Braces Tomorrow Morning

[CoolioTiffany]

The thing I was whispered right before they started gluing the braces on, "Sugar free is ok!" It's the sugar that will break things, not the actual gum, unless you really mess with your brackets. But I chewed sugar free all the time, never one bracket came off. Even got mine off 7 months early!

Good luck! It isn't all that terrible, although I wouldn't do it again.

Haha, well I guess sugary gum wouldn't be bad to chew if you only chewed it very rarely? I heard no sugar stuff, but it's okay to have once in a while. I need these braces on for 20-24 months, so it isn't a terribly long time. And that's amazing you got them off 7 months early, very lucky!!

[h00blah]

the second day is always the worst... oh god... good luck tifferbee..

do NOT drink soda...

nite nite tiffabeez =p

[BPelizabeth]

No popcorn sister!!! You won't like the after affects....lol

[Danounet]

Good Luck! Glad I never had to wear bracers

[tweets_4611]

I actually just got mine off last week! It's so worth it!

On the gum topic, my ortho actually encouraged gum chewing (sugar free only!) to help with the soreness right after you get them on, or after each adjustment. Chewing gum will hurt, but it's something you can do and your not real focused on it like you are when you eat normally. Chew it the day after, and although it does hurt at first, by the time you are done with that piece, most of the soreness is gone, and you can eat whatever.

The only thing I didn't eat when I had them was whole apples and corn on the cob and such...things that really required biting into.

Best advice... wear the rubber bands if you need them down the line, and do exactly what your ortho tells you to. I've heard of so many people that have had to have them longer b/c they didn't take care of them. I really took care of mine (it was my choice to get them and I paid for them... makes it a bit easier) and I was supposed to have mine until September, and I got them off mid February!! My orhto is actually using my case as a teaching case at a conference he teaches at b/c everything went so smoothly! ^_^

Good luck! You'll be thrilled with the results!

[Blue Apple Herps]

My advice is for when you get them off: wear your retainer as instructed and don't lose it!!! I lost my retainer three months after getting my braces off and never got it replaced. Needless to say my teeth aren't that straight anymore.

[Vypyrz]

No popcorn sister!!! You won't like the after affects....lol

Ain't that the truth... pop corn, nuts/seeds, apples, and caramel. If you like apples, peel them and slice them up. Keep a small mirror and toothpicks handy, especially when you eat green, leafy vegetables or broccoli...

[CoolioTiffany]

Thanks everyone. My mouth is so damn sore, but it isn't as bad as spacers (those were the WORST). I like all the advice and everything, it really helps!!