Tips for living with braces?

wimp

wimp

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Sep 28, 2014
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#1
Please delete if this is the wrong place for this but I just got braces yesterday. I originally got the consult for cosmetic reasons but found out it's actually a health risk to not do it so it will be a double-benefit in the end. My teeth hurt a lot and I dread eating. Would love to hear some tips/advice from those who have lived with/are currently living with braces!

Here's my before photos!

braces-day1.jpg braces-day1-closeup.jpg
 
#2
Highly recommend a water flosser:

1644523646521.png
This does NOT replace flossing entirely. But it really helps cleans out braces in hard to reach areas with build up.

You can also use floss picks: (this is just a photo for reference, not a specific recommendation; there are a huge variety of floss picks)

1644524056692.png
As uncomfortable and painful as it is, be very diligent with your flossing. Your gums will thank you after the braces are taken off. Flossing will prevent inflammation, gingivitis, as well as receding gums, because no one want their teeth to fall out when in their 40s/50s. Gum help hold your teeth in place (besides the roots of your teeth), so it's important to keep them healthy and happy.

If any of the parts are cutting into your mouth, if they are severe, tell your dentist; he/she may be able to make some adjustments. You can also ask your dentist or go to your local CVS/walgreens and buy wax. The wax can be put on rough surfaces to prevent cuts. However, they do need to be removed when brush your teeth.

As for the discomfort and pain, unfortunately it's like a right of passage. It's something everyone has to deal with when they get braces. Once you're about a week in, it should feel a lot better.


Note: I have not had braces for over 15 years, so I am not the most up-to-date; but these are just my initial thoughts from my experiences (I had braces twice).

Good luck!
 
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#3
lill_canele said:
Highly recommend a water flosser:

View attachment 5323295
This does NOT replace flossing entirely. But it really helps cleans out braces in hard to reach areas with build up.

You can also use floss picks: (this is just a photo for reference, not a specific recommendation; there are a huge variety of floss picks)

View attachment 5323309
As uncomfortable and painful as it is, be very diligent with your flossing. Your gums will thank you after the braces are taken off. Flossing will prevent inflammation, gingivitis, as well as receding gums, because no one want their teeth to fall out when in their 40s/50s. Gum help hold your teeth in place (besides the roots of your teeth), so it's important to keep them healthy and happy.

If any of the parts are cutting into your mouth, if they are severe, tell your dentist; he/she may be able to make some adjustments. You can also ask your dentist or go to your local CVS/walgreens and buy wax. The wax can be put on rough surfaces to prevent cuts. However, they do need to be removed when brush your teeth.

As for the discomfort and pain, unfortunately it's like a right of passage. It's something everyone has to deal with when they get braces. Once you're about a week in, it should feel a lot better.


Note: I have not had braces for over 15 years, so I am not the most up-to-date; but these are just my initial thoughts from my experiences (I had braces twice).

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Ooh thanks for all the info! I actually bought a waterpik but I'm scared of knocking the brackets off. Do you recall if you used yours on the highest setting?

Arg flossing was hard enough for me before braces due to the crowding. I will do my best!

Thank you!
 
#4
star mix said:
Ooh thanks for all the info! I actually bought a waterpik but I'm scared of knocking the brackets off. Do you recall if you used yours on the highest setting?

Arg flossing was hard enough for me before braces due to the crowding. I will do my best!

Thank you!
Click to expand...

Oh your braces should be fine, they are cemented on with a very strong adhesive! You can always start off with a lower pressure and go up higher as needed.
I don't recall if I ever used it on the highest setting, but I remember using a decent amount of pressure that worked for me and didn't feel uncomfortable.

No problem!
 
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#5
I say YES TO FLOSSING too!
I had braces when I was a teenager and althought it is uncomfortable you will have huge benefits so just keep it up sista!!!!
You look gorgeous with or without them, and as long as you follow your specialist's directions, you will be having a perfect and healthy smile in no time!
 
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#6
BaconR said:
I say YES TO FLOSSING too!
I had braces when I was a teenager and althought it is uncomfortable you will have huge benefits so just keep it up sista!!!!
You look gorgeous with or without them, and as long as you follow your specialist's directions, you will be having a perfect and healthy smile in no time!
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Thank you so much!! Such kind words :heart: I'm hoping the next 2 years flies by as far as braces are concerned! However this day has gone so slowly due to the pain :doh:
 
#7
Figured i'd post here after having them for almost 2 weeks. The first few days were AWFUL as far as pain. Drank some big slurpees and my partner insisted I get Tylenol. I don't really take painkillers most of the time and just try to tough it out but he was adamant so he went and bought it himself. I'm really glad he did because it helped a lot for the first few days.

Food-wise, I ate mac & cheese, soup with overcooked noodles cut into small pieces, and smoothies. Even once the pain went away, my teeth were still tender when chewing and I was super paranoid about knocking a bracket off. I cut all my food into small pieces and found that it always needed to be even smaller!

I did actually knock a bracket off my crown while waterflossing but my ortho had told me that was likely to happen and not to worry if it did.

Now it doesn't hurt anymore but I have bite turbos so I still find it uncomfortable to close my mouth and I also have a lisp, which I am not thrilled about. I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end!
 
#8
Adult braces person here. Wax was a must for me. It's much easier to eat with a fork and knife than to bite into something. I still cut corn off the cob because I found that I like it better that way. A boyfriend did make fun of me when I cut up an eggroll but I enjoyed the laugh. Be careful about eating foods that can stain your upper clear brackets. And when it's over, WEAR YOUR RETAINERS! Otherwise, you'll wind up like me paying for braces again many years later.
 
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#9
Vanilla Bean said:
Adult braces person here. Wax was a must for me. It's much easier to eat with a fork and knife than to bite into something. I still cut corn off the cob because I found that I like it better that way. A boyfriend did make fun of me when I cut up an eggroll but I enjoyed the laugh. Be careful about eating foods that can stain your upper clear brackets. And when it's over, WEAR YOUR RETAINERS! Otherwise, you'll wind up like me paying for braces again many years later.
Click to expand...

Ah yes this is what everyone says! "My teeth moved back". Knowing how much trouble it is, I have a new empathy for them. I think it's the main reason I'm happy to be getting braces as an adult on my own dime; I know I'll be meticulous with my retainer after how much money I'll have spent and how much suffering I went through :lol: thanks for the tips!
 
#10
I've had braces and I know your pain :sad:
First of all, remember that you’re doing something good for your health and your appearance. When you experience discomfort or pain, gargle with salt water. Keep your braces clean! Brush multiple times a day and stock your bag with tools—flossers, toothbrush, wax—for on the go. Avoid sticky foods and try not to bite into anything hard (apples or corn on the cob). On bad days imagine your beautiful smile after your braces are off :cool:
 
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#14
taetaebear said:
I always avoided clear elastics because it seems to emphasize the look of braces and any discolouration
And learning how to bend the back wires when they poke out will save you additional trips to the dental office!
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Ooh thanks for the tip about the wires! I have Damon braces so no elastics for me luckily :biggrin:
 
#15
I had adult braces..... first you look awesome!!! I did floss and diligently, I also bought a baby tooth brush too to help getting stuff out of wires. I also went to dentist every 3-4 months for cleaning!!!!! Always carry wax too just in case something hurts while out. Good luck!!!!! You will be so happy you did this.
 
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