imblue1, 16

Stuff Going On

imblue1, 16

I got braces 4 months ago, and all of my friends keep asking me why I got them because my teeth looked perfect. I even got 4 teeth pulled out because I needed to fix my face profile since it was too "full" apparently. Now I'm having nightmares in the night every once in a while about my teeth getting messed up by the braces and about getting thyroid problems because my mom has them and I don't. Also there is a special toothpaste they make me use at night that has a lot of fluoride which can cause thyroid problems, especially if swallowed. Its hard not to swallow, because I'm not supposed to rinse it out until morning. These nightmares even get me in the the daytime and make me feel guilty for getting braces. I'm scared my teeth will get worse! Can I get some help, please?

imblue1, it is O.K. to feel anxious or a bit scared. Getting braces is a big change, and it’s natural to have a lot of questions.
If you haven’t already, try talking to your parents about some of your concerns. Make a list of the questions you have about braces, your teeth, and thyroid problems to go over with your parents. They may be able to help you find medical answers to your questions.
Keep in mind that your dentist and orthodontist are there to help you. They’ve helped you make the decision to get braces and selected your toothpaste in an effort to keep your mouth healthy and looking its best. But orthodonists are often used to answering all types of questions from teenagers with braces, so bring your list of questions to go over with your dentist and orthodonist at your next appointment.
You may also want to make an appointment with your doctor to talk about how the thyroid works. The more you know about the thyroid, the fewer concerns you may have.
Also, talk to some of your friends, classmates or relatives who have had or currently have braces. Just talking about your experiences could answer some of your questions.
To try to stop nightmares, try to keep your mind from thinking about your braces before you fall asleep. Before you go to bed, you may want to relax by reading a book or a magazine, watching your favorite movie, listening to your favorite music, or talking to a friend. Also keep in mind that getting a lot of exercise during the day could help you sleep at night more soundly.