I am getting braces in about a week and a half, and I'm really nervous :( I have never had braces before, and I really don't know what to expect. I am in my mid 20's and I feel completely ridiculous getting braces. If anyone has any helpful info that I should know before I do this, I would appreciate it. Anyone else feel like this?

Don't feel bad. I'm in my 50's and wore braces recently. You'll get used to wearing them fairly quickly. It's just a pain when you eat and food gets caught on the brackets. Try to brush and floss regularly. Good luck.

Hey!

I know how you feel! I'm 22 years old, going to Univeristy...I'm graduating next year in 2 programs where the careers that I want have a lot to do with image...and I JUST got braces a few months ago!

I have ceramics on top and metal on bottom so it's not too bad. The top teeth are more visible but with the ceramic brackets...people don't really notice I wear braces unless I'm really close or constantly laugh.

Which ones are you getting?

Just keep thinking about your smile when the braces are off. That's what I do! I feel like giving up almost every day but I just keep thinking how my teeth and smile will look like once this is all done...

Good luck! And honestly, we always think its the worse thing but once you have them on for about a week or two...you start realizing that nobody cares that you have braces...

Thanks for all the encouragement. I am getting the ceramic ones too, so I hope mine aren't that noticeable too. I am a little scared about not knowing what to expect with braces. For example, how do you floss? Is there anything you wish you had known before getting braces that would have been helpful?

There's a floss made for people who wear braces. You can buy it at the drugstore. One brand is Crest Glide. There are directions on the back of the box showing you how to use the floss. You can also do a google search and learn more about it. It's a hassle at first, but once you get the hang of it, it isn't bad. :bouncing:

Thanks for the info. What kind of braces do you have sunshine?

Daisy,

forgot to ask, are the ceramic braces harder to keep clean than the metal? Any problem with stains from foods or drinks? Thanks.

Daisy,

forgot to ask, are the ceramic braces harder to keep clean than the metal? Any problem with stains from foods or drinks? Thanks.

Hi :)

The bracket doesn't stain at all so don't worry about it. What does stain is the ligature...the little rubber band going around each bracket to keep the wire in place. There are various colors you can choose. If you take the clear ligatures, expect some staining...usually the stain isn't SO bad...it turns to a light yellowish color...but people won't notice it...you will...but the lig won't stain to the point where others will notice.

White and smoke ligs are pretty discreet...almost like the clear ones. They stain a bit less than clear ones but they do stain as well.

The silver ligs are a bit more noticeable but they don't stain at all.

Of course if you are daring, you can choose colors but some stain as well.

Staining is due to foods like curry...coffee...tea...tomatoe things...stay away from mustard!!! ;)

As for your other question about flossing...you will get the hang of it. It's REALLY annoying in the beginning because you have to get the floss between each tooth...each bracket...it takes a bit of time but you will get used to it. I use regular floss but like Sunshine said, there is a special one made for people in braces where the ends are stiff. There are also floss threaders that will help you with flossing. Your ortho will show you how to floss when you get your braces on.

Don't forget to rinse at least once a day with warm salt water...1 table spoon of salt in a cup of warm water...it will make your mouth feel better...use lip balm...and use wax on the brackets that are irritating the inside of your mouth...expect to be on a somewhat liquid diet for a few days but you will get back to normal after a week or so...

Good luck :)

Daisy, thanks for all the info. Should I take advil before my appt to get the braces on, or should I wait in until after? Will I need advil on the first day? Sorry for all the questions.

take it from me, I used braces for almost 2 years and the end results were worth every single minute of it. Few things are more rewarding than the day you get them off. You won't regret it trust me.

Laina,

Everyone experiences pain differently. For some, getting braces is painful, for others...there is no pain at all.

When your ortho will put the brackets on, you won't feel anything. The actual process of getting the braces is very smooth. The only discomfort is that your ortho will have to put a lip expander while he bonds the brackets...make sure to put lip balm before to keep your lips mosturized.

After a few hours, you might experience some level of pain. I never needed an advil prior to getting braced or after. I never experienced pain...But it varies for everyone. You can take an advil before the braces are bonded...to make sure you won't be in pain afterwards...but that's up to you. I've heard so many things about how getting braces feels like you were hit with a baseball bat...in my case that really wasn't the case...at all!!!

