Status Summary: The painful teeth have become itchy.
Today I have this urge to bite. My teeth are starting to feel itchy and they are no longer painful. It still feels weird biting as I am sure they are still kind of adjusting.
My diet so far has been soft food and liquid food. This includes soups, rice with soup, overcooked pasta, noodle soups, mashed potatoes, tofu, ground meat. With this diet I think I have lost probably 1 pound.
Wearing braces really makes you think twice before you eat as you are supposed to brush after every meal.
Stains?
I have been drinking coffee daily (at least 5 times per week) even after having the Damon braces put on. I had read on forums that if you have the Damon 3 (half clear, half metal), the clear portion will stain but will wash off with brushing. Good news! It is true thus far. My braces are as clear as they were the first day I got them. Maybe it will be a different story after a few months of coffee but so far so good.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Day 7 with the Damon Braces
Status Summary: Slight discomfort, not much of a "pull" feeling anymore
It has been a week since I got my Damon Braces put on and there is a huge difference in feeling. I don't feel as much tension on my teeth anymore. I hope this doesn't mean they will stop moving.
Some of my teeth are a bit lose and some are more sensitive than others still but to a lesser degree when compared to last week. I figured that the more sensitive teeth are the ones moving - which makes sense.
I was comparing a picture I took yesterday to a picture I took on the first day and I must say there has been a very slight change. I am very excited! My teeth have actually moved! Hopefully it wasn't just the angle of the camera.
Here they are (Day 6 followed by Day 1)
It has been a week since I got my Damon Braces put on and there is a huge difference in feeling. I don't feel as much tension on my teeth anymore. I hope this doesn't mean they will stop moving.
Some of my teeth are a bit lose and some are more sensitive than others still but to a lesser degree when compared to last week. I figured that the more sensitive teeth are the ones moving - which makes sense.
I was comparing a picture I took yesterday to a picture I took on the first day and I must say there has been a very slight change. I am very excited! My teeth have actually moved! Hopefully it wasn't just the angle of the camera.
Here they are (Day 6 followed by Day 1)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Day 5 with the Damon Braces plus a Smoothie
Status Summary: Not much pain, but still having problems eating.
With every day that goes by I feel more and more used to having braces. In fact, I sometimes feel proud. I know, it sounds weird.
A habit I have noticed is the fact that I look at my teeth in the mirror a few times a day. This is hoping to see some progress with my treatment. It was not done in vain, I have been able to track some progress. Yes!! I used to have a wire touching one of my tooth but the gap between the wire and the tooth has grown by a millimeter which means my teeth have moved. That is pretty impressive. When flossing I also noticed some gaps are tighter while others are wider, another sign teeth are moving.
Another thing I noticed while poking around my teeth is that some of them are actually loose. I am glad the bracket is glued on so that they won't get lost if they do fall off :P. I did read a few forums and this is totally normal.
Eating hasn't been easy. I tried eating some Ramen noodles but I ended up having to use my tongue and my front upper teeth to "bite" the noodles. Yes, we are supposed to eat soft food and etc but my case is a little different as my bite was opened with 2 pieces of composite so I can't really bite down fully.
For those who are also having problems eating here is my smoothie recipe:
Peanut Butter, Banana, Smoothie:
- 1 frozen banana cut in pieces
- 1.5 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Instructions: Blend all together and enjoy.
With every day that goes by I feel more and more used to having braces. In fact, I sometimes feel proud. I know, it sounds weird.
A habit I have noticed is the fact that I look at my teeth in the mirror a few times a day. This is hoping to see some progress with my treatment. It was not done in vain, I have been able to track some progress. Yes!! I used to have a wire touching one of my tooth but the gap between the wire and the tooth has grown by a millimeter which means my teeth have moved. That is pretty impressive. When flossing I also noticed some gaps are tighter while others are wider, another sign teeth are moving.
Another thing I noticed while poking around my teeth is that some of them are actually loose. I am glad the bracket is glued on so that they won't get lost if they do fall off :P. I did read a few forums and this is totally normal.
Eating hasn't been easy. I tried eating some Ramen noodles but I ended up having to use my tongue and my front upper teeth to "bite" the noodles. Yes, we are supposed to eat soft food and etc but my case is a little different as my bite was opened with 2 pieces of composite so I can't really bite down fully.
