JessHimself said:
So I'm set to get braces next week, and I will have them for approx. 3 years, and I heard that for the first little bit, your lips get cut up, and that they are painful. Is there anything else I should expect not only when I first get them, but in general aswell?
Try to avoid food like spare ribs, you know stuff you eat off the bone (unless it kinda falls off the bone), there is a chance it may break a bracket (chicken drum sticks are still good though to you can still enjoy KFC).
Gum is out of the question as are most chewy or hard sweats/candy, like toffee. Do not put chocloate in the fridge to harden anymore, this will also break the bracket.
Set your self up for disapointment and do what your orthodentist says. I was suppose to have them for 6 months and 5 years later they are still in. Friends of mine even ignored their orthodentist because the treatment did not suite them and have suffered for it. Also if it breaks make an apointment for repairs asap.
Every time you get an ajustment to your brace be prepared for major tooth ache for the next few days (up to a week tops). So be sure to stock up on soups, soft bread and other soft foods. (ice cream and cake is good too)
Oh and a little bit of advice if your are finding it hard to chew or bit but you want something well normal, break up some chocolate and just place it in your mouth to melt a bit until you can "chew" it (this is very helpful if you are wearing elastics).