Braces anyone?

[detn8r]

Yup, I decided about three months ago that I was going to shell out the cash to have braces. I've needed them from day one, it's just that my parents could never afford them. Well, now that I have my own source of income, I could shell out the $2600. Anyway, about a month ago, I was told that I would have to wear brackets (or a retainer if you will) to expand my teeth. Apparently I have to wear this thing for however long until I even get the braces. I have an appointment tomorrow for a check up I guess, so I'll see if I can get these damn things off soon (I can't talk properly, and thats a real piss off!).

Just curious if anyone else had to go through the same thing I did before braces, and what things I can expect from braces when I eventually get them (besides pain, lol).

[Lucifina]

Hi Det, I never had to have braces, but my brother is going through the same thing you are and my friend has had them for a few years. My bro is like you in needing braces from day one. My friend was purely cosmetic. I can tell you my bro didn't have the wear the brackets long (a few weeks) before his doctor "wired" him up. Actually, it may be awhile before you feel any serious pain (unless you got a icky doc) because your teeth need to become more accustomed to the direction desired and the pain only happens when your braces are tightened. Wax is most likely going to be your best friend. You most likely will not be able to bite down on anything...yea, eating a hamburger with a knife and fork isn't fun. The biting problem could be caused from uncomfortable pressure or from the actual brackets keeping you from closing your jaw (depending if you have to keep them while wearing braces). Doctor told my bro not to drink any type of caramel colored drinks (coke) which causes discoloration of your teeth and you can't get into the tiny crevices to clean them. Of course, no candy, gum, etc...and I can tell you you will learn how to chew gum without it getting stuck. Be ready to brush your teeth and clean the braces constantly.

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I hope this helps a bit. I wish you well and hope that you get what you want.

[BShink21]

Is your spacer a metal thing thats on the inside of your teeth and acts by pushin out? If so I had the same thing. They don't stay on very long about two weeks to a month. If you have had these you won't need wax like Lucifina said. The brackets from the metal spacer will rough up your gums enough so you will have no problem chewing or talking with braces.

All in all, all the pain you will go through is worth it. I don't know what I would do if I still had my crooked teeth. Now I have my straight pearly whites. I get all kinds of comments on my teeth and you will too after the braces are off.=)

Also your braces are wicked expensive compared to mine. My parents paid 1,200 for mine.

[detn8r]

I have to wear the expanders until next month *sigh*.. most irritating things ever, but I finally get the braces next month (after 3 months of expanding, bleh).

Oh, and the price was a typo It's actually costing me $6200

[Lucifina]

yeppers, that sounds more like it. My bro just got his first good tighten...sorry, but I can't help but smile for that ! Unfortunately, it didn't stop his mouth from flapping for long . Good luck Det.

[BShink21]

6200? Yeah those expander things do suck, I had them then after about 2 days I pulled mine out. The ortho never noticed. Good luck.

[detn8r]

I'm going to scream my ass off! I have to book another appointment.... the doc tightened them to a point that they are pressing WAY to damn hard on my mouth.. *ouch*

[BShink21]

Gotta HATE that. ahhh now your bringing back the painful memories =/.

[detn8r]

Well I gottem on today... metal mouth for sure although I still have to wear the expanders and holy SHIZNIT.. everything gets stuck in them! im going to be cleaning them like a million times a day!!! and no coke?!?!!? nooo!!!! what if I use a straw?

[drain]

I've got braces. I love them to death....not. The orthodonist has to do this one thing where he digs into my gums and pulls down one of my teeth because it's not coming in on it's own.

I went to New Orleans for mission work and we went to this one place called Kingsley House. It was a place were unpriveledged children went and hung out, kind of like a daycare. None of the kids had ever seen braces before and were amazed and asking me if they could touch my braces and if I would smile so they could see them. Then one kid came up to me and asked if I was going to get diamonds for my braces. It was really funny, but I think it was one of those things where you have to be there.