Yellowgurl's Guide To BRACES, =) Options

[ghjgfkgfk]

^no, i have a friend who had braces only on top teeth

[*lolita kitty*]

I got my braces off about a month ago, so I guess I'll add a few things.

RETAINERS
Yes, you will (usually) get a retainer after your braces come off. Sometimes the orthodontist will give you a clear one, and sometimes they'll give you a metal one. My orthodondist actually gace me both, so I have experience with the two. You must remember to always wear your retainer, unless you are eating or brushing your teeth. Otherwise, always! Your teeth will eventually grow crooked again if you don't, and you'll have to get braces again. Also, remember to always brush your retainer. You might not eat with them in, but you will get plaque bildup over time, and they can become just as nasty as teeth.

[gingerblossoms]

I've had my braces since about 4th grade and I'm in the 8th grade now. Although for about half my 6th grade year I had them off. During that time I enjoyed every sugar packed piece of gum I could get in my mouth! Haha! Of course I brushed though! Anyways, It's true that you get retainers and that you more than likely have to wear them the rest of your life but when I got my retainer to wear when I didn't have braces, I only had to wear it at night. My teeth stayed the same during that short period. Another thing, my cousin who is now 16 had braces when she was my age. The orthodontists gave her a retainer for her to wear at night but she never wears hers and she has a beautiful smile that I envy. I'm not sure why her teeth don't go crooked again, maybe it's because her teeth stopped growing. I don't know, but I just wanted to share some experiences!

[MyCATSwatchingtv]

i've had braces for 4 years
i eat whatever i want
except for like taffy
i chew gum everyday and i've had a total of 2 brackets come off
but it was because i accidently bit down to hard and bit it off myself
i eat popcorn,gummies etc.
it says not to eat oreos? or hard cookies at my orthodontist
that was when i decided i wasn't going to do some of the things they recommended
just be careful when you eat stuff,that's all
im getting my braces off at my next appointment
it is going to be the best day,ever
and im getting crest whitestrips

[sprezzatura]

I wish I had been told to wear braces every night for the rest of my life - it would have been no problem, and now my teeth would still be straight. Anyhow, my daughter and I have written a cookbook for people with braces that might help for eating with braces; check out www.BracesCookbook.com.

Uhh. Advertising?

I got my braces off for a year already, but honestly, it really wasn't that bad.

[creamysmile11]

my friend has had the for five years, since he was in 3rd/4th grade. he's a freshman in highschool and still has them. doesnt know when he'll get them off yet. it's not true that if youre older, youll have them for longer. besides, many people cant get then theyre younger because they still have baby teeth. i just got mine maybe half a year ago, and i only need them for two years.

this other friend of mine had hers for four years. most of the people have had them longer than me.

DONT WAIT TO GET YOUR WIRE/BRACKET FIXED IF THEY EVER BREAK! GO TO YOUR ORTHODONTIST IMMEDIATELY OR YOUR TEETH WILL MOVE AND TAKE LONGER FOR YOU TO GET THE OFF!

[xxhorsexxaddictx...]

the average of getting your braces off is 3
and after you take off your braces you have to wear a retainer for like 15 years? or forever?

nope.... not FOREVER... but u do have a good point... iv always wondered how long u haf to wear one.

[xXxNekogalxXx]

Iv had my braces for month now and there not so bad :D
and the whole who-ha about retainers. My friend, sister and brothers
girlfriend all had braces, and said they only needed to wear
there retainers for 2-3 years max. they all have amhoozing teeth!