Braces as an adult - help????

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Ok, I am 35 & just got braces put on my teeth & looking for any help or advice to get used to them & to be able to EAT!

They actually are putting them on to help with the constant headaches that I have dealt with since 1995. They say that it is a nasty cycle that I have put myself in:
I clench & grind my teeth to cause spasms & TMJ, that cause pain in the temples & into headaches - EVERY MORNING! That then at times throws me into migranes. And can you believe my medical insurance denied the claim?

Any way I have already lost 7lbs in the 1st week because my teeth hurt sooooo bad. I even had shooting pain on the top right side if I even chew pasta. Pasta is the most consistancy of food that I can have at this point. I am living on pudding, yogurt, jello, applesauce & milkshakes - along with pasta. I think I just may start adding Insure to just make sure I am getting everything.

But any advice? Tips? Good foods that I can eat? Anything - I am constantly feeling like I am starving!

 

[kellyg403]

Any way I have already lost 7lbs in the 1st week because my teeth hurt sooooo bad.

Wow...that is alot. I don't have alot of advice, because I probably would enjoy losing 7 lbs a week!

I do know that when my neice first got her braces, my sister said she was living on tylenol because her teeth hurt so badly. And everytime she had to get them adjusted it would be the same. Is there anyway that possibly taking something like tylenol/motrin a couple hours before eating you may be able to get past some of the pain?

I am sorry you are going through it, teeth pain has to be worse than anything else.

Kelly

 

[D&D's Mom]

I had braces when I was 30 so I feel your pain. My best advice is to use Advil consistently. If you allow it to wear off, it takes longer to take effect when you take the next dose. Also, be sure to use wax on anything that pokes into your skin, cheeks, or tongue. As for eating, you already have a lot of the things that work well, but here are a few more suggestions.

Soup/stews
mashed potatoes
baked potatoes with cheese, bacon, or chili for protein
milkshakes with protein powder
cottage cheese with fruit (canned so it is soft)
Scrambled eggs with cheese
Grits
TENDER cuts of meat - like things that fall apart from being crock pot or slow baked
Beans
Ice cream !!

Can't think of more off the top of my head, but will add if I do. It was about 15 years ago so my memory is not that detailed. Good luck, I am sure it will be worth it. Mine was!

 

[surfergirl602]

Try some hearty soups. Not too hot though, because that will hurt. Welcome to the world of braces. The pain is normal, and every time they are tightened, they will hurt. I know from experience. Slim fast shakes will also get you the nutrients you need. And LOTS of motrin! Good luck. My hubby will be getting them soon.

 

[Kellydelly]

I don't think it is normal to be in that much pain from one adjustment. I would call the orthodontist and let him/her know that you are having problems. You should have ibruprofen on board before you go for any adjustments, and then eat something quick before the pain sets in (my mom used to drive me straight to McDonald's for a big mac after my adjustments). Be careful of overloading yourself with Tylenol, it's toxic to the liver if you take too much. You must have some sort of pain management in place if you are being treated for TMJ. I would suggest you talk to your orthodontist about your problems and see what they advise to keep the pain manageable.

 

[thelionqueen]

I had braces @ 32 for 3 years. My initial adjustment was VERY hard! I feel your pain. The only thing I could eat was overcooked Mac 'n Cheese, and the "pintos and cheese" from Taco Bell. Also, what I use for pain came directly from my nurse when I had my Cesarean with my youngest. You can take Ibuprofen and Aleve (Naproxen) together without any side effects. They are different pain relievers and work together. When I am in serious pain, I take both together and it all goes away, every time.

With that said, I am not a doctor or nurse, I am just relaying information that was given to me in the hospital and has worked for me ever since. So, before I get any flaming posts, just wanted to clarify what medical advice I was given and what works for me. Perhaps ask your orthodontist what they recommend. If it lasts too much longer, I would make an appointment to be seen. I know your pain, but hang in there, the result is AMAZING!!

 

[disneyfreakk]

Braces are more painful for an adult. Call your Ortho and tell him how much pain you are in. I had braces both as a teen and an adult (wear your retainers!!! lol) and my Ortho prescribed vicaprofen because I was in quite a bit of pain too. It will get better, don't worry.

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

I have called the Ortho & the tech I talked to said "yes, you will have pain & if you still have it you can call & get seen next week, but there is really nothing we can do for you". I even told her that I expected discomfort & such, but not shooting pain when I chew & she said it can happen.

