Metal Mouth Message Board

Benzodent is another product that can be used to heal sores. Its like a pastey orajel, apply with a q-tip.

In a pinch, you can use an eraser to cover hooks.

Hammykid~usually the hygenist cleans the teeth.

My estimate was 2 years. They were on for 3 years, 10 months and 15 days. :lol: No joke! It was worth every day in braces. I think having them on so long has helped them stay in perfect placement almost 4 years after they came off. I also recommend to anyone who has braces to keep them on for 6 more...

I wore my retainer pretty much full time for the first 2 years. Obviously, nighttime wear only isn't working for you right now. Just because the ortho says to wear "nightime only" does not mean you have to. They are your teeth, your time and money went into the process so wear them as long...

My original plan was to have TADs but I didn't end up getting them. I had elastics off and on throughout my time. From what I have read about TADs...they don't always stay in place and can be painful to have done. I am not sure why the ortho didn't use them but my teeth came out just fine. I would d...

You only had your braces for 7 months...they will definitely move if you do not wear your retainer. I had my braces for 4 years...and they have been off for 3 years..with little changes because I wore my retainer everyday (until it broke at the 2 yr mark) and I am now using my positioner. I think th...

The easiest way to stop worrying about the outcome??? Just know that as long as you have a good orthodontist, as long as you follow all instructions, as long as YOU are involved in your treatment and ask questions....your teeth will look much better than they did before braces! Its simple...really. ...

You should be using the waterpik and electronic toothbrush every day.

As for the plaque build up, buy a dental tool kit, they usually have a mirror and 2 scrappers. You can use these gently to get any plaque off and to also get it off the bottom of your brackets.

Why would you want to use "gently used Acceledent?" And what exactly is it?

If you already have braces, why are you trying to speed up the process? I would assume if you do something different from what the ortho plan is, it may cause more harm than good...

The key to wearing elastics (like someone else mentioned) is consistency. If you don't wear them as instructed, it will just make things worse.
The more you wear them, the quicker your jaw will get used to it and it won't hurt as much.
You can also use hot/cold pads to help with the pain.

I would go back into the ortho to have them check it...everything could be fine if all teeth are covered properly. It could just be a spacing issue. As for only wearing them at night, I am sure this is what the ortho said but it doesn't hurt to wear them as much as possible. I think it is crucial th...

Yes, my jaw did get a bit tired...but over time, you get used to it.

I think it is normal to have some gaps appear. Your teeth were held together by a wire so of course they had a tighter fit...once the wires are removed, the teeth will relax a bit. I wouldn't stress out over it. You'd be amazed at what retainers can do. I think we see a tiny gap and feel like it is ...

I have a posititoner and I use it as my retainer. It really is the "king" of all retainers. It is an exact replica of your teeth, in perfect placement. I got my braces off, my essix retainer was created that day and I was also fitted for the positioner. The positioner took 6 weeks to arriv...

I agree on the Waterpik tip. I still use mine, 3 years after having my braces removed.
They can be pricy...$50 to $75 but it is a great investment and I recommend it for anyone with braces. They go on sale often...check Target, Walmart, Walgreens and even online.