female, 22 with Self-Litigating Braces and Palatel Expander

[nikkiface]

Here is my story...

A few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to get braces. Many people asked me questions like "why braces?" or "why now?" and I have 2 (or at least one) good answer. To answer the question, "why now?.." the reason is because on my 23rd birthday in January, I will lose my dental insurance. So for me, it was either now or never. As for why I chose to have braces, the answer is pretty obvious.. I want straight teeth! Not that my teeth were all that bad to begin with, but I always had a problem with the way my one i-tooth stuck out way above the others. So I took the plunge and made my first appointments.

During the first week, my ortho (Dr. Fry of Kearny, NJ) inserted around 7 spacers between my teeth. I had read horror stories about spacers so I was a bit nervous. However, to my surprise, the procedure was painless, and the days following were bearable. I only had pain for about 3 days, which was not bad at all.

The next week, I had my brackets and expander put on. The whole procedure took about one hour and thirty minutes. Aside from the pushing and shoving of metal rings around my teeth, having my lips spread to opposite ends of the room, and the horrible taste from the etching and glueing, it was not traumatic at all. As soon as I left the office, though, I was beginning to regret my decision. This metal object at the roof of my mouth was making my mouth fill up with saliva non-stop... and I could not speak! I thought to myself "what have I done!?" How can I go on with work and school and not be able to talk without my new speech impediment.. Too late to turn back now.

Later on, when i attempted to eat for the first time with all this new equipment in my mouth, I almost began to cry. Everything I put in my mouth was getting stuck. It was so frustrating that I wanted to quit right then and there... after spending 2 hours trying to eat a bowl of soup, I suffered through my meal and just went to bed

The next morning my speech was a little better, but my mouth and tongue were very sore. I tried to eat some oatmeal, which I thought would be easy but turned out to be a horrible choice... I went to school and showed off my new hardware. Everyone was very supportive and respectful of my feelings. (my ego was hurting because i still slurred many words and talked with a lisp). After school I went to work, where I attempted to eat more soup. My boss was very nice and gave me all the time I needed. It took 1 hour and thirty minutes. The rest of the day was okay, but the more I talked, the more sore my tongue and cheeks were getting.

Today is my 3rd day with braces and things are getting a little better. I started using wax to help out with the soreness, and my speech has improved a lot. I can eat a little better now, but food still likes to go in between the roof of my mouth and expander. I am also feeling a little less self-conscious about talking and smiling. Hopefully the worst is over...

Side-Note:
I hope this expander works and that I did not go through all of this pain and torture for nothing.

[mikeg]

welcome nikki. I recommend you start your blog here:

Braces Forums - Blogs

The expander works, just make sure you follow your orthos instructions. I had it and got used to it pretty quickly.

Once it pops out the rest of your treatment will be a breeze...

I look forward to reading about your progress and good luck.

[nikkiface]

Thanks for the support! :-)

welcome nikki. I recommend you start your blog here:

Braces Forums - Blogs

The expander works, just make sure you follow your orthos instructions. I had it and got used to it pretty quickly.

Once it pops out the rest of your treatment will be a breeze...

I look forward to reading about your progress and good luck.

[Sunny]

Sounds like you have a great attitude towards your treatment Nikki and that sure helps!

Good luck with your mouth feeling great very soon. Using wax generously and warm salt water rinses can soothe and help heal your mouth, while it toughens.

Here's to you continuing to adjust well!