You will feel pressure and soreness...especially with your front teeth. Flossing will be a bit painful the first few days...in fact you might choose not to floss between your front teeth because of the pain...But that pain doesn't last long...Brushing is also hard the first few days with your front teeth...but that will go away too.

Your teeth will feel sore the first few weeks...but usually it's only when you apply some kind of pressure...such as brushing, eating, flossing, etc...You may choose to take an advil but it's not necessary...it's just a choice. Expect to be on a liquid diet for a bit...and your bite may go off for a little while...but you will get used to it all.

When are you getting your braces? Are you getting braced on both your upper and lower teeth at the same time?

I am getting braces in about a week and a half, and I'm really nervous :( I have never had braces before, and I really don't know what to expect. I am in my mid 20's and I feel completely ridiculous getting braces. If anyone has any helpful info that I should know before I do this, I would appreciate it. Anyone else feel like this?
You will be BEAUTIFUL in about a year-CONGRATS!!

Thanks again Daisy. I am getting my braces on the 9th. I am getting both the uppers and lowers braced at the same time. I'm glad to hear that you didn't think it was painful to have the braces put on. Many people I know have been telling me how much pain I am going to be in, so I was kinda nervous. How long is your treatment time?


Thank you everyone for all of your support and kind words. It's just what I needed :)

I'm 22 and I am going to be getting braces soon. The problem right now is the $$ to pay for it. I am taking some time to save money, I want braces so badly! My teeth don't look horrible, but there is some noticable crowding in the front and I want straight teeth more than anything for myself. Don't worry there are lots of people our age and older with braces, its worth it. Good luck.

Hey Hun, I'm 26 and getting braces in a month or so. I have the same concerns you have, but I keep thinking about what I will look like in the end. That thought always makes me feel better :)

Hi,

Well I think good on you for getting braces in your 20's. Some people are embarressed but they shouldn't have to be, after all, think about how great your teeth will look once you have them off.

I'm twenty, and today I went to an appt. and was told I would have my braces off in seven weeks! So I'm really excited! I have had them for a LONG time (three and a half years) when it should have taken a maximum of one and a half years.

I had the clear braces on the top (for some reason they don't want to use those on the bottom, so I had the other ones on the bottom.

In my experience, there was not a lot of pain as I was getting them tightened, etc. Getting them put on in the first place had no pain at all. All I felt was pressure on my teeth (especially the front teeth) as they were tightened. However, after most of my appointments I found that I wasn't able to use my front teeth for anything so I would have to eat soft foods and chew only using my back teeth for a few days. But that wasn't really a problem.

My orthodontist never even mentioned flossing to me but I wish he had. I have just in the past few months had some staining on my teeth where I couldn't get to when brushing, and have some tooth enamel loss, so I am really dissapointed about that. So whatever you do, stay away from soft drinks as much as you can and brush at LEAST twice a day.

Don't worry too much about what it will be like to have them on. Like already said, most people don't even notice them (or care) especially if you have the clear kind on top. And you forget you are wearing them yourself. For the first week or so the inside of your mouth will be a bit sore because the braces cut into it a bit as you're not used to having them there. But it goes away pretty soon.

Thanks eveyone for all of the support. I get my braces on a week from today :eek: Is it common practice to have metal brackets on the bottom teeth when you chose ceramic braces? I hope mine will all be ceramic, I want this to be as unnoticeable as possible. I still can't help but feel ridiculous, eventhough I know this isn't a big deal. Everyone here has been so helpful, thank you for all of the great information. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks.

My hubby is most likely going to be getting braces soon too (he's 32). For those of you who have had them awhile, do you think it was worth it for the ceramic? The cost is not that much more so as far as that goes, it is a great option. His biggest worry is the staining. How bad are we talking? He drinks coffee every morning, and definitely eats mustard (I hadn't even thought of that, thanks for mentioning it Daisy!). How often are the ligatures typically replaced?

Laina, a lot of people, when choosing ceramics, have/or are strongly recommended to go with metal on bottom. I have ceramics on top, and metal on bottom (my treatment is approximately 24 months).

