Changing brackets -- how hard?

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#1 Post by **ellebee** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:12 am

Day Five. I have a question. My most comfortable brackets are the four small metal ones on my lower bicuspids. Does anyone know how hard it would be to switch from ceramic to metal brackets?

Comfort has overridden aesthetics at this point. Actually, I think the ceramics look hideous, as well as feeling huge (I have the square block kind with clips). They don't match my teeth and I have difficulty moving my upper lip over them to smile (and then to stop smiling).

I'd rather just have metal brackets that are comfortable and just go with bright ligatures and not try to "pretend" that I'm not wearing braces.

Would it damage my teeth to change brackets so soon after being braced?

Thanks for any information!

Elle

#2 Post by **ghostmyimag3** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:16 am

The metal might be smaller, but i can tell you they are not comfortable at least not right now ha ha. Its probably not too hard, i'd ask the ortho and see what he says.

#3 Post by **SDFD TSchott** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 11:39 am

I have had metal on both upper and lower for little over 2 months, I got used to them and don't even notice there there until I yawn then I feel things against my lips. Other then that metal braces are decent.

As for changing I would consult your orthodontist about that question.

SDFD TSchott
CODE 4

#4 Post by **ellebee** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 3:16 pm

I think maybe you are right Meryaten about exploring the idea of ligatures instead of clips. I have one bracket that is ligated because the tooth is rotated and the clip didn't fit -- and it feels flatter with fewer sharp spots. It's worth a try.

At this point I don't even care about staining or being discreet, I'll just go with hot pink or baby blue or something that isn't going to go yellow.

I'm doing the right stuff, staying hydrated, lip balm by the ton. Do you put lip balm on the inside of your lip too? That is the part that won't slide.

I'm going to try to hold out for my Dec. 4 adjustment and if the brackets still bother me, I'll ask about options.

In the meantime, I went to the store and stocked up on food I can swallow without chewing: applesauce, soup, oatmeal, yogurt, baked beans, mac and cheese, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, muffins that I can dip in coffee or milk. I wonder how long this phase will last.

I may be drinking a turkey smoothie for Thanksgiving dinner.

Elle

#5 Post by **onny** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 3:28 pm

Id stay with the brackets you already have, safes you some money. Metals don't feel more comfortable really i think. On the other hand, it took me just 24 hours to get used to them all, now I even forget I wear braces, until I eat or talk.

Otherwise its exactly the reasons I always tell, when joining a ceramic vs metal thread. Why pretend to not wear braces with brackets that look like sauerkraut on your teeth when using invisible ligs. Theyr also a bit bigger, so you feel that they are bigger.

I don't think it would damage your teeth if you changed the brackets soon after braced. Of course shouldn't be done to often then

#6 Post by **ellebee** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:10 pm

How do you avoid chewing the insides of your cheeks when you chew?

Also, chewing irritates the sore places where the brackets rub. I suppose I could try putting on wax while I eat, but it seems less trouble for now to eat mush.

Luckily there are lots of mushy Thanksgiving foods: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, gravy, jellied cranberry sauce, creamed corn, pumpkin pie filling, chocolate cream pie filling ... just not too sure about fruitcake ...

Elle

#7 Post by **onny** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 5:21 pm

Thats also a problem for me. I even chewed on my cheeks without braces often, and now with that huge molar bands with several tubes and hooks i kinda every time chew my cheeks. So i wear wax on the bands all the time now. Not top anymore thu, just bottom. oops my wax is nearly empty :/

Sun Nov 12, 2006 6:30 pm

ellebee, I think the comfort level depends a lot on how 'fat' the inside of your cheeks are. Mine are very fat I guess because I have been chewing on them ever since I got my braces. I know its hard to believe, but after a while you get calluses on your cheeks. I absolutely did not believe that at first but I now have a huge 'lump' where I have chewed on it so much and it doesn't hurt anymore.

As far as removing the brackets....my ortho removes several every single time I go in. During one visit he replaced eleven! Its not hard at all.

I know one thing, if my upper brackets (metal) stuck out any further then they currently do I would be really hating life. I still have a hard time getting my lips over them. Its a little embarrassing when you have to use your fingers to pull your lips closed.

#9 Post by **ghostmyimag3** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 6:41 pm

I dont chew my cheeks, in fact the hooks on my molar brackets dont bother me at all even when im laughing. Those lingual buttons bother me and i have suppressed them with wax along with 4 teeth in the front of my mouth. Wax is your best friend.

#10 Post by **lilleth** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:32 pm

I have ceramic upper & lower. I've kept was on front lowers for most of time they've been on because they would bang uppers; now I only use was at night. I still think they look better than metal. I had clear or tooth colored ligs for a year, then switched to neon pink and love them.

I do wonder whether somehow all that was keeps my teeth from moving, because my bottom teeth seem to be at a standstill.