And yes, mashed potato's saved my life the 1st 2 days!

I have kept up on the Advil & I don't think it is helping at all. I also have Vicoprofen for my Migranes, but they affect me so much I have to go to bed after taking them.

As for pain managment for having TMJ: My dentist that I used forever passed away suddenly earlier this year & the new dentist that took over the practice is the 1st to ever say that I am griding my teeth away, exposing nerves & having TMJ. Not once has he mentioned a pain management or anything. He only suggested that I take 2 Tylenol & 2 Advil 6 times a day to help. Well, that lasted for 2 days & I was soooooo sick from all the meds in my stomach (and yes I took everything with food) I couldn't stand it at all. I tried 1st thing in the AM, lunch & before bed - but it really didn't do anything. Excedrin Migrane is the only thing that helps my daily headaches & I am just too afraid of mixed sooo much meds.

Thanks for all the advice & if any more come up - I'll take anything!!!

 

[Karlzmom]

Ok, I am 35 & just got braces put on my teeth & looking for any help or advice to get used to them & to be able to EAT!

They actually are putting them on to help with the constant headaches that I have dealt with since 1995. They say that it is a nasty cycle that I have put myself in:
I clench & grind my teeth to cause spasms & TMJ, that cause pain in the temples & into headaches - EVERY MORNING! That then at times throws me into migranes. And can you believe my medical insurance denied the claim?

Any way I have already lost 7lbs in the 1st week because my teeth hurt sooooo bad. I even had shooting pain on the top right side if I even chew pasta. Pasta is the most consistancy of food that I can have at this point. I am living on pudding, yogurt, jello, applesauce & milkshakes - along with pasta. I think I just may start adding Insure to just make sure I am getting everything.

But any advice? Tips? Good foods that I can eat? Anything - I am constantly feeling like I am starving!

no real good ideas only sympathy, I'm in the same boat. I've finally called my orthodontist and said that a year of misery is enough! I'm checking to see if the "problem" is done..I couldn't care less about a "perfect" smile, I just want them off and my life back. I have found some relief with baby oragel, tylenol and lots of wax.

Good Luck!

 

[minnie1928]

Ok, I am 35 & just got braces put on my teeth & looking for any help or advice to get used to them & to be able to EAT!

They actually are putting them on to help with the constant headaches that I have dealt with since 1995. They say that it is a nasty cycle that I have put myself in:
I clench & grind my teeth to cause spasms & TMJ, that cause pain in the temples & into headaches - EVERY MORNING! That then at times throws me into migranes. And can you believe my medical insurance denied the claim?

Any way I have already lost 7lbs in the 1st week because my teeth hurt sooooo bad. I even had shooting pain on the top right side if I even chew pasta. Pasta is the most consistancy of food that I can have at this point. I am living on pudding, yogurt, jello, applesauce & milkshakes - along with pasta. I think I just may start adding Insure to just make sure I am getting everything.

But any advice? Tips? Good foods that I can eat? Anything - I am constantly feeling like I am starving!

I also had braces as an adult (twice, again another good reminder to wear your retainer!) to treat TMJ too. FWIW, the treatment worked for me. I still get headaches, but no more frequently than a "normal" person.

Ice cream became my friend. The cold helped with the pain and there really wasn't much pressure on my teeth to eat it. I also ate Fruity Pebbles cereal...it's basically just mush after it's been in the bowl with milk for a few minutes.

 

[jedijill]

It does get better. The first few adjustments were horrible but as I got further along in the process the adjustments didn't hurt nearly as much. Rice pudding was my friend.

Jill in CO

 

[ilovedisney1]

I am 18 years old and have had braces for around a year. Well Monday I had an adjustment where they put brackets on 3 teeth and a new wire. So today the pain is not as bad as the first day. All I do, if I can stand it, cut everything real tiny.

 

[tinytink]

My Aunt loves her Invisalign, they are molded mouth pcs that gradually moves your teeth. You remove them to eat and they are not as painful as braces. She as only had them for 8 months and her very crooked "fangs" are close to being in place with her other teeth. I assume they would help with the teeth grinding and clenching. Good Luck

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Welcome to the club! I'm 36 and just got braces about 3 months ago. My most recent adjustment has been the most painful, and I haven't been able to eat for 2 days now. It will get better, I promise.