For those who are also having problems eating here is my smoothie recipe:
Peanut Butter, Banana, Smoothie:
- 1 frozen banana cut in pieces
- 1.5 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Instructions: Blend all together and enjoy.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Day 3 with the Damon Braces
Status Summary: It still hurts, but it is much more bearable
Day 3 has been good to me. I think the worst is over (for now). Yesterday I was very frustrated with the feeling of the braces and the tightness on my teeth. Today there were even times when I would forget I had the braces on, maybe my brain is adjusting.
Eating is still very hard specially with the composites that opened up my bite. However, it still hurts when I bite anything about the same level of pain as yesterday.
One immediate benefit I noticed is that I can't bite my fingernails anymore! It is a little frustrating but I guess in the long term, it will be good for me.
Here is a picture of the toolkit and my braces again.
Day 3 has been good to me. I think the worst is over (for now). Yesterday I was very frustrated with the feeling of the braces and the tightness on my teeth. Today there were even times when I would forget I had the braces on, maybe my brain is adjusting.
Eating is still very hard specially with the composites that opened up my bite. However, it still hurts when I bite anything about the same level of pain as yesterday.
One immediate benefit I noticed is that I can't bite my fingernails anymore! It is a little frustrating but I guess in the long term, it will be good for me.
Here is a picture of the toolkit and my braces again.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Days 1 & 2 with the Damon Braces
Status Summary: All my teeth hurt... some more than other.
Initial photos:
I got my braces on yesterday afternoon. The entire process took about 2 hours (check-in, x-rays, impressions, braces, education, and billing). The experience of getting the brackets and the wires on was not too bad. It was a bit hard keeping my tongue tucked in with that restrainer they had and I had to swallow a few times which was hard.
After I the Damon braces were all put on they noticed my incisor was hitting one of the brackets. So they added some composite material on both sides which lifted my bite. Great, except I can't bite at all. The only 2 connecting points when I bite are the spots where they put the composite material.
No pain so far, just minor discomfort.
The last part of the appointment was the billing. I had to pay $200 down payment and the remaining balance was of $4900 split in equal payments over the next 18 months (fortunately I have a FSA).
Now on to how the braces feel...
The first day was not too bad. I was kind of excited because I was feeling no pain. I also felt a little bit of pressure on my teeth so I knew the wires were working. :D. However, 6 hours later I my teeth were getting very sensitive. I would say every single tooth was sore to the touch. The only thing that would relieve it is biting my finger.
It seemed to get worse as time went by. I woke up 3 times in the middle of the night due to pain (I probably tried biting or something).
On Day 2 nothing seemed to be getting better. My teeth were more sore and the inner lip started hurting so I put on some wax. I did realize that as long as I don't move my lips and keep my teeth from touching each other I was ok. The other trick is to keep yourself distracted.
I can't wait for my teeth to move so that I can get those composites removed and start biting again.
2 days down... XXXX more to go ...
Initial photos:
I got my braces on yesterday afternoon. The entire process took about 2 hours (check-in, x-rays, impressions, braces, education, and billing). The experience of getting the brackets and the wires on was not too bad. It was a bit hard keeping my tongue tucked in with that restrainer they had and I had to swallow a few times which was hard.
After I the Damon braces were all put on they noticed my incisor was hitting one of the brackets. So they added some composite material on both sides which lifted my bite. Great, except I can't bite at all. The only 2 connecting points when I bite are the spots where they put the composite material.
No pain so far, just minor discomfort.
The last part of the appointment was the billing. I had to pay $200 down payment and the remaining balance was of $4900 split in equal payments over the next 18 months (fortunately I have a FSA).
Now on to how the braces feel...
The first day was not too bad. I was kind of excited because I was feeling no pain. I also felt a little bit of pressure on my teeth so I knew the wires were working. :D. However, 6 hours later I my teeth were getting very sensitive. I would say every single tooth was sore to the touch. The only thing that would relieve it is biting my finger.
It seemed to get worse as time went by. I woke up 3 times in the middle of the night due to pain (I probably tried biting or something).