The reason why ortho's don't necessarily want or will put ceramics on bottom is because ceramics are a bit bigger than metal brackets. Also, the lower teeth are smaller...making the ceramics a worse choice for many.

In my case, my ortho didn't want to put ceramics because those brackets were too big...he still gave me the choice, but I'd rather go with what he thinks is the best.

Only 7 more days!! Don't stress too much about it; everything will go smoothly. What exactly is your treatment? What is your ortho going to be fixing?

My ortho is fixing moderate crowding on the bottom, and my open bite. I have the open bite as a result of wearing a TMJ splint for so long. Now that my jaw is in the proper position, I need the braces to move the teeth to this position as well. What is your ortho treating?

I have 1 dental crossbite on my top canine that is almost completely aligned now. My midline is a bit off.

On the bottom I have mild crowding.

Sometimes I can't believe that my estimation is 24 months when my case isn't even that severe...but I guess teeth have to move really slow...I have some kind of malocclusion...I don't really know what type though. So my bite has to be fixed a bit as well.

That does seem like a long time. My ortho said my treatment should be about 12 months, so we'll see. I let you know how it goes Tuesday. Thanks for all the support.

Hey there! Don't sweat it. I'm 28 and I've been wearing braces for 1 1/2 years and it's AMAZING how great my teeth looks now. The funny thing is, I got them right on my b-day.. great present huh? I'm wearing metal braces on the bottom and top! My teeth were so horribly crooked that I grew up a very shy and self concious person. Of course, that is all changing now and I can't wait to get them off. You won't be able to chew well for 1-2 weeks and you will be uncomfortable for the first 1-2 months but after that you won't feel them anymore. I recommend the soniccare toothbrush and glide threader. Also, try carrying a baby tooth brush in your purse so you can brush after every meal when you're out. Anyway, you'll be okay. I think the worse part of it all is getting the braces tightened. It's not painful but it does hurt a little sometimes. Good luck.

I wore my braces for 3 and a half years and was almost 19 when I got them taken off. I was constantly self conscious because I look quite young for my age anyway and I felt they made it worse. But after getting them off, I think it was worth every minute of the stress!

Good luck tomorrow!! Let us know how it went.

I'm sure all will be fine :)

Hi all,

The braces are on. I have ceramic on the uppers and lowers. My teeth are a bit sore, but it's nothing I can't handle. Still trying to figure out how to eat with these braces, but I'm getting better at it. Flossing is also proving to be quite a challenge, so I hope that gets easier.

Daisy,
How do you get rid of the colored dots along the top of the brackets? Do they go away, or are they permanent?

Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement.

Daisy,

Forgot to ask how the dentist does my routine cleaning with the braces on? Do I need to do anything special before going for a cleaning? Also, how long do the appointments for tightenings at the ortho take? Thanks.

And I thought I was the only one who had to have braces in her 20s! I also need them (have had them before), and the main two reasons I keep putting it off is the cost, and the embarrasement (especially because my boyfriend`s father is a dentist!).

How much are you all paying for yours? Most of you are in the US, so the US dollar doesn`t help me much. I am in Switzerland and things here are much more expensive.

If only everyone could be born with perfect teeth :(

Laina,

Congrats on getting your braces :)

I'm very happy you aren't experiencing too much pain. Soreness is completely normal...especially with the front teeth right? Don't worry, it won't last too long...about a week or so.

Flossing is hell but you will get used to it soon enough. Takes so much longer to clean teeth but nothing can really be done about that...

The colored marks on your braces aren't permanent. They will fade away with time...but don't expect it to fade away for a few weeks!

As for cleanings you will be getting from your hygienist, it will be the same way as if you didn't have braces. She/He will just clean around the braces...You don't need to do anything...

Also, I go for adjustments every 4 weeks and it usually lasts about 25-30 minutes...but it depends with everyone. It depends what you will have done on each adjustment and who does it.

My ortho does everything; he doesn't have assistants...he is the only one touching my teeth...and he spends a lot of time talking to me...and things like that...that's why it takes longer...it also depends whether you will have a lot of stuff changed in your adjustments.

Sometimes you might go in and have only your ligs (rubber elastics around each bracket) changed and thats it. Other times you will have your wire changed...put some more stuff in your mouth...etc...so it really depends. Sometimes your adjustments may last 10 minutes, other times it may last a bit longer.

