Re: Trying to get my braces on to prepare for surgery

March 29, 2005

Jodi,

I have had major dental work with lots of crowns. In fact, only 4 on

top and 4 on bottom are natural. My ortho managed to put my braces

on in 3 hours, but he had to treat the crowns special. I believe he

had to etch the surface. After my surgery, my ortho had to put the

bands (that were on crowns) back on where my OS knocked them off

during surgery.

Your teeth are going to be super sore at first, but that will get

better and your teeth should begin to shift quickly. Initially, my

ortho told me that my bite would probably get worse before it got

better and my teeth were fairly straight to begin with. It is just

part of the process. I am scheduled to get my braces off in July,

so I'm ending my journey and yours is just beginning, but I am

cheering for you.

Pam

>

> Okay guys so yesterday i spent 4 hours at the dentist while they

tried

> to put my braces on. ONE major problem: I have so much dental

work

> (porcelin crowns and bridges) that they could not get 11 brackets

to

> attach. Now then one's they were able to attach are driving me

nuts

> cuz of my overbite my top teeth seems to rest ON THE BRACKETS

making

> it impossible to chew without chewing with the brackets! (does

that

> make sense)

>

> So my questions are: Has anyone else had successful braces with a

lot

> of dental work

>

> If so how do you eat with the braces on? So far I have not eaten

> anything but a chocolate shake!

>

> Thanks!

> Jodi

March 29, 2005

Jodi, I feel for you totally. That rubbing sensation on your upper

teeth (i also have an open bite)is totally normal unfortunately. The

only thing that I can tell you is that eventually you will get used

to it. Your body sort of builds up a resistance to it and the inside

of your mouth creates a sort of barrier to the rubbing. The first few

weeks I had braces on this year I was going nuts (and this was after

I had had them on for 10 years when I was younger)and I definitely

couldn't eat very much. Now it's as if I'd had them all my life. It

does get better I promise. Use wax to give you some relief. I used to

put huge chunks onto my teeth. As for the dental work part of the

question, I can't be of much help there. Sorry. I'm sure u'll be fine

though. Ortho's do wonders these days. Good luck and keep smiling.

Sara

>