On Day 2 nothing seemed to be getting better. My teeth were more sore and the inner lip started hurting so I put on some wax. I did realize that as long as I don't move my lips and keep my teeth from touching each other I was ok. The other trick is to keep yourself distracted.
I can't wait for my teeth to move so that I can get those composites removed and start biting again.
2 days down... XXXX more to go ...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
I just got my braces put on today. Hurray? However, I want to tell you about my wisdom teeth extraction experience first.
After my consultations with the 4 different orthodontists, I went back to my dentist and asked for a second opinion. She agreed and suggested I take them all out to avoid any problems in the future as it might ruin my orthodontic treatment at a later time.
This time around I didn’t shop for an oral surgeon. I went to have a consultation with the recommended oral surgeon by my dentist and it cost me $125 (that’s probably why I didn’t shop around). Three weeks later, I had all 4 of them removed. You can see from the panoramic x-ray that all 4 were impacted – bummer!
The day of the surgery, I did as instructed and didn’t eat or drink six hours prior to the operation. I was sedated and 1 hour later I woke up with a nice buzz. I was also gauzed up. The overall experience wasn’t too bad. I didn’t have much pain (but was really swollen in a funny way) the following days and did as instructed. A week later, I got a little pump to pump out food from my holes where the extractions were made. I started getting lazy thinking I was recovering fast and by the 2nd week I got an infection :(.
It has been 4.5 weeks since my extraction and I am still recovering on one molar extraction. I can still see a hole and I think I got another small infection but salt water is doing its trick and it is healing once again. The rest of the extractions have healed well but I use the pump and pump out and food residue just in case.
So remember – keep those holes clean!
After my consultations with the 4 different orthodontists, I went back to my dentist and asked for a second opinion. She agreed and suggested I take them all out to avoid any problems in the future as it might ruin my orthodontic treatment at a later time.
This time around I didn’t shop for an oral surgeon. I went to have a consultation with the recommended oral surgeon by my dentist and it cost me $125 (that’s probably why I didn’t shop around). Three weeks later, I had all 4 of them removed. You can see from the panoramic x-ray that all 4 were impacted – bummer!
The day of the surgery, I did as instructed and didn’t eat or drink six hours prior to the operation. I was sedated and 1 hour later I woke up with a nice buzz. I was also gauzed up. The overall experience wasn’t too bad. I didn’t have much pain (but was really swollen in a funny way) the following days and did as instructed. A week later, I got a little pump to pump out food from my holes where the extractions were made. I started getting lazy thinking I was recovering fast and by the 2nd week I got an infection :(.
It has been 4.5 weeks since my extraction and I am still recovering on one molar extraction. I can still see a hole and I think I got another small infection but salt water is doing its trick and it is healing once again. The rest of the extractions have healed well but I use the pump and pump out and food residue just in case.
So remember – keep those holes clean!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Choosing an Orthodontist
I finally decided to get braces put on after my cleaning with my dentist. She pointed out some thinning of my front tooth and brought up the recent crack I had on a premolar. I figured I should get it done soon while I was still relatively young (mid 20s). At the same time I was feeling some minor pain on one of my molars while biting down (another sign of a cracked tooth). So that was it, I was getting braces.
That is when my search for an orthodontists started. I started calling and setting up appointments with several orthodontists and used online rating sites to help. Here they are:
Ortho #1: At my current dental clinic
- Out of pocket expense: $5100
- Type of braces: clear traditional, regular traditional
- Treatment time: 18 months to 24 months
- This ortho told me that I do not have to take out my wisdom teeth. He also said I cannot use Invisalign because my teeth are too severe for that type of treatment.
Ortho #2: My friends current ortho
- Out of pocket expense: $4610 (clear regular) or $4985 Invisalign - this included a limited time $1000 off promotion
- Type of braces: clear traditional, Invisalign
- Treatment time: 18 months to 24 months
- The price provided is with a $1000 discount if I get it done by tomorrow. They said the promotion ended the next day but I didn't really beleive them. I also didnt like the orthodontist because he tried to "bond" with me talking about my country and I dont think he was professional. I told the assistant I wanted to use invisalign and then later when the doctor came to see me he directly said.. "I hear you are interested in Invisalign. You can do it but you have to be a good boy and wear it all the time". I was like, you are not even giving me the options? So I asked about the regular ones then he said I could use them too. Then he said invisalign will fix the teeth 90%, but regular will fix it 100%.
