with getting braces. It is a big move both financially and emotionally. I always look up to adults who get braces later on in their life. Imagine 2 years from now, a perfect smile you will never want to hold back and will be proud of. You are 2 months in. Take it a day at a time. Get some wax to save your cheeks from the constant scraping. Or bring it up with your ortho about the discomfort that you are experiencing. I had braces in my youth, and it sucked a lot. My cheeks were always scraped. I got braces again in my 20s (I am 31 now), and it was a lot more pleasant. My ortho always cut the arch wire just a touch shorter so they would not poke past the last bracket, and would be hidden by a mm or so , so it wouldnt scratch my cheek.

Personally, I got used to the actual brackets up against my lips pretty fast. At first it was annoying, but I got used to them pretty fast. But everyone is different. Just hang in there and you will get through it. A lot is mental. I am sure after the first 6 months, it will be part of your life, and part of you. You won't even think much about your braces. For me, when it was time for debracing, It was a mix of emotions. I was thrilled to finally have my perfect teeth, but at the same time I knew I would miss my monthly visits.

[melodybrick]

Exactly as JayC said, consider the long-term discomfort of having wanted and waited for braces for so long vs the short-term pains. I don't think any of us are qualified to weigh them for you but for most of us we are zeroed in on getting that improved look and function at the end of treatment.

You're probably in one of the roughest phases now - that tooth extraction takes awhile to close but it looks like it's really coming along. Certainly, waiting can be dreadful, especially while you're not absolutely sure of the end results. I've only gotten my expander in so far - it's been one month now and it's been a month of unexpected emergency trips, slow turnings, various pains and issues eating and the slow progress I've seen. I think I can see a little widening but I could certainly be deluding myself as to how visible or large it is.

And while sometimes I feel like I can't even go out of town without fear that I might need some surprise emergency adjustment, I really, really want to see the end result. A roller coaster? Absolutely. Whoever sells it as just 'easy' is not completely honest. Dealing with braces for years isn't easy but what I've found even just pre-braces is that you slowly gain more knowledge, more confidence and once in awhile even less pain as you realize you're able to eat something you haven't for awhile or your mouth has toughened up a bit and you're not having as much trouble in an area. I know I don't have to 'sell' you braces but right now I can only hope that I'll be able to show as much progress as you after two months. I hope your treatment continues to go well, even if it is a bumpy ride.

[EmBee]

I have problems with anxiety, and that's been a big source of up-and-downs for me since I've had my braces I feel exactly the same! It's hard to imagine my smile and teeth as looking any different than they have for the last 23 years, and I know that I am going to worry about the outcome until the day the braces actually come off Like others have said, whenever you think too hard about being braced for 2+ years, the best thing we can do is focus on the positive and be self-encouraging, because otherwise the feelings of dread and panic can be overwhelming. Coming to these forums helps me a lot because the majority of people who post here have positive things to report on and say.

The other part for me at least is now that the initial pain and pressure from the braces being put on is gone, the occasional pains and twinges really puts me through some anxiety episodes. Realistically I know it's normal and expected, that the teeth are moving (even if I can't tell yet) so of COURSE there are going to be some pains and twinges in different areas at different times. But then that stupid little part of my brain kicks in with "....but what if it's not normal?"

[Quins]

Hi Embee, MelodyBrick and Jayc.

Thanks for the encouragement. I am happy to say I can see changes. My left side is also leveling out fast now and my top and bottom molars surfaces are slowly touching each other. My bite was absolutely messed up a few days ago. Its still pretty messed up but slowly improving. Its gives me some hope.

I must say that the rough surfaces of the brackets are driving me totally bonkers . Some days I just feel like walking around with my lips wide open and away from the brackets. I got a set of "comfort covers" and it helps a lot at times. Emotionally its a bit of everything.

I cant wait for the day I dont have these "scrapping, scratching, rough, poking torture thingies" out of my mouth .

I all fairness these "torture buddies" make nice straight teeth and the benefit is well worth the wait.

I have a question. How long is it before the first archwire is changed?

[EmBee]

That's so exciting that you are seeing so many changes! Are you wearing elastics to fix your bite, or is it just the braces alone? My molars haven't touched since getting braces on, and I can't wait til the day they touch again so I can eat normally.

And what are these "comfort covers" you speak of, because they sound delightful After talking all day at work, my lips feel all chewed up, and sometimes wax just doesn't cut it.

[JayC]

Usually wires are changed approx every month... But each individual is different

[mapleleafman888]

That's so exciting that you are seeing so many changes! Are you wearing elastics to fix your bite, or is it just the braces alone? My molars haven't touched since getting braces on, and I can't wait til the day they touch again so I can eat normally.

