Braces :(

[sheena lee]

So I got braces today. It took a good 2 hours for everything, and I'm not in any pain really unless I try to eat... I didn't really know what to expect in terms of how I would look, but I didn't expect to look in the mirror and think, "oh my god, I'm HIDEOUS." Afterall I know people with braces, and people who've had braces, and I never really thought they looked particularly bad...

It took a little bit of time, some sleep, a shower and makeup, but I feel like I've regained some of my self-esteem.

Was Day 1 of this process daunting for anyone else? To me it feels so eternal, and I guess since I don't see any changes yet (of course), it just seems like it's going to take foreverrrrr.

 

[momenteller]

Its been so long since I've had braces myself-- 20+ years-- but my daughter had them put on in June. Her teeth were all messed up, poking in every which direction. Now, just 4 months later, they are almost completely straight! I was amazed how fast it happened. So while the time you have to wear them seems forever, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you'll see results. It will make it seem worthwhile, I hope.

 

[sheena lee]

My teeth are not toooo bad, I just have an overbite and alignment issues (which is called malocclusion in humans too!) It's great to hear that it only took 4 months for your daughter to see vast improvement! I'm just eager for the weird feeling in my mouth to go away, and to be able to chew again. There's a weird spacer in my teeth so I can't close my mouth properly, so my jaw keeps slipping and my front top and bottom teeth knock together very unpleasantly.

I guess now it's just waiting for it all to get better!

 

[Raisinggrace]

I had braces about 4 years ago and to me the spacers were the worst part and I had an underbite so I had to have the rubberbands...I hated those things. I had mine for about a year and it really did nothing for me except close the gaps but I didn't ever use my retainer so now all my teeth have shifted....so I can't stress enough to use the retainer after the braces come off.

 

[momenteller]

I'm just eager for the weird feeling in my mouth to go away, and to be able to chew again.

It may take about a week. Stock up on soup and smoothies!

 

[GorillaJTA]

It may take about a week. Stock up on soup and smoothies!

And toothbrushes, toothpaste, and real listerine! Nothing worse than someone getting their braces off and having a bunch of cavities around them because of all the new places for stuff to get stuck.

 

[Raisinggrace]

And toothbrushes, toothpaste, and real listerine! Nothing worse than someone getting their braces off and having a bunch of cavities around them because of all the new places for stuff to get stuck.

Beyond agree with this!!!

 

[Jenn]

sonicare toothbrush and irrigators can help a lot to keep your teeth clean with braces. Our irrigator stopped working and trying to help my son floss his teeth with braces is a nightmare. It takes so long to thread the floss under the wire for each tooth. An irrigator would be so helpful! My son only complains about his teeth being sore for 2 to 3 days after he visits the orthodontist. Oh, and since food will get stuck in your braces after each meal, I would always have a toothbrush with you wherever you go. As terrible as braces can be, you will certainly love the way your teeth look very soon!

 

[sheena lee]

lol thanks guys!

Before getting the braces on I bought a really amazing electric toothbrush in preparation, but I don't think I'll be using it yet - the vibrations on my sore teeth will probably make me wanna die!

 

[Lynn & The Chins]

I wore braces for almost 5 years, because my teeth were so maloccluded. But, after it was all over, I have a smile that is (I think) my best feature.

Best advice I can give you is warm saltwater rinses. Put a tablespoon of salt in a large glass of the warmest water you can stand. Take a mouthful at a time and vigorously swish it around in your mouth and then spit it out. The salt is soothing and the heat from the water will be like a heating pad for your gums/teeth and help with the pain, especially after the dreaded adjustments. Do this for 5-10 minutes at a time throughout the day, multiple times as needed. Works like magic...I promise you!!!

I agree with keeping your teeth clean. I had a Waterpik that made it very easy to do, and you don't want to have discolorations or a cavities when the braces come off.

Good luck -- you'll be thrilled with the results!!!

 

[sheena lee]

The salt water is a really good idea!! Wish I had thought of that last night! The pain is really significantly better today though, but I still can't chew. I think I've probably lost 5lbs already.

My mom is supposedly buying me a Waterpik for Christmas, but that's a good few months away still... I was considering buying one myself but I can't afford it right now, so I'll have to do without it for a while!