Getting Braces Tomorrow :(

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Getting braces is not too bad, I wore them for about 1 1/2 years, and I'm very glad I did- I love my teeth now! I still even wear my retainer at night sometimes so they won't move back even though I've had them off for almost 10 years. It doesn't really hurt that much, but it's an excuse to eat ice cream and maybe get a little extra time out of school.

[Miss Z]

I've had my braces for nearly 18 months and I'm getting them off soon. Don't worry, you won't be a geek, they feel like they really stand out in your mouth at first but actually a lot of people barely notice them. So many people have them nowadays that having braces is not such a big deal

As for pain, well, it can depend. Some people are not so bad with them, others experience quite a lot of pain. I had it quite bad, when it was first put on, my teeth constantly ached for a week, I found it difficult to sleep because of the pain, I could eat nothing but soup for that week and even breathing too hard sent shots of pain through my mouth. But I don't want to frighten you, it's pretty unusual to experience that much pain according to my orthodontist. And after that week, everything was fine, it's just one of those things you get used to. I was nervous about having the brace tightened, but it was nothing like having them put on, in fact it only felt tight for a matter of minutes and then went back to normal. My friend had braces on for a year and hers barely ached at all, so I guess the amount of pain depends on the teeth and how badly they are arranged (mine were pretty bad).
At the end of the day though, braces are made to help you and the pain and having to wear and clean them for a year or two is worth having straight teeth for the rest of your life

[dab_20]

I had braces in 5th and 6th grade. As Miss Z said, it depends on the person and how they handle pain. Mine was painful, but it usually lasts a few days after you get them on and sometimes when they get tightened. You usually have to get them tightened regularly and they sometimes get sore then, but you'll be used to it by then. Your not a geek just because you have glasses and now your getting braces. Trust me, you'll be glad you went through getting braces when you get them off and you have straight, white teeth!

btw, don't forget to wear your retainer afterwards, because if you don't you'll regret it!! I still wear mine at night and it's been almost 2 years.

[chocolatecoffee]

I think I'm going crazy, I could have sworn that I responded to this thread.

I got my braces on about six weeks ago and I was terrified since so many people told me that they hurt like crazy. They were uncomfortable at first and I couldn't close my mouth all of the way due to the placement of the bottom brackets, but within a week my mouth had shifted so I could close my mouth without any problems and they felt fine. I was really surprised that they didn't hurt much at ALL and they're not nearly as bad as everyone says. They do scratch the inside of your mouth a little bit, but it's nothing a little wax can't fix. So how are they?

[Sirrahsim]

Ibuprofen is your friend when it's time for adjustments!!! I still wear my retainers at night and have for the past 4 years or so. You'll have a beautiful smile when they come off As for the 12 months thing, try not to be too dissapointed if you must wear them longer. Many people need to wear them longer than the ortho originally estimates, but it is worth it in the end!!!

[gemini9961]

Don't worry it's not that bad. You'll be sore for a little bit and after adjustments but like Missy said, Ibuprofen will be your best friend. I had mine on for 6 years , but would not change it for the world. Having great teeth is awesome. I have my retainer but I need to wear it more often.

[BC_MoM]

I think I'm going crazy, I could have sworn that I responded to this thread.

I got my braces on about six weeks ago and I was terrified since so many people told me that they hurt like crazy. They were uncomfortable at first and I couldn't close my mouth all of the way due to the placement of the bottom brackets, but within a week my mouth had shifted so I could close my mouth without any problems and they felt fine. I was really surprised that they didn't hurt much at ALL and they're not nearly as bad as everyone says. They do scratch the inside of your mouth a little bit, but it's nothing a little wax can't fix. So how are they?

The procedure itself did hurt at ALL.. but 5 hours later, and my mouth is all sore and I can't chew or put my teeth together..

I had a bowl of KD for lunch, and soup for supper.. this sucks! I have a crunchies-craving.

I had some ibuprofen, but it didn't work unless I slept (which I eventually did).. but as soon as I woke up, they hurt again so I walked to 7 Eleven and go a slurpee..

The top back end of the wire keeps hooking on my cheek. I need to get my Dad to bend it towards my tooth or snip it off.. I can't get the wax to stay on, no matter how dry I try and get the area that I need it on!

[dab_20]

The procedure itself did hurt at ALL.. but 5 hours later, and my mouth is all sore and I can't chew or put my teeth together..

I had a bowl of KD for lunch, and soup for supper.. this sucks! I have a crunchies-craving.

I had some ibuprofen, but it didn't work unless I slept (which I eventually did).. but as soon as I woke up, they hurt again so I walked to 7 Eleven and go a slurpee..

The top back end of the wire keeps hooking on my cheek. I need to get my Dad to bend it towards my tooth or snip it off.. I can't get the wax to stay on, no matter how dry I try and get the area that I need it on!

I know what you mean. Putting the wax on takes a bit of practice, but sometimes if it won't stay on, you might need to go back to the dentist and get that wire snipped off. Hope your mouth feels better soon!