Hope that helps Laina :)


cutie777 - I am paying 5500$ CAN for my braces. I payed an extra 500$ because I chose ceramics. But its different prices not only according to where you live, but also what is your treatment. The best person to give you an accurate price is an orthodontist. Also, I really advise you to go see 2-3 orthos for consults...you will see that each will have a different treatment plan and approach...it's really important you find an ortho you like and feel comfy with because braces are a long commitment. Good luck :)

Thanks for all the info Daisy, you're great. You're right about the front teeth being really sore, it's ridiculous. So far not many people have even noticed my braces, which is great.

Will I experience this soreness after every adjustment? My ortho told me he used a really light wire this time, does this mean he will use a heavier one next time? If so, does this mean I'll be even more tender next time?


I did notice that the dots have started to fade, but there is a black dot right in the center of my upper archwire. Will that one go away too?


One last question, can I really not eat popcorn while in braces? Popcorn is a staple in my diet, so this one might be really hard to avoid.


Cutie777--I am paying 4800(US) for my braces. I also chose the ceramic ones, which were more expensive. I think you should definetly get the braces, especially since your boyfriends father is a dentist. I bet he would really be impressed that you are fixing your teeth. Maybe you could ask him for a referral to an orthodontist he knows :) Good Luck!

Hi Laina,

When I have adjustments, I don't necessarily feel soreness after...there are times that when my ortho is changing the ligatures, it hurts a little because my teeth are sensitive (hurts when he's putting new ligs)...but it's nothing you won't be able to handle.

It also really depends what you are getting done during your adjustments. When I have my ligs changed and nothing else, I don't really experience any new soreness/pain after...but once my ortho put a small powerchain and I could feel pressure for 2-3 days...bot again it wasn't pain...it's usually just pressure/soreness that I feel.

You'll notice that throughout the process of aligning your teeth...some of your teeth will hurt more than others...you can experience soreness on one tooth one day...and the next day the soreness moved onto another tooth...that means movement!!! :bouncing:

As for the wire change...everyone starts with a light wire...I can't really comment on how it feels to have your wire changed because my ortho hasn't changed mine yet...but I do know from talking to others that there is a bit more soreness involved if you move onto a stronger wire...but it's nothing too bad. Don't expect to have a new wire at each adjustments...though if you get one at your 1st adjustment, that's great!! Means your teeth are doing well :)

You mentioned that black spot on your archwire...If I understand you well, you're talking about the black little spot on the wire...in the front? That will go away soon. Mine went away within a week. This actually fades faster than the marks on the brackets. You can try and scrap it off as well.

As for popcorn...I advice you not to eat it. At least wait a few months. Brackets can snap really easily...and when that happens, your treatment can prolongue. I still eat rather soft food!!! And I'm in my 4th month! lol. Just wait a few months until your bite has gotten better...

:) Later.

What is a power chain?

I will be having a lot of "slenderizing" done at my next appoinment. Have you had any "slenderizing" done? If so, what should I expect? Sorry to bug you with so many questions, but I really appreciate all of your help.

I am getting braces in about a week and a half, and I'm really nervous :( I have never had braces before, and I really don't know what to expect. I am in my mid 20's and I feel completely ridiculous getting braces. If anyone has any helpful info that I should know before I do this, I would appreciate it. Anyone else feel like this?

dont worry!! i had braces for 3 years! it kinda sucks when u first get them on, cause all the pulling hurts, but everytime it hurts just remember the freakin awesome smile you will have after!! i had the worst snaggletooth smile before braces and now i get compliments on my teeth all the time. dont worry! you will look great afterwards!

What is a power chain?

I will be having a lot of "slenderizing" done at my next appoinment. Have you had any "slenderizing" done? If so, what should I expect? Sorry to bug you with so many questions, but I really appreciate all of your help.

No problem Laina ;) Trust me I was the same way. I'm more than happy to answer questions :)

A powerchain is just a rubber elastic with loops (similar to the ligs you have around each bracket) only a powerchain goes from one tooth onto another in order to close a gap. I've only had one loop powerchain (going on only 2 teeth) in order to close a small gap between a canine and 1st bicuspid. So if you have any gaps...you might get a powerchain sometime during your treatment.

