What do I need to know about braces?

[TheyCallMeSyd]

So there's a 90% chance that I'm going to be getting braces this summer. I'm pretty excited about it but I have heard their very painful, but at this point I"ll do almost anything to get my teeth straight. So I need to know everything I can possibly know, from facts to opinions. Like since I'm a teenager what color should I get? Or what's the best thing to eat when your braces hurt but you wanna be fat and eat like a pig? I need to know these things people. Thanks for any information you give me.

[youneedchapstick]

Oh lordy. Braces. I got em and I'll tell ya bout em.
What people say- that it hurts- is so true. For me, it hit me about 2 hours after they were put on. My jaw became sore to a point I can't explain and my teeth hurt, along with my gums. I made the mistake to wait to take my aspirin. Don't be like this fool. Take an aspirin immediately after you get them put on, if you can just go ahead and sleep right after. Your mouth/jaw will hurt for about 1-2 weeks. Mine hurt for a week and a half. During this time you will grow to really love soup.

The first few days i advise you only eat soup that has a heavy amount of noodles, not meat or potatoes you have to chew through. If you do have to chew, use your back teeth. After the first few days try some ramen noodles. This'll be your diet for 1 -2 weeks, sucks ass. This plus aspirin will save you.

Don't worry if your gums swell, its due to your teeth moving. They might also be more prone to bleed a bit while brushing, it's normal. Make sure to brush like they say how to because this'll prevent white squares on your teeth when they take them off. Of course, make sure to brush. You'll become very good with getting food out of them with your teeth.

Generally, the second visit may only hurt for 4-7 days and afterwards you may only be sore for 2-3 days, until they give you bands if needed. Some people are super self conscious with food getting stuck in their braces, I just use my tongue and chew mainly on my back teeth.

They advise you to not eat certain types of food. It really doesn't matter as long as you eat them carefully. However, chew sugar free gum only. As for braces color, since I am only I generally stick to pastel blue or green. Any other color may seem childish and I already look 13 as is. I would never get white or black- both will make your teeth look darker.

USE THE WAX FOR CRANKER SORES. Everytime I get my braces checked up on I get sores because of the braces rubbing against my lips. Use the wax, don't try to push through it.

Really, soon you forget about em and it doesn't matter anymore (: It's not like emotionally degrading as people make it seem. Good luck!

[youneedchapstick]

"since I am older only I generally stick "***********

[Oztese]

braces, then. well. i'm going to tell you now. they aren't fun.
it's going to hurt a lot. do not attempt any kind of meat, no matter how little you think it will hurt. trust me. i mostly lived on mac and cheese, pasta, and soup after i got mine. i don't really know how long yours will hurt, but after i got mine it hurt for like a little less than 2 weeks.
i can't tell you what color you get; however, i find that it's best to stay away from bright colors, any kind of yellow, and any neutral. they don't look as good on your teeth as they do when they aren't. its very disappointing.
another note on food: i also like to be fat and eat like a pig, so desserts and snack foods that i eat when my teeth hurt are cakes, cream pies, ice cream, milkshakes, gummy bears (i know you aren't supposed to eat them but everyone breaks that rule anyway), and watermelon.
your teeth are going to feel SUPER weird for like three days. try not to roll your lips over them in public; people will stare and it will not be good.
good luck!

[Distant]

Braces don't hurt very much except when you get the wire changed. It'll hurt for a couple of days then go back to normal. You may notice some pain near your canines since that is where they usually place the hooks (if you get elastics). As for what to eat, after a while you'll forget you're wearing them and eat however you used to although, if you're biting into things like burgers, you run the risk of breaking off a bracket.

Honestly, the worst part about braces is trying to floss your teeth.

[RasmusAiken]

When you first get braces your mouth isn't used to the brackets and wires. These things poke into your cheeks and inside of your lips. If your ortho guy doesn't offer wax to put on the wires ask for it. It really helps for the first week.

[Kaylove96]

There's restrictions on what you can and can't eat and drink. Flossing is different. You might feel pain like a toothache after getting them on. You're at increased risk of gum disease and cavities. You can't chew gum or eat anything chewy, hard or sticky. No soda or coffee unless you brush your teeth right away. Otherwise dark liquids are just gonna stain your teeth around the brackets. No electronic toothbrush. They do cause pain but you get used to them. You get to choose the colors. Whatever color you want. If they hurt a lot then you can take pain medicine and eat soft foods. Eat what feels comfortable but remember the restrictions.

[BellePepper]

Meh they don't hurt too bad. Your period is probably way worse. Just take a pain killer before your appt and it will be nbd.

Basically be sure to floss every day, wax is your friend and always cut up your apples ;)

[thelonelyloner]

They will hurt for a little while. Mashed potatoes will be your best friend! lol Also, whipped cream and jello. Then you can work your way up to things like pasta and mac n cheese. Take a lot of ibuprofen. And you may get sores on the inside of your mouth from rubbing against the brackets, just rinse with salt water!

[Cxxlin]

It doesn't hurt, I had them and it as a breeze. They are a little painful at first but it's ok. I would get a light blue or a turquoise. They make your teeth look really white and pretty.

[Klaatu51]

color doesn't mater i guess... still they r optonal no?

[emerald77]

They hurt for the first few weeks.

[apple24]

They look nice on my face!