And what are these "comfort covers" you speak of, because they sound delightful After talking all day at work, my lips feel all chewed up, and sometimes wax just doesn't cut it.

They are soft plastic tubes which slide onto your braces: http://www.dentakit.com/cocoforbr.html
I'm trying to get all the tips and tricks figured out before brace day in 3.5 weeks!

[Quins]

That's so exciting that you are seeing so many changes! Are you wearing elastics to fix your bite, or is it just the braces alone? My molars haven't touched since getting braces on, and I can't wait til the day they touch again so I can eat normally.

And what are these "comfort covers" you speak of, because they sound delightful After talking all day at work, my lips feel all chewed up, and sometimes wax just doesn't cut it.

Hi EmBee

I am not wearing elastics at the moment....take note at the moment. I think soon I will be wearing a collection or rather more elastics than braces LOL. My left side the molars are now touching, my right molars are sending invitation up and down in anticipation for a tea party . They are still distant relatives and not neighbors yet

As for the comfort covers they are amazing. Its a kinda plastic/rubber strip that clips over the brackets. It gives you instant relief from the scratching and scraping. I must warn you though...leave the ends as long as possible because the ends tend to want to unclip. The longer ends prevent that. Once the strip has been worn a couple of times it takes the shape of your arch and is then even more comfortable. Wax also does not cut it for me. Its just a complete waste of time. Only time I use wax is for the poking wires at the ends. Other than that wax is a no...no.

How are you coping with braces?

[amywithlingual]

I find braces are a constant struggle, you just need to remind yourself of why you did it in the first place.

Hang in there!! 2 years is not that long if you think about it.
There are also something called pontics that hide the extraction site and can be shaved down if you're worried about people noticing them

[Quins]

I find braces are a constant struggle, you just need to remind yourself of why you did it in the first place.

Hang in there!! 2 years is not that long if you think about it.
There are also something called pontics that hide the extraction site and can be shaved down if you're worried about people noticing them

Hi Amy

I don`t care if people notice the extraction site while I have braces. As long as I don`t have any gaps when i`m done with the treatment. I have only had good comments and feedback from people. I take it like a broken arm. When its broke it needs to be fixed. Same goes for teeth. Its not a fashion statement, its medical treatment.

I must also say I am slowly learning to live with braces. Not easy I must admit. But i`m coping.

From what I can pickup from your username you have lingual braces?

[gaman]

They are soft plastic tubes which slide onto your braces: dentakit dot com/cocoforbr.html
I'm trying to get all the tips and tricks figured out before brace day in 3.5 weeks![/quote]

Their are also cheeper ones at morgan bumper dot com

Marty

[Quins]

They are soft plastic tubes which slide onto your braces: dentakit dot com/cocoforbr.html
I'm trying to get all the tips and tricks figured out before brace day in 3.5 weeks!

Their are also cheeper ones at morgan bumper dot com

Marty[/quote]

Hi Gaman

That`s a good thing. You can never be over prepared . I also got tips and tricks before getting braces. A few tips I got:

1. Cold water when your teeth hurt. The first wire is usually a "NI-TI" wire and they are heat sensitive. When they are cold they bend and shape to the contours of
your arch. When the wire heat up to the temperature of your mouth then they stiffen up to take up their original arch shape. So basically cold water takes the
pressure off a bit.
2. Wax provides great soothing for poking wires in the back. Other than that, the wax tends to fall off.
3. Comfort guards provide excellent soothing for you lips and cheeks. They how ever make your lips look like you are a boxer with a gum guard. Wear them while
sleeping. You will wake up refreshed.
4. Rinse with luke warm salt water. It helps to heal raw areas quickly.
5. I also use Andolex-C antibacterial oral rinse once every week or two. It helps keep the plaque under control and numbs your mouth a bit. Very soothing.
6. Pain medication. Always have some on standby. The pain comes and goes at random as the teeth move.


Hope it helps a bit with the discomfort of braces.

[cottonsock]

It's reassuring to hear others struggle with confidence. I've found myself avoiding any situation where k need to speak to new people. Especially bars or parties. Having had braces as a teenager, I didn't think it would be so hard.

[nickblitz]

I just got them 7 days ago and i am going crazy with all the lisp and pain from ulcers!!

I am putting wax everyday to prevent the ulcers and buying all sorts of cream to help them to HEAL faster. OMG.

And also the lisp is because i am wearing a bite plate.

I wonder how will i ever get use to all these things and contemplating on whether to get rid of it. Will the teeth move after 1 week?