Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 06:45 PM

Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Just found out my 11 yr. old Grandson is getting them. He's not happy of course. The dentist said if he gets them now, he'll have summer to get use to them. Shaun said he wants invisible braces. Is there such a thing? Mary MOB

meg922 Posted: May 14, 2008 06:47 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

There are clear braces, so they're not as noticeable as the traditional metal ones. I had braces three times, but the metal ones never bothered me. I'm sure some of his friends will have them, too, so he won't feel like the odd man out.

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 06:50 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Posted by meg922

There are clear braces, so they're not as noticeable as the traditional metal ones. I had braces three times, but the metal ones never bothered me. I'm sure some of his friends will have them, too, so he won't feel like the odd man out.

Thanks, Megan!! Tell me, what were the downsides to having braces? Mary MOB

meg922 Posted: May 14, 2008 06:57 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Well, I'm not going to lie, they are uncomfortable at first. His orthodontist should be able to give him some wax in case the brackets or wires irritate the inside of his cheek. After a little while, though, you get used to it, so you don't really need to use the wax anymore.

Also, you have to be careful about eating very sticky or chewy foods -- like gum, carmel, etc. Oddly, though, as a kid, I never really had a problem with popping the wire out from eating foods I wasn't supposed to . . . . when I had them in college, the wire was constantly popping out!

Sometimes, when they adjust the wire, your teeth can be a little sore. My mom would give me some children's tylenol before I went to head the discomfort off. Also, she'd make sure to have softer foods for me on those days . . . soup or pasta.

All in all, though, it's really not too bad. My teeth are nice and straight now. I do still wear my retainers a few times a week, though.

I feel for him, though. It's not fun and sometimes the apprehension can make it seem worse.

I'll be thinking of him!!

ETA: Also, now the piece that holds the wire in place comes in different colors. Some kids get a kick out of being able to have their favorite color, or changing the color for different holidays (orange and black for halloween, red and green for christmas).

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 11:03 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Meg, you are so sweet and caring!! Thank you !! I will pass this information on to my Daughter. Mary MOB

anneandchris Posted: May 14, 2008 11:09 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Braces are like a right of passage. I wore them for 4 years. I had 'clear' braces. I didn't have color options but I was the first kid in school to have clear so that was cool.

I know they have come along way but here is my advise -- if he gets clear and has clear bands put on them DO NOT DRINK RED DRINKS -- THEY STAIN. As for the pain -- it takes a little to get used to and when they adjust them each month you can be sore but nothing horrible. Tylenol and soft foods (ICE CREAM) always did the trick!!!!!!

ETA - 10 years from now he will be happy he had to wear them. I look back at what my mouth looked like and I am so thankful my mom made me get them! Totally worth it!

sweetdoublenn Posted: May 14, 2008 11:14 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

I think there is...clear braces that is...these days kids don't want the metal!

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 11:16 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Anne, I very much appreciate your input, as well; I never had braces, so I don't know anything about them. My poor baby!! Mary MOB

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 11:18 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Posted by sweetdoublenn

I think there is...clear braces that is...these days kids don't want the metal!

Thanks, Jennifer!!! Shaun specified clesr, so he must know something about braces. Mary MOB

anneandchris Posted: May 14, 2008 11:36 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Posted by debismom

Anne, I very much appreciate your input, as well; I never had braces, so I don't know anything about them. My poor baby!! Mary MOB

He'll be ok. I am sure 75% of the kids in class have or will have them.

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 11:40 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Posted by anneandchris

Posted by debismom

Anne, I very much appreciate your input, as well; I never had braces, so I don't know anything about them. My poor baby!! Mary MOB

He'll be ok. I am sure 75% of the kids in class have or will have them.

Thanks!!!! Mary MOB

JTsGal829 Posted: May 14, 2008 11:42 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

aww poor thing.. it's so hard at that age!!! They do have invisible ones but i think they cost more. I'm sure he'll be fine...he'll see that other people have them and that it's ok.. but i know how he must be feeling!! Send him hugs!!

debismom Posted: May 14, 2008 11:46 PM

Re: Remember how upset Marsha Brady was when she got braces???

Posted by JTsGal829

aww poor thing.. it's so hard at that age!!! They do have invisible ones but i think they cost more. I'm sure he'll be fine...he'll see that other people have them and that it's ok.. but i know how he must be feeling!! Send him hugs!!

Thanks, Krystal!!! Mary MOB