Do you really have to get SPACERS for braces?
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If they say you need spacers, I suggest you go along with them...it'll make it MUCH easier for them to get the actually braces on. They can hurt a little bit, though. Mostly a dull (but constant) ache. OTC painkillers should do the trick. Braces themselves don't really hurt. The only time I really had problems with them were in the first few days after each adjustment. Past that, it was just a nuisance. Pick up plenty of dental wax, though. The brackets rubbing against the inside of your mouth can be irritating and a bit painful.
You don't always get spacers and if you do, it doesn't mean you'll get them on all of your teeth.
The thing that hurts the most about the first week or so after you get the braces on is eating. Beware of carrots, popcorn and anything you have to bite into. Be ready to cut stuff up. The braces rub against the inside of your upper & lower lips and that can be painful.
The most important things to carry in your dental kit your orthodontist will probably supply. A toothbrush, dental floss (quite the challenge with braces) and sometimes wax. Wax helps if the braces are rubbing too much against your lips.
It's possible that you might have to deal with a broken wire, but it'll be rare and the worst that will happen will be the wire poking into the side of your mouth.
Brush, brush, brush and floss always. The worst things would be having those braces removed after two years of wear only to have dingy teeth because you didn't brush.
Have fun with using different colored bands on your braces. You'll be glad you got braces if you have crooked teeth.
Don't worry...I was exactly like you. Nervous about getting braces and asking everyone that's had them.
Ok, the spacers are no big deal. For me it was just a tiny grey rubberband not even the size of an eraser that they put in between molars. They feel weird at first but don't hurt at all.
After about a week they take those off and start putting bands on your back molars which they call anchors. After that they clean your teeth really well.
Then they start putting brackets on. You don't feel any pain durring any of this so don't worry. (I do recomend putting chapstick on before they start...your mouth will be open for a long time)
After the brackets are on the place a wire in and put on rubber-bands to secure the wire. You begin to feel some pressure...but doesn't hurt yet.
When you leave I also recomend that you get something to eat. (This will help make less pain when they accualy do start hurting)
Then about 4-5 hours after pain will develop and will last 3-5 days. (An aching pain.not sharp) Then the pain will go away.
You should bring wax and lots of it. Your braces will feel weird in your mouth and may cause irritation.
Hope this Helps!! :)
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