adult orthodontic braces - advice please

[bushbaby_de]

I have taken the plunge and am having orthodontic braces fitted at the end of the month - traintracks on the bottom, and a removable brace on the top for 6 months followed by another set of train tracks.

What I am after is detailed advice, hints and tips from people who have been through this of things I should stock up on that might make it an easier ride for me (eg I had never heard of dental wax until last week!)

Thanks, any help much appreciated.

[sara3]

I can only advise you because my daughter has just had her braces removed! you will get advice and probably a pack (with wax) from the orthodontist. take your credit card! the day you get your fixed brace it'll hurt and you may only want very soft foods. actually, maybe for a few days, and again when they change the wires at your follow up appointments. make sure you have no sharp bits before you leave the orthodontists.

best of luck, and good on you :o)

[coccinelle]

At first you'll be very conscious of them but after a month or so people will get used to seeing you with them and you know you're going to have a lovely set of teeth at the end of it. My orthodontist advised using the wax from ear plugs (remove the cotton wool first!!) as this is so soft and creates a cushion to pretect friction against the inside of your mouth, soften it between your fingers before applying. I used more at night and only put it on bits that rubbed during the day.
As sara3 says; make sure there are no wires pricking into the inside of your mouth before leaving as it's such a pain to keep going back, however, as I say the ear plug wax is good for this if it the wire did move.
I don't know if you're having a transparent brace or the metal one but if it's the transparent one be careful of what you eat and drink. I stopped strong tea, no coffee, no red wine, no curries etc but was caught out with some blackcurrant sorbet at a restaurant so the brace was purple for a couple of weeks!!
Good luck, you won't regret it.

[bushbaby_de]

Hi there, thanks for the tips so far. I'm having full on metal brackets, as the extra £700 to go ceramic seemed silly when I love red wine, tea and curry! Anyone else got any pearls of wisdom please?

[mk0810]

I would suggest you to visit Hello Ortho. They are genuine. I visited them 3 months ago and they treat you like family. This is their website https://www.helloortho.com/