Adults braces

[Isthisit22]

I’ve just got braces and am really struggling to adapt. I had to have fixed metal ones due to how my teeth needed to be fixed. I feel like the braces are very prominent and obvious.
I’m also struggling with the thought of not being able to eat and drink things I enjoy such as coffee and sweet things.
Can anyone who has/ has had braces as an adult offer any tips about feeling less down about it all?
Did you really not drink coffee or eat sweet things for 18 months/2 years?

My kids had them and drank tea/coffee, and ate pretty much what they wanted, except chewy sweets. You’ve just got to be very good with brushing.

I had braces for about 2.5 years in my mid-late 20s. I have never been one for chewy sweets so that didn't bother me, never had an issue with coffee or other food and drink stains either. My only issue around eating was in the couple of days after having the wire changed/tightened when I would exist on soups due to the temporary discomfort.
As for them being prominent/obvious, I took a 'sod it' approach and chose colourful bands every time I had them changed (orange and green for Halloween, gold and silver for Christmas- thought I might as well have fun with them). I was so nervous about having braces as an adult but it was fine and honestly totally worth it.
How long has it been since you had then fitted, OP? Have you got proper wires yet?

I had them fitted on Friday and have proper wires.
I thought I would love showing my braces off as like how they look on others but due to my overbite they really stick out and are not a neat straight line like in most pictures.
I am starting to get used to them a bit more now.
When people say clean them properly do you mean after everything you eat and after every coffee (as I was told by the dentist?). Also how do you floss?
Thanks for the reassuring messages 💕

im 35 and I’ve got fixed braces on my top teeth, just over a year into treatment now and honestly it gets a million times better after the 1st week or two, I eat as normal now apart from chewing gum and hard sticky sweet, I do think orthodontist go abit overboard with the list of things not to eat and drink my normal dentist said the same. Just make sure you dental hygiene is as good as it can be. I’m getting my lower set fitted in six weeks, (due to the type of movement needed my top set needed to be done 1st) expecting the first few weeks to be difficult again but I’m confident I’ll be back eating and drinking normally again soon after. Was hoping the braces might of helped shift a few lbs but definitely not been the case

As your teeth move around, the wire will look straighter: I remember looking at mine in the mirror and thinking how wonky they looked but I quickly got used to that and started to notice my teeth moving into place. It was interesting to watch.
I didn't brush my teeth after every coffee but I did use mouthwash after eating to get any bits of food out of the wires. You can use Superfloss to floss or clean between wires. It's an almost fluffy floss with a sort of pointy bit on the end to thread through your teeth/wires and it works really well to get those bits and pieces out (spinach is a particular arse for wrapping around brackets and wires). Normal brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush worked well for me 🙂

These messages have made me feel a million times better thanks so much.
Am I ok to drink white wine? Really feel like I need a drink after all this stress!

Definitely! Honestly you'll feel a lot better about your new braces in no time at all. I'm so glad I had mine, they've made a huge difference to my self-esteem and I can smile with confidence. It's definitely a journey but so very worth it.

I've just had fixed braces top and bottom and my mouth is uncomfortable with cuts inside my cheeks.
I'm hoping it eases soon.
I was told to avoid sugar and acidic foods and to cut up crunchy foods (apples) into small pieces.l and to not use my front teeth to bite.
I thought I couldn't drink tea or coffee for two years but they said as long as it's with no sugar that's fine. But no fruit juice.
I'm only eating three times a day and brushing my teeth 30 mins afterwards.
My teeth are very wonky with some twisted and look twice as bad with braces on as the wires are not straight at all, but I can't wait to see them change.

Just coming back to this thread to say my teeth are already unrecognisable after 3 months- I am ecstatic with the results so far. I’m also finding eating easier, although still can’t bite with my front teeth which is a pain.
so glad I did it.

Wow that's really encouraging to hear, especially seeing such results after only 3 months.