HELP!! I just got a retainer and its bugging the crud out of me!?

Question

What can't and can I eat?
What are some things to help distract me from playing with it?
Words of encouragement?!?!?!

iT IS PERMANENT!!
HELP ME OUT!

Is it ok to eat things like popcorn or strawberries, watermelon, and grapes with seeds?

Answer 1

I had a retainer at one point! They aren't fun, but you can eat pretty much anything. Make sure you wear it for however long your orthodontist says, that way you can get rid of it quicker. If it causes you discomfort or pain try taking tylenol or ibuprofen[sorry I probably spelled that wrong] Also try not to touch or play with it, because otherwise it will become a habit. Much luck! Enjoy your time with your retainer!

you might want to stay away from sticky foods like caramels and taffy.

Answer 2

I had to wear a series of retainers prior to getting braces between fourth and sixth grade. but the dentist told me I could take them out to eat (good thing too, cause one of them held the uppers and lowers together to correct an overbite) so I don't know about restrictions on what to eat, I'd avoid things like strawberries or other fruits with little seeds that could get stuck up between the appliance and your palate causing more irritation. also, no chewing gum, but I'm sure your orthodontist must have already told you that. as far as distractions to keep you from playing with it, I'm not sure, it's been too long to remember what exactly I did. the time spent in retainers and braces may seem like an eternity, but when you are able to look back, and smile, with straight teeth, you'll realize it hasn't been all that long of a time at all.

Answer 3

I had to wear a retainer for a year, and you will get use to it. I think that I always took it out to eat anything. But talk to your ortho and see what they say about it. Oh, and I always played with it when I was bored. It is just a habit I formed because it was there.

It was worth wearing it though, so stick to wearing it as much as you can. It will be worth it in the end.

Answer 4

If you're going to be wearing your retainer while eating start with softer foods to get used to it. Personally, I wouldn't keep it in while I was eating because that just means you could possibly scratch or break it. Drink lots of cold liquid through a straw. That will help you get used to the feeling of having it in. I wouldn't do sodas to begin with though only because the bubbles might make it feel weirder.

Answer 5

You can eat most anything if you take it out first.

Words of encouragement: You WILL get used to it. It shows the world that your parents care enough about you and have enough money to get your teeth straight.

Also: Wear it however long the orthodontist says to. I only wore mine 1 year out of the 2 I was supposed to, and my teeth have floated. :-( They are still straighter than before I had braces, but not the perfect smile I once had.

Answer 6

I had a retainer, and when i first got it it was so annoying, it didn't seem to fit right or anything. Keep on wearing it, I don't even notice mine now. Give it a couple weeks or so, and your teeth will get used to it! good luck!

Answer 7

hmmm.... eat really soft foods and jsut remembre not to play with it otherwise youll nver have straight teeth : )
also i had like 5 retainers that i broke by playing with them too much so i had to have new ones put one over and over again......so maybe thatll help you stop playing with it????? lol
youll get used to it after a while

Answer 8

You should call a doctor! You should not be loosing any Crud out of you're body! You only have so much Crud and it's important to the functioning of a healthy body...God please get help.

Answer 9

well i got a partial and it drove me crazy, but i got use to it, i play with mine and i no longer bite on my lips so it was a good thing, hang in there!