Sometimes I wonder if it’d be easier if I just scheduled adjustments before a weekend so I could lay low.
Honestly, I’ve tried both—weekend and weekday appointments. For me, having work or stuff to distract me actually helps. If I’m just chilling at home, I notice every little ache. Also, I skip painkillers unless it’s really bad, since I feel like my body adjusts faster that way? Might just be in my head, but tech podcasts and gaming are my go-tos for taking my mind off the soreness.
I totally get that—if I’m home after an adjustment, I just fixate on every weird feeling in my mouth. But going to work stresses me out too, since I worry about talking funny or getting cranky from the pain. I usually end up watching comfort shows and eating soup... not super exciting, but it helps distract me.
That’s pretty much my routine too—soup, soft bread, and whatever’s on TV that doesn’t require much thinking. I’ve found that the first day after an adjustment is always the toughest, especially when you’re hyper-aware of every twinge or pressure point. Years ago, I used to force myself to go out or keep busy, but honestly, it just made me more irritable. Now, I just let myself have a quiet evening.
One thing that’s helped a bit is keeping a small ice pack handy. Not directly on the teeth, but along the outside of my jaw if things get really sore. It takes the edge off, at least for a while. And I know some folks swear by over-the-counter pain relievers, but I try to avoid them unless it’s really necessary.
As for talking funny, I still catch myself lisping a bit after certain adjustments. It’s frustrating, but most people don’t notice as much as we think they do. I’d say give yourself permission to lay low for a day or two. The world can wait while your mouth settles down.
I always laugh at myself after an adjustment because I sound like a malfunctioning AI assistant—random lisp, weird pauses, and my mouth just refusing to cooperate. The first few hours, it’s like my jaw’s running some kind of firmware update and everything’s lagging.
I’m with you on the ice pack. I’ve tried those fancy gel ones that are supposed to contour to your face, but honestly, a bag of frozen peas gets the job done. I do wish someone would invent a wearable cooling device specifically for post-braces pain—maybe something with Bluetooth and RGB lighting just for fun? But until then, old-school methods win.
TV is my go-to too, but I tend to binge old sci-fi shows because if I zone out or miss a plot point, it doesn’t matter. I used to try and “power through” by working on side projects or tinkering with gadgets, but concentration just tanks when your teeth feel like they’re being realigned by a tiny hydraulic press.
Painkillers are tricky for me. I’ll take them if it’s really rough, but usually I just wait it out. Sometimes distraction works better—messing around with my home automation setup or playing games where you don’t have to talk much (definitely not the time for voice chat).
And yeah, the self-consciousness about talking is real. Last time, I had a video call scheduled right after an adjustment and spent half the meeting hoping nobody noticed my speech was off. Turns out, nobody cared—or maybe they were just being polite. Either way, I figure if my smart speaker can misinterpret half my commands and still get by, so can I.
The world doesn’t end if you take a night off and eat like you’re five years old again. Sometimes you just need to let your systems reboot.
honestly, a bag of frozen peas gets the job done
Right there with you—no need to spend extra on fancy stuff when the basics work. I’ve kept the same bag of peas in my freezer for months just for braces days. I also lean into the “eat like you’re five” thing—applesauce, mashed potatoes, whatever’s soft and cheap. No shame in taking it easy and saving a few bucks. The world keeps turning.