I am getting my braces on the 26th. What is it like when you get there and what !

I am getting my braces on the 26th. What is it like when you get there and what happens?

Can you please tell me every detail because I am nervous and can you tell me what it is like for the next few days after I get them.

I've had mine off for just about a year and a half, but I can clearly remember the anxiety I felt when I first went to get them. The very first thing I will tell you is that there is no reason to be nervous. The procedure may take a while, but you have to remember that in the long run it is benefactory. You'll have an awesome smile.

Anyway after they call you in, you take the seat. In my experience, as well as those with my siblings, they once again showed the xrays of my teeth and explained once again what exactly the braces were going to do and how long the process would take. They then proceeded to lean the chair back, flash that extremely bright light in your face and begin.

They placed something similar to a mouthguard in my mouth. At first its uncomfortable, but then your mouth kind of becomes accustomed to it especially if it's a rubber one and not the plastic/plexi one. The orthodontist then began to place the 'cement/glue' onto my teeth and applied the brackets [the little squares] on top of the glued area.

After that has been done, the wire is placed into each bracket. So far you have nothing to worry about. Then comes probably the best part to having braces. You get to pick the colors that are placed onto the brackets to hold the wire down. You have the option of choosing two colors [so the colors will simply alternate along your teeth] or you can just choose one color for your entire mouth. From personal experience as well as my own observations, I will advise against clear [it tends to take on the color of w/e you eat, and makes your teeth look yellow]; occasionaly the same can be said for yellow and white. I stuck with more solid colors like dark blue, green, red, black, silver, etc.

Okay I'm not going to lie to you. This next part tends to be quite uncomfortable. The only way to describe it is to say it feels like you jaw is being pulled backwards [if that makes any sense whatsoever]. The wire is placed into the brackets and held in by the bands that you just picked. The very first time can be very uncomfortable, seeing as there is almost a strain on your jaw and the wire maybe too long so you feel something poking you in the back of your mouth. However, second issue is easily resolved. The orthodontist will cut off the excess wire until you no longer feel the poking and the prodding in the back of your mouth.

After one last check, I was offered a mirror to check out my new 'grill'. The orthodontist, or his assistant, will go over the proper procedure for taking care of your teeth now that you have braces on them. How to brush, how to floss, etc.

You are then free to go.

It definitely takes some getting used to because at times it felt that I was unable to close my mouth because my lips were being held back by my braces, but that feeling goes away within a a few days, a week tops. As for the slight soreness/pain you may feel after getting them, I would advise bringing along some Tylenol and a bottled water for after the visit.

Also on your follow up visits, your braces will get 'tightened'. Do not be afraid. They are simply replacing the colored band that hold down wire. After having been on the bracket for such an extended period of time, they will stretch out and be of no help in keeping the wire secure, so they have to be changed. You can once again choose the color(s) that are placed onto the brackets.

Hope this helps. Any other questions feel free to just email me. [devious2986@yahoo.com]