[SSearchVT]

Last week I bit the bullet and got braces mounted on my teeth (at 38 years old). My parents skipped them when I was a kid because I was into MX, soccer, skiing, etc.

Let me tell you - there's a lot of kids out there that have my sympathy. These things suck!!! You'd think after all these years they'd figure out how to shape them so it doesn't feel like you have a mouthful of fish hooks and broken glass. I tried to eat a granola bar yesterday and it damn near killed me. I ended up smashing the thing to dust on my desk and pouring it down my throat.

Does anyone have any advice about mouthgaurds to keep me from wearing a hole through my cheek when I put my helmet on? They're on my lower teeth only for now, and in about a year I get the uppers mounted.

[TheIglu]

No real way to get around it. Your cheeks will get a little tougher as time goes on but they will always cut into you at times.

I had mine on when I was a kid for 3 years. It SUCKED. I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone.

[R7]

I don't know if they are the same now as when I had them (17 years ago) but wax was my best friend. They gave me little peices of wax to rub on any areas that made a sore in my mouth, it worked pretty good.
Make sure you have some pain meds for a day or so after each of your monthly visits

[bigred875]

there is a wax you can use....they sell it at CVS

it will help a little, after awhile your mouth will toughen up and you will not notice that anymore....

lol and as R7 is refering too...the tweaks and adjustments are much worse

[smf]

sucks man. i had them years ago. as mentioned the main thing to do is wait. you willbe able to eat normal food again, but it'll take a little while before the pain goes away... damn. just thinking about it makes my teeth hurt.

[hessogood]

Why didn't you go with the new invisaline stuff? You don't kill your enamel that way either.

[Manny]

Originally Posted by SSearchVT

I tried to eat a granola bar yesterday and it damn near killed me. I ended up smashing the thing to dust on my desk and pouring it down my throat.

.

First advice is don't eat a granola bar with braces on.

[SSearchVT]

Originally Posted by hessogood

Why didn't you go with the new invisaline stuff? You don't kill your enamel that way either.

I tried - The Orthodontist said they would be able to correct the crowding I have on my lower jaw...

[SSearchVT]

Originally Posted by Manny

First advice is don't eat a granola bar with braces on.

Apples are out too... Luckily peanut butter cups are on the approved list!!

[SQUIZZ636]

I had them for 6 years and over a little time you will not even notice them any more, unless you snap a wire and it sticks you. but the weird thing is going to be when you get them off..... but the wax is good stuff just rem. the clean it out after...

[benVFR]

You'll probably be fine in a few months after you get used to them. The inside of my mouth is still kind of tough/scarred all these years later but whatever.

There won't be that many foods you can't eat once you get used to them. Just watch out for caramel, hard/sticky candies, etc.. the only time I ever broke my braces was with a "Now and Later" candy.

Don't know what to say about helmets.. you're probably not going to make a full face helmet work with proper fit. Also watch out if you do any contact sports. I was spitting blood practically every soccer game in HS when I had braces. It doesn't take much contact at all will cut your cheeks.

[Adrenalinechic]

what made you choose wire over invisaline?

ive been thinking about getting invisaline for my bottom teeth that wisdom teeth surgery f*cked up.

[SSearchVT]

Originally Posted by Adrenalinechic

what made you choose wire over invisaline?

ive been thinking about getting invisaline for my bottom teeth that wisdom teeth surgery f*cked up.

The Invisaline would have taken about two or three times as long to work, would have been more expensive, and according to the Orthodontist the results wouldn't have been as good as the wires. The approach I'm going has the lowers (old fashioned shiny metallic - strong enough for the pulling and pushing) on for about a year. Gradually narrowing two of my front teeth - no extractions. Then the tops get mounted (White ceramic with a discreet wire) for the last six months. 18 months total.

The timing works out well. Next week I start a new job working from my house. I just need to learn how to talk without slurring.

[Doc]

Wow, I was looking to get them at soon (at 36). After this I am not so sure.

[Manny]

Invisalign is not for every case. The main issue (although there are others) is that invisalign really does not have great control over the roots of the teeth while conventional braces do.

[SSearchVT]

Originally Posted by Doc

Wow, I was looking to get them at soon (at 36). After this I am not so sure.

I was given a choice between braces now for 18 months, or partials, bridges, and implants or dentures later in life (my back teeth were wearing down). I also got tired of looking at the crowded lower jaw.