As for slenderizing...I've never had that done. I do know that sometimes when a little bit of space has to be created, orthos may choose to do some slenderizing instead of extracting a tooth. I do know it doesn't hurt at all though...but I can't say much more as I don't really know what exactly it involves.


How are you doing with your braces? Is it getting better? Can you eat more now? How about flossing?

I am doing ok with braces. My teeth are still a little sore, but they seem to be getting better everyday. I am able to eat more, but everything still needs to be pretty soft. I am starting to get the hang of the flossing now, but I am having a little trouble getting between a few of my teeth. Some of my lower teeth are so tight right now, that I can't get the floss between them. I'm not sure what to do about this. Does the ortho remove the arch wire during every appoinment? If so, will they let me floss those teeth before putting it back on? Do you have this problem with any of your teeth? Thanks again.

Hi,

Yes I did have that problem. And you will see that throughout your treatment, flossing will become a wonderful way for you to know there has been movement even if you can't really see it with your own eyes.

You'll notice that flossing will become easier on some teeth that used to be impossible to floss between and vice versa...that means movement.

I've never had my wire taken out yet. I don't think I will have the opportunity to floss when I do get my wire changed either. It depends on your ortho though, you can ask him/her if you can floss...

I do know that some people have bought a waterpik and they love it. I don't use one just because I don't really think I need any more stuff to clean my teeth...but you can get one...I hear it's really good at cleaning between teeth...though it is still necessary to floss. You'll see though that with time, flossing will get easier.

You are lucky!!!! It took me 3 months to be able to eat more than soft food...mainly because of a dental crossbite but still...it was hell ;)

I still have to eat pretty soft food, and I cannot chew on my front teeth yet. When did your front teeth stop aching? My teeth feel more sore today than they have since I got my braces on. Kinda weird, but I'm sure this will get better soon. I can tell they are moving because my bite feels way off, so it is kinda hard to chew. Was your crossbite from the braces thus far, or was this a pre-existing condition? Later.

No no...that's why I got my braces...to fix my one and only dental crossbite (my canine was WAY out of alignment).

I still don't eat with my front teeth...maybe soon? We'll see ;)

Okay Daisy I need your help. I went out for margaritas and mexican food with some co-workers. I had the strawberry margarita. Now my ligatures seemed to be stained a pretty shade of pink/red. How do I get rid of stains, or at least make them less noticable? I am glad that at least the guacamole didn't stain them too :) I hope you can help.

Laina, I'm sorry to say that you can't really do anything about the staining once its done. You can try brushing with whitening toothpaste containing baking soda...but it won't really help.

My advice is to not take clear ligs...those stain the most. Get white ones, smoke ones or light silver. I currently have tooth colored ligs...which are kind of a creamy color...and they haven't stained at all.

You ortho will change them at your 1st adjustment. Is it soon?

An advice: stay away from mustard...I've been told that is the worse thing to stain your ligs...

Oh, when you eat/drink things that are very colored...try to drink lots of water too...and kind of rinse at the same time; that can help reduce the staining.

Thanks for the tip Daisy. I go back to the ortho on the 6th, not too far away. I will definetly ask for the tooth colored ligs, I don't want this to happen again :)

I have a question about braces..I am getting them put on in July on the 10th. I am in college and I have a class scheduled for the summer which starts on the 11th. Does braces make you talk weird until you get used to them? I am thinking about dropping the class if I'm going to have trouble talking. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks

Amanda

I haven't really had any problems with my speech thus far. I got my braces on May 9th, and the first day or so I had a little trouble with a lisp, but that seems to have disappeared. I think you should be fine in your class.

Good Luck :)

Same here. I had a little lisp for a while...and even now, (almost 5 months in braces) I may have a little lisp or something with a few words...but it's no big deal.

You will definitely get used to the braces so there is no need to drop the class or anything like that. You will be fine.

Good luck with getting the braces :)

Hey all,

I had my first adjustment on braces yesterday. Everything seemed to go pretty well. I also had a few teeth slenderized, after which I ended up with a lisp. I hope this lisp goes away. My teeth are really tender today, but I guess that is good as it means movement :bouncing:


How are you doing with your braces Daisy? Anything new I should look forward to?