Metal Mouth Message Board

Just re-read my post and wanted to clarify. Not wearing elastics didn't cause my ligaments to stretch out...they were already that way. But I do believe wearing the elastics for so long, especially as night when my body was recuperating from the day, TMJ, etc., really helped. And not wearing elastic...

I got my braces off in early December and was splintless, braceless and elastic-less for the first time in almost 8 years. The first month or so was good, but then I started with some headaches again, and neck/shoulder issues. My TMJ ligaments are stretched and I knew that not wearing those elastics...

Hi Angelflutter, In my case braces are helping my TMJD. The headaches are better, and muscle spasms have decreased too. I still have some popping on one side. But the headaches and face pain are only a few times a month now, vs. daily. TMJD can be caused by lots of different things -- injury, poorly...

You go!!!!

Here's to your dental and overall health benefits you'll receive from taking care of you.

Best,
Del

I post very infrequently but having received a debanding date I wanted to share my excitement with those who can relate. I was braced on March 11, 2008. My teeth were not very crooked, but my bite was off due to years of TMJ respositioning splint treatment. By the time I had my braces put on, my bac...

If I remember correctly, you are looking at closing a bite, not straightening teeth. I understand. I had an open bite, my molars would not touch and my front teeth, top and bottom, met tip to tip. But my teeth were pretty much straight from my “teenageâ€

Hi Beth, I would imagine there are pros and cons to every treatment. I have metals on the bottom, which are more noticeable, and ceramics on top, which are bigger. I can say I wish I had gone w/just all metal now, I think they would be more comfortable, and there is no way you can hide having braces...

It will get better. I had a powerchain put on my lowers last time and boy I could feel that tug right away! The next 2-3 days were uncomfortable, but it did get better. And Wow! Those spaces were gone almost overnight! That makes it worth it.

Best,
Del

Awwww, you'll be okay. It takes a few weeks to get used to braces, but (I'm going to sound hard hearted here) remember, you have got a ways to go -- we all do/did -- so we learn to suck it up and just deal with it. You'll learn the tricks...soft foods, Advil or Aleve, wax, etc. And as you see progre...

You'll do great. It's all a part of the process and, honestly, how are we ever going to get there without the slight discomfort of our teeth moving very slowly? It's part of the process.

Best,
Del

She makes the changes...wires, bracket repositioning, even the powerchain I got last time. Nothing was unbearable. Tightness sure, teeth a little sore, sure, but the only time I hurt for a couple of days intensely was when I got the powerchain on the bottom. But hey, that's was Advil is for, along w...

Do you have any before images to post? I understand your frustrations in wanting things to be just so, but wondering what path you traveled to get where you are now.

Best,
Del

I have TMJ issues and am in orthodontics and elastics for a crossbite. Mine are slower going (12 hours day) and 1/4 inch so I cannot directly feel your pain, but I do understand the muscular issues related to the jaw joint. My suggestion is to do this a couple of times a day: Go to major drug chain ...

Yes, my ortho requests that I use it -- she and my dentist have noticed my teeth are "leeching" calcium...I use it every night or every other night at bedtime. You can rinse it though for 30 minutes and I have to say it makes me very thirsty, but I just keep trying to do what I'm told!

Glad to hear they are working with you to make it right. Baby yourself for a few weeks and hopefully all will calm down. Take Care,
Del