Much better!

Message

#1 Post by **Windpetal** » Tue May 08, 2007 9:44 am

Hi everyone!

I am fairly new to this site and have had my braces for 5 days now. I had no idea how much pain is involved! I am happy to say though that I feel so much better today! I can even bite down with some pressure without being in agaony and havent had to take any ibuprofin yet today! I am beginning to think that maybe I will be able to tolerate the next couple of years with these things on

#2 Post by **ctoler1920** » Tue May 08, 2007 9:55 am

Congrats!

I will be in the same position on thursday. I am not that nervous only about the constant pain once they are on. I guess Advil will be my new best friend.

#3 Post by **Lolagranola** » Tue May 08, 2007 11:46 am

This is my first post too. I had my braces put on 6 days ago. I can't say that it has been pleasant. But, it's not that bad. I still have problem biting down on food. I think I am going to lose 10 pounds just because I have to eat so slow and careful.

It is a weird adjustment. I am glad I did it, even though it took 51 years to take the plunge. My youngest son has braces currently and I'm glad we now have this in common.

#4 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Tue May 08, 2007 1:10 pm

Biting into stuff is still weird and I'm one month in. I've gotten into the habit of cutting things up and just using my molars. I don't really chew any slower because I was already a slow eater. I can tell you that I eat less in quantitybecause things just get built up in those wires and I get grossed out. The little aches here and there are supposed to go away but most of the time it's just annoying and not too painful.

Mon May 14, 2007 9:04 pm

Hi Windpetal-

I'm right there with you. I got braces on May 2. I am just starting to "tolerate" them. Your post made me feel better about my own treatment. Nice positive thoughts.
Thanks!

#6 Post by **iBorg** » Mon May 14, 2007 9:35 pm

Folks:
Don't quit eating and don't quit trying. You'll only overcome your eating difficulties if you make an effort to exercise your teeth. Biting into food will increase the blood circulation which will help decrease your pain. I can honestly say that I've had moments where my teeth were tender but never sore. On the other hand I've had a few wires rub and poke. The best way to take care of that is to stay well hydrated. I find now I drink about 32 ounces of water a day, do a couple of salt water rinses and this process is minimally painful.

Congrats on starting on this journey.... HAVE (no try allowed) FUN on the trip.

Mike

#7 Post by **Lolagranola** » Mon May 21, 2007 1:56 pm

Okay - it has been 19 days since I got these on and I am eating much better than before. It still is hard to bite straight down, like into a sandwich, but it starting to feel a lot better. I do miss the old way of just gobbling down anything. Now I have to be more careful on what I eat. I was at a Mexican restaurant last week and it just wasn't fun eating chips and salsa. So that is one thing I probably will avoid. For the most part things are fine. I like the challenge and I won't let it get me down.

#8 Post by **iBorg** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:23 pm

You "like the challenge?" Are you sure the wires aren't too tight?

Seriously, I'm glad its getting better. This is a strange process where you'll go from doing better to worse and back again.

Mike

#9 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:31 pm

lolgranola must be one of them overacheiving types who "like the challenge"

#10 Post by **kirjax** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:55 pm

Yeah eating is quite the hassle. I haven't experience any pain but I have bit my lip, cheeks, and tongue *yay me* lol

I find that eating is annoying but it's got to be done. I haven't denied myself anything (well unless it's on the avoid list) but the other night I ate pizza (even though it took me awhile) I also had cookies and chickenfingers today. I just do the best I can to manage the food around without breaking anything or biting something (which never works out).

#11 Post by **acd** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:07 pm

I've found that the key to eating is to cut everything into small enough pieces that it doesn't matter if you can't chew it.

#12 Post by **insanemommy03** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:22 pm

Well Thanks for all the eating tips!!!

I guess I won't be eating any picnic food this weekend for memorial day, since I get the braces on friday!!

#13 Post by **Lolagranola** » Tue May 22, 2007 11:59 am

What I meant by "challenge" is that all thing worth achieving are usually a challenge. I find this whole braces thing a challenge, especially at my age. But I tell myself, I've trained for marathons, I can do this too.