Brace yourself for braces

[Austin M.]

Yes, the face of SKYWARNAL Live and SKYWARNAL News Now is getting braces. I love it but I hate it. I need some peoples opinions.
1. DO they hurt, especially the first week?
2. HOW do they feel when you have them on (before you get used to them)?
3. ANY other tips?
Thanks 

[TWCToday]

1. Sometimes they will hurt after adjustments but only for a few days. When I first had them on my mouth was sore but the most annoying part was the irritation caused by the metal on my gums.
2. Like you have sharp metal barbs on your teeth. I would expect to have sores in your mouth so gets some orajel.
3. I never changed my eating habits. I chewed gum and ate just about whatever I wanted. If you are careful it wont cause problems.

[Mr. Rainman]

Your mouth will be sore for a few days as you adjust to the feeling of metal in your mouth. Alternatively, when you get them off, you will feel like you have a giant gap between your lip and your teeth.

As to how they feel, Martin is correct with the barbs. By week two, though, you shouldn't feel a thing.

Your orthodontist will give you a packet about what to eat and what not to eat. Not attacking Martin, but gum is strongly discouraged, as it may pull your braces out. Eating apples is also strongly discouraged, but I never figured out why.

[Trevor]

I have some changes coming soon to my appearance this week as well. I'm getting glasses! They said I only need to wear them when I am having trouble seeing the board in class.


-CORNY JOKE ALERT-

My new phrase: "Now I can look smarticle while I am doing smarticle stuff!" Get it, because glasses make you look smarter and classwork is smart stuff.

[phw115wvwx]

Austin, I had braces for over two years starting back in 7th grade, and my situation was far worse than yours.  I also had an extra wire to pull a stubborn eye tooth from the roof of my mouth into place as it stalled out at an angle.  Yes, it was very awkward, and I found that I could only chew softly at first.  The pressure is what will bother you most as your body is feeling a foreign object in your mouth.  As you get used to it, it'll get better, but you'll have to avoid hard and sticky foods as they can damage the braces.  Hope this information helps you!

[Zach]

i was not supposed to eat popcorn nor chew gum, or even drink the dark-colored sodas.. but youll live.. in fact during my time with braces i felt happy

[Mike M]

I'm well overdue for braces... been needing them since 6th grade but I never wanted to deal with the hassle. Now, despite my parents persuading me to get them, I really think it's too late now, because I don't want to be the only person my age that is wearing them (since most people wear them during middle school/early high school). My dentist also recommended getting my mouth expanded and having several teeth pulled out (I already had two wisdom teeth pulled last summer), and I do not have the time and patience to do that with my busy schedule. Sigh, I wish my parents would have made me get this all done years ago.

[Austin M.]

Thanks for all of the comments! It is bad, since I live in the south (corn on the cob!) and I eat popcorn everyday for a snack. I don't chew gum often and drink soda in moderation.
To Trevor: I have to wear glasses sometimes too. Nearsighted?
I really don't think I have to worry about food, considering I am extremely picky about what I eat. I'm a semi-vegan and eat (few) meats in extreme moderation. Lovin the soup.

[Bryan]

I have the "Dave Letterman Gap" in front.   Too much money to fix and not really concerned about it.

[Mike M]

Not attacking Martin, but gum is strongly discouraged, as it may pull your braces out.

Clarification: sugarless gum is fine, but avoid sugared gum.

[Zach]

Not attacking Martin, but gum is strongly discouraged, as it may pull your braces out.

Clarification: sugarless gum is fine, but avoid sugared gum.

Its not sugared vs sugarless its the concern of the gum being stuck between the brackets