In my experience (of the two prior times of having braces), spacers are worse then the first week of actual braces. For those of you not familiar with the term here is the medical definition...
Separators are small elastics (rubber bands) that are first stretched out with a special separator instrument. Then, they are simply flossed into the contact where space is needed. While the separator is being placed, the patient may feel slight pressure or a "pushing" sensation - this is due to the pressure needed to allow the rubber band to squeeze through the contact of the teeth. Sometimes, as the separator begins to touch the gum tissue, a "pinch" feeling may be noticed. This sharp feeling will usually go away within a minute or two.
Once the separators are in place, the patient will notice that they feel as though a piece of food is caught between their teeth. Usually within 4-6 hours after placement, the soreness from tooth pressure/movement will begin. The dull ache feeling will normally worsen over the next day or two, and will then subside.
This whole "braces" thing is about to become a painful reality.
I would genuinely appreciate the support and loving words of those in my life during this difficult and painful time. You can give some good-nature ribbing as well. Here's a list to get you started and make me giggle a bit about my impending doom.
Train Tracks
Tinsel Teeth
Brace Face
Metal Mouth
Antennae Mouth
Jaws
Oraluminum
Bumper-beaker
Tetanus Breath
Buick Mouth
Also, please recall the list of foods I'm no longer allowed to eat...
Hard candy
Caramel
Taffy
Hard bread crusts
Pizza crust
Hard nuts
Tacos
Tortilla chips
Corn Nuts
Popcorn
Jerky
Corn on the cob
Dried fruit
Bagels
Apples
Raw carrots
Raw celery
Gum
Ice
This stinks.
Always,
K
Tell me again, why are you going through this at such an "advanced" age?
ReplyDeleteI still remember the pain of mouth hardware, though I don't recall spacers. Of course, I got my braces something like 38 years ago (and could use them again...)
Poor kiddo. I shall salute you with a Pull and Peel later today...
Sorry for the lack of pith!
I need to have my jaw aligned (via an extensive and painful surgery, in February) but my teeth must be aligned prior to the surgery. So, for the third time, I will be undergoing braces... yay me :)
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