Metal Mouth Message Board

NO. I take advantage of my Flexible Spending plan from work, so I know I will get reimbursed and get the tax benefits, too.

he coil/spring is there to move the teeth on either side to create more space so that upper tooth can be re-aligned (and also so that the bracket can be put back on when that happens so the bottoms don't knock it off again).

Hi- I would keep up w/the flossing/brushing routine and if you have a waterpik (or similar device) use it, too. The area may or may not be a little ouchy, but it should clear up if you're vigilant for several days. You can also always try the warm water + salt rinse or Listerine, if you're into mout...

I will be getting a retainer for my lower arch (upper arch is already braced), and was wondering what it might look like or if it has a specific name (ortho didn't say, and I totally forgot to ask!!). (An upper canine (baby tooth)will be pulled, the adult snaggly canine that grew in behind will be b...

YES< you still need to try to floss, even when they hurt. That being said: If your teeth are that ouchie (and they probably will be at some point), just use a waterpik if flossing hurts so bad that you can't/won't do it! Just keep the pressure low (like 2-4 on the dial). No flossing do-dad will real...

Lauren-
The spacers (for me, anyway) didn't cause "pain" so much as discomfort... they feel like you have meat or something stuck between your teeth. I probably wouldn't reschedule your life around them or anything but you may not feel like eating a whole lot! Good luck!

Mine were in for two weeks, but the ortho hinted that fitting the molar bands would've been easier if they had been in longer. I agreed
It really wasn't bad, though!

Mine were only very slightly uncomfy while getting the bands sized, but once they were on, they don't feel any different than any other teeth (braced or not!!), and I was soo worried they would hurt alot! Mine seem to be on just perfectly, and I don't seem to really get any food stuck in that area s...

Wax (I already had some, though)
Threaders (these are better than the ones I had already bought)
"christmas tree" brushes (I like the ones I bought myself better)
THE OBLIGATORY PAMPHLET... sponsored by Sonicare (already had one of those, too)

Hi! All you need to do is hang your head over the sink (parallel) so that your eyes are looking down into the drain area. Gross, but you need to do this so that the water will run out of your mouth, and into the drain, not onto your shirt!! Also, I find it helpful to keep my mouth OPEN while waterpi...

Hi- Well, I an guessing you would only need to have teeth removed if there just wasn't enough room due to crowding to fit all your teeth, so obviously it's a very good thing b/c you get to keep all your teeth!! You would only need spacers (I'm guessing) if your ortho thought that bands wouldn't fit ...

Hi Silly! If I were you I'd just hop on board and get them ASAP b/c it seems you are also eager to get braced. I doubt your peeps will think you are less "professional"! Good Luck!

I think you're right about the placement depending on the specific force/movement your ortho needs. That being said- mine will go on at about the center.

I just asked my ortho the other day about the absolute need to floss every day. Ha said in a PERFECT world: do it every day. He also said in REALITY: people (even w/braces) do not do it nearly enough- aka probably 1-2 times per week. I said what if I floss e/o day and waterpick daily.... he said tha...

I don't think I'll be going the IPR route... but I am a bit concerned about the dating thing too! I am 32. (Will be braced in a month or so.) I also just moved a few months ago, and I'm afraid I may be a little less approachable if I'm feeling self-conscious. (Should note that I DO have a boyfriend,...