Metal Mouth Message Board

You will be just fine - you can do this! I just got my braces off two days ago - after 2 years, 3 months and 3 weeks (original projection was 2 years but I still need a postioner at the end of the month till mid-Feb) and lower jaw advancement surgery 4.5 months ago!!! No pics, sorry - my teeth are s...

Estimated 24 months.

So far, 26 months and anticipating 2 more mos.

Ask your regular doctor for a prescription for Valtrex. It is a little expensive, but you don't have to take them every day - just when you think you may be getting a cold sore - it will prevent them from appearing at all (more effective than Abreva). For that matter, your ortho may be able to presc...

Silver for me, too. They stain a lot less than the clear.

My recovery from surgery is going well. I got the rubberbands off last Friday. The swelling is gone, the bruising is mostly gone (just a little remaining on my chest). Other than my chin and lower lip still being numb and still being allowed to eat only non-chewable foods (mashed potatoes or thinner...

Thanks for the replies and encouragement! I'm doing well. The last couple of days I have seen a lot of progress. A lot of the swelling has dissipated and the bruises are starting to clear up. My energy is really returning. To answer the question posed, I originally had a splint that was removed afte...

I had surgery Tues. morning to advance my lower jaw. It went very well, only took 1.5 hours instead of the 2 hours it usually takes my surgeon. Extremely minimal blood loss. Excellent results. I was very nauseated that first day. My throat hurt that first day (from tubes) but that went away as soon ...

I finally have a surgery date! Almost a year later than expected -- but finally, the time has come. I have surgery at 5:30 a.m. (CT) on Tues., July 29th. Anyone inclined to praying, please say one for me then if you remember. THANK YOU!@

I'm so glad I will have it behind me soon!

My insurance also excludes jaw surgery. I have been in braces almost two years. I was also quoted up to $30k for the surgery. My insurance turned me down, so I will be paying out of pocket. The surgeon said to help reduce the cost, if I live locally (near his practice) and someone can be there for m...

I sympathize; my teeth are slow-moving, also. I was originally told I'd have jaw surgery after 1 year in braces, and then I'd be in braces another year after the surgery. My teeth were never crooked at all - just not where they will need to be once my jaws are aligned properly. I didn't have the sur...

I had a lot of trouble flossing at first, and I'd get frustrated at how long it took. After the first month or so, I got the hang of it, and it seemed to get faster and easier. For me, it is still the most inconvenient part of having braces (I've been lucky and haven't had any pain) . I will celebra...

I have been a bit surprised that some of the people I thought would be supportive are not encouraging at all. Instead, they tell me stories of people who have had unfortunate results with surgery. It's pointless for them to tell me these things, because I've made it clear I've already done my resear...

Dragonfang-- Your story was great - I loved all the details. I'm so glad you are pleased with the results of your surgery. Mine was originally planned for August - but I found out recently it probably will be at least a few months later than that. I'm bummed it's not going to happen on time, but I'm...

I still have one baby tooth, and I'm 44 years old. It's crowned, though. The ortho did not bracket it - he wants to leave it alone as much as possible and hopefully, it will make it through my whole treatment. Someday eventually, it will need to be replaced with an implant. I thought this was a rare...

After almost 7 months of just having my upper teeth braced with ceramics - I finally got my lower teeth braced today (metal). Yay! I'm back to taking forever to floss (Ha) but am glad to have reached one more stage of the journey!