2/22 - three month mark

so, 2/16 was my three month anniversary of getting my braces. it's weird to think about how long I've wanted this surgery and how fast three months have flown by. I was always scared to commit to this process. and now months into it I realize that I should have done it years ago. I can't believe it's been three months already. this journey is supposed to take about a year. I am officially one-fourth of the way and a few months from the actually bone breaking day.

that being said... now we can talk about the pain. I know being an adult I should be somewhat OK with the pain braces cause. but I'm a big weenie. I guess I am just more aware now. I'm also blaming my roots. I'm sure they are tired. but geez, there is always a couple teeth that just hurt like hell. I can tell they hurt worse after I eat harder foods or try to eat something with a pulling/tearing motion like a sandwich. lets just say I pretty much cute everything up now. haha

also, I think I have said this before -but my bite is getting worse. they said it would they knew what they are talking about :)

there are also spots between my teeth that are now exposed since they are all shifting around. that's just weird. so I've got sensitive spots to add to the fun.

but all in all... so far so good. could always be worse.

2/9 - candy thrill

so it's hard to find snacks that are braces friendly. my ultimate favorite candy is a Twix Bar. well, seeing that is has caramel and caramel is on the "do not eat list" I don't think i'll be eating one for at least another 10 months. that being said... my other favorite Junior Mints is NOT in the list. so guess what I'm having for dinner??

2/5 - "P" for Pain

Well... I had my second braces fitting today. I was able to progress to the next level of wire. Yay. I am excited about progress, but scared because the orthodontist said that the next wire will be my "surgical straight" wire. YIKES!!! I'm committed to this whole surgery thing but to hear her say that is a little scary. 

At any rate, I asked her if I could keep the wires that they took out of my mouth. My theory is that is I am paying thousands of dollars for this journey; i might as well have some souvenirs along the way. So, here it is... a picture of the wires (level 2) that were removed. They are some sort of nickel/titanium alloy. I have a feeling they will end up being some art piece in the future. They put in the next level of wire. I hope to remember to get those once removed. It will be fun to compare!

 

The orthodontist said I am progressing great. So I am happy. She said that I am on track for a May surgery. She also told me that the next appointment will probably involve more pictures and molds. YAY!! I will post for comparison.

But here is the awful, Pessimistic Part of Pain... when she was securing the top wire I nearly lost it. There were a couple parts that hurt so badly I wanted to scream. You know that pain that you feel in your spine... or deep inside your gut?? Well that is what I had. I was sweating and holding onto the chair handles with white knuckles. I actually held up my hand and had her pause a couple times. I had to gather myself to let her continue. Man... When you have teeth moving around under tension they get a little upset. She mentioned that the tooth that was giving me the most grief was very "engaged in the bracket" or something. Then she said something about my roots being sore and tired. All I know is that I wanted to cry a little. Long story short is that I have a new more heavy duty wire that I will be wearing for 6 weeks. Then onto the next level of wire.

Then...surgery.

Here's a quick picture of my new wires. Heavy duty for sure. You can also see the weird gap a little. (And yes I think its fun to make my lips into a rectangle shape. I have a feeling when this is all over I will have become a pro at it!!)

There is no playing around with this. ha-ha

2/1 - snack time!!

thank you Quaker for making a snack that satisfies my chips craving!! sometimes all you want are some cheesy, salty and crunchy chips. that's a HUGE no-no while wearing my metal grillness. but man oh man these things are fabulous. just sayin'

if you have to wear braces and you like cheesy goodness pick up a bag. they pretty much melt in your mouth.

that's my value add for the day. now, back to the yumminess. can't type with cheddar coated fingers...