Brace being fitted 3 days before christmas

[Hbradley]

My teenager is due to have brace fitted on 23rd dec. Only just found out. He’s having teeth removed 7 days before the brace fitting.
What’s likelyhood he’s going to be in a lot of discomfort Christmas Eve / Day and should he be able to eat Christmas dinner ok? He’s so looking forward to Christmas (
I think unlikely they can move our nhs appointment just to avoid a difficult Christmas for us. Unfortunately he’s quite sensitive to unusual feeling / sensory things.
My only concern is 7 days after surgery with stitches might be not long enough to heal before brace but no doubt they’ve considered that!
Any thoughts?

I'd assume he'll be at best uncomfortable and probably quite sore. Even without teeth removal braces take a bit of getting used to and add pressure. Obviously sticky stuff that can get wedged is a no no, but I'd also be ready to blend food into soups if he needs them.

im in my 30’s and had 4 teeth out last year and a brace fitted 8 days later.

I struggled with eating anything for the first week as the wounds are all open and sore. I lived off soup, protein shakes and mashed potato. He might be able to pick at stuff but may struggle abit.

sorry the timing is abit rubbish but all worth it in the end. Hope he gets on ok.

I've never had braces so can't answer that but thought I'd respond about the teeth out. I had some out as a kid, and seemed to be pretty much normal almost immediately. I hope this is some comfort (when I needed one out as an adult recently, it was a completely different story). I have heard this from so many people-I don't know if it's because adults heal more slowly than teenagers, or over 30s having inflammation, but I do know that seems to be the case. I would ask about any advice, and you could ring reception, at our NHS dentists they are really helpful advising people of likely after effects and how to care for them.

I’ve had 3 children have braces, two of them autistic Theyvr all been a bit achy for a day or two but fine with regular paracetamol

DD is having hers fitted on 17th, so hoping she is doing better by Christmas. Shame for your ds but definitely worth it in the long run, having braces was one of the best things I've done. Her friend had them fitted last week and said she is just starting to be able to bite and chew softer things. She said she managed things that could be cut up small but biting was very difficult. The teeth removal wounds should be healing by Christmas. Maybe mash potatoes instead of roast, cut up turkey and pigs in blankets should be fine too, DDS friends said she managed sausages well. And some well done veg so it's nice and soft. Hope he feels ok. My DD is very sensitive to soendy feelings so I know she is going to struggle. Maybe get some pain killers ready, she can't tolerate swallowing them and it may be tricky with the braces, so maybe get some fast melts or liquid in

Thanks everyone for your advise. We had a really rubbish Xmas last year as he had a spell of bad anxiety and I was really looking forward to a more peaceful Xmas.

i think I’ll double check that the time after tooth removal (it’s impacted in gum) so will requires stitches! is long enough, the general advise seems to say 2 weeks and secretary at hospital suggested that was 2 weeks was more normal length, but I think orthodontist doesn’t have much availability so they said that date and then has no availability until march. That’s was receptionist said.

thanks all )

I’d deff move his app!! It’s so uncomfortable even after a brace tightening for a Few days so a whole new brace is going to be painful. You don’t need to give a reason just call and ask to move the app. I used to work at an orthodontic clinic and people will NOT be getting braces fitted that week

@pambeesleyhalpert That’s so helpful to know! Thank you.

Even if they say they don’t have other appointments until march, shall I just see what happens if I say we can’t attend and perhaps they’ll be able to fit us in another time?

I feel waiting to march would be detrimental. the Orthodentist only works once a week in that surgery.

Thought I was being a bit precious about considering protecting Christmas for my son but perhaps I’m just being sensible. X

My son has them and they are sore for about 2/3 days - I’d try to rearrange if you can, as he loves food, but can’t eat for a few days properly.

Asked to be put on the cancellation list for Jan and something is bound to come up before March. I refused an apt this week and got one in Feb which is much better for us.

My DS had them and could only eat soft food for about a week after. He also couldn't bite anything so even had to slice bananas etc. I don't know what your orthodontist is like, but his (nhs) is really good at letting us know of cancellations if the next appointment is longer than recommended.

Yeah I agree with Stormy…. People cancel ALL the time And they want to be busy so Deff ask to be put on the cancellation list

@pambeesleyhalpert one more question if you wouldn’t mind.
just thinking about it, my son hasn’t seen Orthodentist since she referred him to hospital. Do they always needs mould doing before a fixed brace is put on?
the receptionist just said he was booked in for brace fitting but perhaps she means this initial appointment. He’s had X-ray done (that looked like 3d model on computer) and treatment plan written by the hospital, but would first appointment usually be for moulds and come back another time for the fitting?

My son had a brace fitted in Oct ( just the top for now ) he hasn't had any discomfort at all .🤷🏻‍♀️

we have had some broken brackets though I think from eating stuff at school he shouldn't 🤦🏻‍♀️

I would say it will probably be moulds, but phone and check.

Honestly I’d get the teeth removal done and then say he had a such big and loss of taste and smell 2 days later so they can offer the apprehend to somebody else. Also ask them to put you on an emergency/cancellation list. And move heaven and earth to attend any future appointment you are offered.

Yes the first brace is very painful ( and a bit traumatic for some!) I’d try to reschedule if I were you
As time goes on they tend to love their braces!!

Thanks for this…..I like your advise but if you read my latest update I think it might not be for fitting itself as receptionist just said for braces, but wondered whether she needs to re see his teeth / do moulds?

Their comms is shocking but my fault I should clarify! X

How did your ds get on with his teeth removal??

@Iknowdino thanks for asking. It was quite brutal (to watch) under local but the surgeon / nurses was so good and obviously painless in surgery itself, I’m surprised he’s not been in much pain at all post surgery, just been soft food but barely any painkillers needed. So I’m impressed.

The Orthodentist surgery have not been v informative (on phone) about appointment next Monday and whether they plan to fit brace (or not) but we will go to appointment and will decline if they suggest fitting, as he has so many stitches can’t see his mouth being ready…… and also it’s Christmas!

am I right in thinking your child just had brace fitted? How are they doing? Ok I hope )

Aww bless him. Sounds awful but glad he has been ok. Our orthodontist surgery have been pretty poor about letting us know what's going to happen and when too. Hope the appointment goes ok on Monday! Hopefully you'll get a date for fitting

@Iknowdino did your teen get brace fitted this week? Go ok?

Yeah, yesterday. Went really well but she is feeling the pain and discomfort today poor thing. Obviously it's my fault for doing this to her and she is very cross with me 🤣🤣

@Iknowdino yes they take it out on the people they love most….no doubt everyday it will get easier so you’re hopefully past the worst! X

Yeah hopefully. She isn't big on change and can get funny about how things feel so I knew it would be tricky for her. There is a bit that's rubbing on her gum, they gave us some wax, but it's too tender for me to stick it on for her! Catch 22!