The number to remember is "3".

Whenever you go in for adjustments:

1. It will start to hurt in 3 hours.
2. It will be better in 3 days.

The soft food items the PP listed are exactly my diet, oh and oatmeal is my friend! My favorite thing to eat is Campbells "Soup at Hand" - everything is itty bitty and requires little or no chewing.

Also, do you have a water pick? This helped me immensely! I used it on my gums and it helps stimulate them making them a little "tougher".

Good luck and as stated before, braces are harder on adults than kids.

 

[mominwestlake]

I am 41 and have had my braces for a year. They can hurt like heck at times- even worse than child birth (with pain meds. My braces still hurt with pain meds!). The first couple of weeks were the worst and I also lost weight I still have a hard time eating things- like biting into a thick burger or sandwhich. It will even hurt when I eat crunchy cereal. I will have oatmeal right after an adjustment.

People have given great food ideas. I am saying I hope it feels better soon and letting you know that you are not alone.

By the way, 3 of my children have had braces and have not complained anywhere near what I have complained!

 

[zalansky]

I am sorry, but I am getting a kick out of some of the posts! I got braces at 37 by choice, like an idiot. I didn't really need them! I had a few out of line bottom teeth but it looked fine. Don't ask me how I got talked into getting braces on but not only did I get them on the bottoms but on my top straight teeth too! It was 2 years of pure h*ll. I finally demanded the ortho take them off because I'd had enough. I made up my mind to never wear the retainers because I was about to turn 40 and wanted my life back also! So the irony is, my bottom teeth have moved back to where they almost started and now I am dealing with sensitivity on one side because some of the teeth were pulled up slightly from the gum line by the braces. It hurts! I wish I had never done it...I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news and NO help at all. I just would not wish braces on ANY adult ever!

Good luck to you, I hope it gets better asap OP!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

OP - you have all my sympathy!! Hang in there!!

I had braces as an adult, for almost 3 and a half years, from ages 33 to 36. In my case, it had nothing really to do with health - it was all about appearances. I had horribly crooked teeth forever and I was SICK of looking so poorly. I was sick of being ugly and it was time to change. And I had a very bad time getting anywhere in a professional career - you need that winning smile to get anywhere nowadays, and I didn't have it. Even worse, my parents had the money to get me braces but simply refused, since they said it was my problem, and not their responsibility. They said if I wanted straight teeth, it was my choice and I needed to pay for it. As a teen, when I was being teased about my badly crooked teeth, I was told I needed a better personality to make people like me more to overcome my shortcomings (never occurred to my parents that maybe they should step up to the plate and get my teeth fixed!). Nice. (Ok, I still have major issues with my parents on the braces issue )

Fast forwards to now, I had my braces off for 2 years, and the difference is night and day. I look so much better, and people treat me better, and I got a far better job. I seeing fixing my teeth as the #1 best thing I ever did.

I remember living on instant mashed potatoes, very soft perogies (Mrs. T's brand), ice cream, thick chocolate milk (to fill me up better), baby food (yep I actually bought some jars), and applesauce. I had surgery before my braces, so I was sore from that as well as the braces. I really couldn't bite well for the first 18 months of braces, and my molars didn't touch either. It was a long road, but so worth it in the end!

 

[mjh8955]

I had nearly the idential problem when I was mid-30's. My teeth shifted from clenching my teeth in the night and actually caused my jaw to dislocate and I had TMJ with shooting pains and pain for about 6 weeks. I was on a liquid (or close to liquid) diet for 6 weeks and when the pain settled down they put braces on. I've worn a retainer at night for 17 years and haven't had a problem. Try a liquid or soft diet (milk shakes work) for a few weeks and your pain should settle down and stop shooting through your jaw. Good luck and be patient!

 

[DisneyKT]

Wow I was thinking about braces but yikes. Im 38. Maybe the invisalign is the way to go. If I can afford it.

 

[roxy83]

I have had Invisalign on since October of 2006. I just finished round one and am on my refinement stage (where they give you a few more trays to correct things that didn't quite do what they were supposed to do). I can not wait to get these dang things over with. I really was hoping that it would be over with by this point but unfortunately it's not. Oh well...

Now for the positive...my smile is so amazing compared to where I started from. Even though I am not done people who have known me for awhile have noticed the difference and can't believe that a piece of plastic can change a smile that much.