Ortho #3: Found good reviews online
- Out of pocket expense: $5687
- Type of braces: damon braces 3 and 3 MX
- Treatment time: 20 months to 24 months
- All wisdom teeth need to be removed
Ortho #4: Found another good review online
- Out of pocket expense: $6000
- Type of braces: damon braces 3 and 3 MX
- Treatment time: 20 months to 24 months
- All wisdom teeth need to be removed
After 4 consultations and 1.5 months of thinking I went for orthodontist number 3. It was a tossup between Number 3 and Number 4 as they were both really good in terms of the orthodontists education, the number of years in service, treatment towards customers (not pushy and not like a salesperson).
When choosing your orthodontist I would suggest looking at where they graduated from, trying to see if are they money oriented or they really care about you, listen to what they have to say compared to other orthodontists, and see what others have to say.
Good luck choosing your orthodontist! I hope I made the right choice.
That is when my search for an orthodontists started. I started calling and setting up appointments with several orthodontists and used online rating sites to help. Here they are:
Ortho #1: At my current dental clinic
- Out of pocket expense: $5100
- Type of braces: clear traditional, regular traditional
- Treatment time: 18 months to 24 months
- This ortho told me that I do not have to take out my wisdom teeth. He also said I cannot use Invisalign because my teeth are too severe for that type of treatment.
Ortho #2: My friends current ortho
- Out of pocket expense: $4610 (clear regular) or $4985 Invisalign - this included a limited time $1000 off promotion
- Type of braces: clear traditional, Invisalign
- Treatment time: 18 months to 24 months
- The price provided is with a $1000 discount if I get it done by tomorrow. They said the promotion ended the next day but I didn't really beleive them. I also didnt like the orthodontist because he tried to "bond" with me talking about my country and I dont think he was professional. I told the assistant I wanted to use invisalign and then later when the doctor came to see me he directly said.. "I hear you are interested in Invisalign. You can do it but you have to be a good boy and wear it all the time". I was like, you are not even giving me the options? So I asked about the regular ones then he said I could use them too. Then he said invisalign will fix the teeth 90%, but regular will fix it 100%.
Ortho #3: Found good reviews online
- Out of pocket expense: $5687
- Type of braces: damon braces 3 and 3 MX
- Treatment time: 20 months to 24 months
- All wisdom teeth need to be removed
Ortho #4: Found another good review online
- Out of pocket expense: $6000
- Type of braces: damon braces 3 and 3 MX
- Treatment time: 20 months to 24 months
- All wisdom teeth need to be removed
After 4 consultations and 1.5 months of thinking I went for orthodontist number 3. It was a tossup between Number 3 and Number 4 as they were both really good in terms of the orthodontists education, the number of years in service, treatment towards customers (not pushy and not like a salesperson).
When choosing your orthodontist I would suggest looking at where they graduated from, trying to see if are they money oriented or they really care about you, listen to what they have to say compared to other orthodontists, and see what others have to say.
Good luck choosing your orthodontist! I hope I made the right choice.
Welcome!
I decided to start writing about my journey and experience with braces, more specifically the Damon Braces since I will be spending the next 2 years with them.
It has been about 3 months since I decided to have braces and it has been a pretty long journey. This in reference to the process of finding an orthodontist and my wisdom teeth extraction which I will write about in my next couple of posting.
Tomorrow will be the day when I get the brackets and the braces put on. They have said it will take about an hour and 45 minutes. I am looking forward to it but at the same time I am not sure if I will get tired of it and want them off soon after.
Come back and check out my postings and share your experience as well!
It has been about 3 months since I decided to have braces and it has been a pretty long journey. This in reference to the process of finding an orthodontist and my wisdom teeth extraction which I will write about in my next couple of posting.
Tomorrow will be the day when I get the brackets and the braces put on. They have said it will take about an hour and 45 minutes. I am looking forward to it but at the same time I am not sure if I will get tired of it and want them off soon after.
Come back and check out my postings and share your experience as well!
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