Newbie..Hello

[Aishang]

Hi everyone!.. My name is annie, I accidently found this forum because i was google question about braces and click this forum. i started reading all the posts some was helpful information, and some was scary..

Anyways, I just got braces 4 days ago and i'm in PAIN! i can't chew, i'm basically doing the liquid diet.. Is that normal? I'm always hungry and paranoid about stain and things getting stick between my teeth...
I am having a rough time with this. Hope this is normal??

can someone give me advise? or word of courage?

Don't i sound like a wimp and i'm 28

[NotParis]

I have only had mine for two weeks and I was just as nervous as you. I didn't eat anything for the first week or so. After some of the discomfort goes away it will get easier. You have to relearn the inside of your mouth, what should be there, what shouldn't. Take a toothbrush with you everywhere, just in case you have something stuck. I also bought some straight, disposable flossers at CVS. The are like fancy toothpicks since the traditional flosser won't work anymore.
I haven't noticed any problem with stains, and I have eaten enchilada sauce, etc. Just brush, brush, brush. Use the wax that the ortho gave you, it helps to save the inside of your mouth. I actually found more at a local grocery store that was super cheap.
Don't get too discouraged, trust me it does get easier!! I am 35 and was so nervous to go in and get mine. But it all worked out and I am so happy now.

Oh, try the carnation instant breakfast, Strawberry Sensation, it is sooooo good!!!

NotParis

[limvicky]

The pain will definitely subside after a few days. Don't be afraid to eat soft foods also, not just liquid. I've had my ceramic braces for 2 weeks and I think I may have already gotten use to the whole process of cleaning my teeth after every meal. You're not alone!

-limvicky

[Sunny]

Hi and welcome to this forum!

Where I work we ask our patients to get back to eeating as usual after four hours. The sooner you get back to chewing the better you'll feel. Some foods will get stuck between brackets, around the archwire and teeth etc ... and this can be annoying, but the sooner you get used to it the better for you, as this is what orthodontic treatment is all about.

It's wise to drink water while you're eating, as this way you can rinse your mouth out as you eat and this means there's not much left to clean up after at the end. I also bite and chew with my side teeth only ... so that keeps food away from the front brackets and no mess in those areas.

If your teeth are sore ... chewing is one of the best ways to improve your comfort level. Chew on soft foods to begin with and then work up to harder foods. Also cutting your food into small pieces during the first few days helps if your mouth is sore. This means you can try to chew/chew a little and then swallow it safely.

Rinsing with warm salt water is great for sore mouths. Also use wax generously for any brackets that rub ... and keep the wax on while eating.

Good luck ... it does get better, but you have to get back to your usual life to help you feel better!

[Aishang]

Thanks for every advice and encouragement; I had no one to turn to my entire family have perfect teeth except me. The struggling I was going through seem like nobody understand.. Thanks for the reply

[Sunny]

You're always welcome here to post questions and give and seek support.

Most posters are adults and many of us prefer to share here than to bore family and friends with things they don't have to deal with.

Good luck!