1 Week Progress

I made it through my 1st week!  Here are a few updates. 

The beginning
The first few days were very painful.  I'd compare it to the pain after something hits you in the mouth.  It wasn't excruciating.  It was a nagging, throbbing pain.  After the 3rd day, most of the pain was gone and it was only slightly uncomfortable when I ate.  Some teeth hurt more than others.  Oh, and one tooth was loose.  It's to be expected, but still weird.  During the first few days I was complaining and resented them, but that's just because emotions were running high as well as pain.  I'm happy with them.  It's just a transition period that will get even better with time.

Braces Are On! Let the countdown begin...

I just got back with my new braces! 

A few things about the experience:

1) No pain; Slight discomfort.  The overall process from cleaning to wire placement was pretty quick and easy.  The cleaning was fine.  The impressions were my favorite part.  I had the opportunity to pick my flavors.  I chose chocolate and strawberry.  It was like biting into a piece of saltwater taffy!  It only lasted a minute thought :(.  The only discomfort was the device used to hold my tongue in place when they put on the brackets.  It would put a little pressure on the soft tissue under my tongue.  It only lasted for 20 minutes or so.  It wasn't bad.

Out With The Old

Today I went to the store and bought soups, puddings, and other soft foods to get me through the week.  I'm going by what my husband tells me from his experience and what I've seen on a list my nephew had with braces.  After I get my own list I'll probably head back for a few more things.

When I got home, I realized I had a lot of foods I had to get rid of.  Out of sight, out of mind.  So with great sadness, I looked Orville in the eye and said "Parting is such sweet sorrow".  Then I reluctantly got rid of the microwave popcorn, popcorn kernels, tortilla chips, and other hard foods. 

This is going to be difficult because I love to crunch.  The crunchier the food, the better.  Must not think about it too much. 

Farewell Favorite Foods

My favorite snack in the whole world is....popcorn.  I eat it at least once a week.  I realize I'm putting the nail in the coffin of my beloved popcorn, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make in the name of good teeth!

My wonderful husband surprised me by sending me a variety of Garrett Popcorn yesterday.  He's the best!  If you've got a bucket list, Garrett's needs to be on there.  Don't even get me started on their cheese popcorn...

Metal. Ceramic. Invisalign. What'll it be?

My husband, a former brace face, really wanted me to get Invisalign.  He didn’t want me to feel the pain or discomfort of traditional braces.  He was all about Invisalign.  Before I could really decide, I had to do my homework.

I did a lot of research.  I have researched so many devices like the Damon System, Invisalign, SureSmile, lingual braces, fast braces, etc.  I read reviews of the products and then of course I interviewed someone I knew who recently had their braces removed – my nephew John.

Adult braces?! Why???

I have always been self conscious of my smile.  In pictures or videos, I try to remain far from the lens.  It’s the first thing I zero in on.  When I bite an apple, I can’t help but look at my teeth marks and wish I had straight teeth. 

My teeth aren't that bad, but I would like them to be straight.  The front turn inward and to the side; one tooth is slightly hiding behind one of the big ones; there is spacing and misdirection on the bottom.  For once I’d like to give a huge smile in a picture and not hope for the power of Photoshop!