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RE: What should I do after missing a braces adjustment?
The elastic schedule is the part I’d avoid changing by guesswork. If the office can’t give interim guidance, follow the most recent written prescription you were given rather than stopping, doubling up, or switching sche...
RE: Keeping your mouth healthy after a root canal – what worked for you?
That routine is honestly what saved me too. Warm salt water rinses were my go-to, especially in the first couple days. I tried the ice thing, but it just made my jaw stiff and achey, so I totally get what you mean about ...
RE: Did you know kids’ sports guards can help with more than just broken teeth?
Funny you mention that... I actually stopped using soap on mine because it left a weird aftertaste. What’s worked for me (and my daughter) is rinsing it with cold water right after use, then soaking it in a mix of water ...
RE: Eating with aligners: taking them out every meal vs. snacking less
I totally get that feeling. I used to keep those mini brushes too, but honestly, I always wondered if they were actually doing anything or just making me feel better about snacking. For me, it turned into this mental che...
RE: How to make breath mints last longer (without eating the whole pack)
I totally get where you’re coming from. Finals week is a whole different beast when it comes to breath issues - I used to go through those little sprays like they were nothing. I’d be halfway through the day and suddenly...
RE: Surprising Ways To Brighten Your Smile Without The Ouch Factor
Yeah, those whitening strips are a bit of a gamble. I tried them a couple years back and my teeth felt like they were buzzing for days. It was weirdly uncomfortable, not even just when eating or drinking - just this cons...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
The frozen peas thing made me laugh at first too, but honestly, after my second adjustment, I was desperate enough to try it. Turns out, it’s way better than those rock-hard ice packs they give you at the ortho’s office....
RE: Best ways to care for teeth after getting braces off?
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about the “alien teeth” thing - my mouth felt so weirdly empty at first. Mine were definitely a bit swollen and sensitive, especially near where the wires used to dig in. Salt water hel...
RE: What would you do if your parent refused to see the dentist?
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. My dad was the same way - he’d rather deal with a toothache than set foot in a dentist’s office. It’s tough watching someone you care about just brush it off, especially when you...
RE: Keeping pain at bay after wisdom tooth extraction: worth the fuss?
Yeah, that first night was rough for me too. I kept waking up every hour, half convinced something was going wrong. The cold pack definitely helped more than the painkillers after a while - plus it gave me something to f...
RE: Unexpected Everyday Things That Can Tint Your Teeth
Yeah, I totally get what you mean. I switched to green tea thinking it'd be safer, but my teeth still picked up these yellowish stains. Swishing with water helps a bit, but honestly, it’s not a magic fix. I started using...
RE: What should I have asked before my root canal?
Yeah, that gritty feeling totally threw me off too. I kept running my tongue over it for days like, “is this supposed to feel like sandpaper?” And the metallic taste - ugh, it stuck around longer than I expected. Honestl...
RE: ANYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE INVISALIGN "TWEAKS" TAKE FOREVER?
Yeah, the tweaks stage really tested my patience. I remember thinking nothing was happening for weeks, then suddenly one tooth just snapped into place overnight. It’s weird how it goes in fits and starts. I still get ran...
RE: Weirdest pain after getting braces tightened - normal or not?
Funny, I always thought cold would help, but it just made my teeth feel even more sensitive. Heat pads were my go-to too, especially when my jaw felt tight after a tough adjustment. Ever get that weird tingling along you...
RE: If Your Braces Hurt Like Crazy At Night, What’s Your Go-To Fix?
Yeah, ibuprofen only takes the edge off for me too. I’ve actually had worse luck with acetaminophen - doesn’t seem to touch the soreness from braces, at least in my case. Alternating the two didn’t really make a differen...