New here - countdown to braces.

[jjoobie]

Hi there, I am new here....just signed up. I am getting my damon braces on Nov. 25th. I realized after I made my apt that this is two days before Thanksgiving. Oh well....this is more important than eating...right.

I am 34 years old and can finally afford braces on my own. I was inspired by my father who got braces at age 55. He is about to get his braces off. If my father can do it, I can do it.

I am getting nervous but overall I am excited. This decision has also helped me to quit smoking, fingers crossed that I will stay quit. I decided that if I am spending this much money on healthy teeth I better get my *&%$ together.

anway.....hello. I would love any feedback. Especially from people my own age. I would love to hear your stories. 30 with braces.

thanks.

[mikedatooth]

Hey Buddy

30's is still quite young and remember braces only take a couple years usually and it flies by....

The first month takes some getting used to, but by then you will be very comfortable with them and you friends and family will barely notice them any more.

This site is great, so that we can offer you advice and keep your orthodontist in check. It is much better to do you research as you are and go into your treatment with some knowledge of what to expect.

Good luck and do keep your blog so we can keep track with you.

[Sunny]

Hi jj and welcome to this forum!

You're quite young for an adult getting braces, so be positive about what lies ahead and here's to everything going great for you.

Your father truly is an inspiration and here's to his naked teeth being a delight.

I was able to eat four hours after getting my braces on, and although I didn't chew much the first week, I could have, I just wasn't brave enough. The first lesson I had to learn was to use wax generously, so that I didn't get any sores ... and in over three years, still haven't had any. I only needed wax a few times, but it was great when I was eating, as it made my mouth feel comfortable. My ortho believes in the power of warm salt water rinses and for me, and most of his patients, this has been a huge plus to how our mouths feel. I started these rinses six weeks before I got my brackets put on, and I'm confident that's why I was able to eat so quickly and so easily. Another great tip, is to stay well hydrated. Keep water with you at all times and it's great when you're eating, as it washes most of the food away from your brackets and keeps your mouth looking and feeling good. Add to that extra moisturiser for your lips, as dry lips and braces seem to go together, but look nasty and dry lips can lead to cracks and sores.

You'll be able to enjoy thanksgiving if you want to ... most of this treatment is about attitude. If you have some discomfort, then stick to the soft foods and take extra good care of your cheeks, gums and lips.

Congrats on giving the smokes away, that really is a positive step towards a healthier future for you!

All the best for your b-day!

[jjoobie]

Thank you very much for all the great advice!
I have a few questions -
1. How do you floss with braces on? Do you get special floss?
2. Can you brush with an electric toothbrush? I have the Oral B Triumph and I really love it and dont' wanna have to give it up.
3. Did your ortho give you any pain killers for day two after you got your braces on? I hear that is the worst day....I bought some Advil, but wasn't sure if I should take something stronger.

I'll probably think of more questions.

Thanks again!!!! I am getting more and more excited.

[mariahfromchicago]

1.You can use a floss threader.
2. Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush.
3. No.

Hope I helped

[Sunny]

Good questions JJ and hopefully your ortho will explain the answers also.

Flossing is essential when you have braces ... and needs to be done once a day. It will take a little longer to begin with, but with practise it's all good. I use oral b superfloss, which has one end that is stiffened, and it therefore threads easily between teeth (at the gum) or up and upper the lower wire, and down and under the upper wire. There are also threaders available that you can put any type of floss through. Ask your ortho, as you need to have this demonstrated, to make sure you're doing a great job, as you don't want gum problems after going to all this effor to sort your bite.

Electric toothbrushes are usually recommended, as they make brushing easier and also help people not push as hard and risk damaging their gums and the enamel on their teeth. The brackets are bonded to your teeth and this is a firm bond. Sometimes a bracket may come off, but it usually doesn't happen too often, and you'll quickly find that brushing and eating will not damage the brackets and wires.

Hopefully you won't need any pain meds, and hopefully your ortho won't feel the need to give you any, as that would definitely give your subconscious a negative message. If you have discomfort that's annoying you, any pain meds you'd usually use, will be fine. I'm happy to report that in over three years, I've never needed a pain med. Hope you find your treatment goes the same.

Questions are always welcome, as apart from helping you, they may help other people reading this board! Please ask!