Metal Mouth Message Board

I had the same, ceramics on top and metal on the bottom, and also a big coffee drinker. I kept a cup of water next to my coffee cup, and swished with water a lot to keep the staining down. Also whitening rinse and whitening toothpaste. I thought it was the staining of the elastics that made my teeth...

And, just as I thought, I had to point out my 'unbraced self' to my 13 year old, even my husband didn't notice until we were cleaning up after dinnner, I finally had to face him, call his name, and smile. And it took a minute. HAH! My 16 year old noticed on day 2 when I brought home my retainer. A f...

Just off today! It's a wonderful feeling. :) I am writing this to give you encouragement, the encouragement everyone gave me through my period in braces. The time passed quickly, one of the downsides of maturity, I guess. But let me share that it is worth it. I've read recent posts from people who a...

I pretty much stopped biting 'into' anything, including pizza, burgers, sandwiches, etc., using a knife & fork. I haven't had a real sandwich since the start. Whenever I go to a restaurant that wants to put things like fish & chips in a basket, I ask for it on a plate, with utensils. On the ...

Good for you - you've made it through! Perhaps after all of this, you should think about going to dental school after you finish your undergraduate work! Whether or not you pursue that idea, in this job market, every little thing counts and a nice smile always helps. A big pat on the back to you!! :D

My ortho has been coy from the beginning regarding time-frames. Told me generally speaking 2 - 3 years for adults, thought I would be closer to two. What the ortho really can't predict is how long it will take to get the bite right once the teeth are straight. I think that's what tacks on the time. ...

Congrats and Good luck to you - I started my treatment at 50 (almost), I'm now 53 and hope to be finished in the next few months. Started with ceramics on the top, then metal on the bottom about 6 months later. In the beginning I did the same thing with my lip. Later, a co-worker made a remark that ...

I always have pain after a visit, but it's gone within a few days, and I guess with pain there is gain, right? I had a new wire yesterday, and today I grimaced through lunch, and it was a tossed salad and soup. But I know it will be better by the weekend. I haven't had to deal with elastics, though,...

Good luck to you, I drank water continuously for the 1st month, and that really helped that feeling in my mouth. I still always keep it nearby to swich around my mouth after eating (when I can't brush right away) or drinking my coffee (I have ceramics & it helps keep the staining down). You will...

Hope all went well for you today. Keep the wine handy and the Motrin close. Most importantly, be supportive as we all go through periods of doubt and 'why did I do this to myself??' the first week or two.

HAH! your post cracks me up! I like goldfish crackers - the extra cheesey ones, and I kind of suck on them one at a time. They're not bad calorie-wise, and they'll give you a little flavor, and best of all, they go with wine.
Good luck on the scales!!

Yes, I'd like to know how your visit went too! Maybe talk to your dentist?

Here's my silly little tip - smile! Literally. When I first had my braces on I would smile weirdly, trying to cover my upper teeth, etc. Then I saw a picture of myself, trying to smile with my mouth closed. Looked pretty stupid. And I have ceramics! So, let her rip. Smile and enjoy it, you'll look c...

Yes, time does fly by, and considering my age, HAH!, I don't want to wish time away. My ortho is particularly cautious about giving end dates, probably burned too many times, but gave me a hint of 'less than a year to go.' My mirror tells me that's true, still some work to be done, but much progress...

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I have hit that slump, I think. And I appreciate your advice.