Week 5 Update & Why Brushing In Public Bites

Who is good about brushing after every meal?  I am.  Because adult orthodontics aren't covered on my dental insurance - it's considered cosmetic - I pay the full price.  Ca-ching, Ca-ching.  Anyway, I'm very consistent with flossing daily and brushing after every meal and am always double checking to make sure they are clean.

Any other time I'm not too far from home, so I just wait to brush when I get home or if I'm with my family, I'll use their restroom.  Lately I've been working temp at an office and have had to use the public restroom.  Let's get one thing straight, I don't like it.  There's nothing like the constant sound of flushing and gastric symphonies to thwart one's desire to brush.  It's completely the antithesis of what I'm trying to accomplish - a clean mouth.

Week 4 Update + 1st Day Pic

It's Tuesday!  You know what that means?  A picture update!

Random Thoughts About My Grill

I've been paying so much attention to the bottom chompers and side snaggles, that I didn't realize how much the buck teeth have moved!  Today I was staring obsessively in the mirror at my teeth trying to make sure I brushed them good enough when all of a sudden I found myself gasping "Oh my gosh!" "Jigga what?" "Jigga who?"

I was overjoyed when I noticed the little a-shape at the bottom of my two front teeth was closing up.  In the spirit of neurotic flossing, I also noticed spaces that were once tight are loosening up which means (drum roll please) the teeth are turning!  It's so awesome.  I heart braces :) 

I can't wait to see what my Ortho says about them.  I am wondering if maybe, just maybe I will get them off sooner.  They seem to be moving fast.  I was thinking that I would make some awesome jewelry out the brackets and wires at the end of this journey.  I kid, I kid.  Or am I???

Let's see, after I get them off I will get them whitened and I want the whitest white.  I want to light the way at night!  Then, I want to wear red lipstick to emphasize the whiteness.  Then, I'll look into a possible career as an extra in a toothpaste or mouthwash commercial.  So many plans for me and my grill.  I kid, I kid.  Or am I??? ;)

Week 3 Update

Can I just say that I really think certain teeth are about to fall out!  I know it's all in my head.  Some just hurt so much.  They only hurt when I eat on them or brush them.  I still can't use the front and bottom chompers to bite down.  I'm thinking it's going to be like this until I get them off. 

As I wrote earlier, popcorn is my favorite food and is also now my Kryptonite with these braces.  It is so delicious.  I haven't had it in weeks and last week I went to the movies with my mom and here's how the conversation went:

"You want to share popcorn?  Oh wait - you can't eat that" she said.
Looking dejected and sad I mutter, "No".  Thinking she'll probably not get it. 
Hesitating she replied, "I'm getting it.  Sorry!"

Week 2 Update

I should have posted this on Tuesday but the internet has been up, down, and overall annoying! 

I've noticed when you talk to a fellow brace wearer, you instantly bond  Some of my friends' children have gotten braces. In my case, I've bonded with teenagers and a 10 year old recently.  It's like you become instant friends knowing you share the same goal and plight (at times).  I'm anxious to see their end results too.  It's funny.  So far none of my friends have noticed my braces, but their kids have. 

Yesterday John my nephew, whose teeth I was jealous of, finally saw my braces.  He was happy for me, but then later he passed by me and said "Train coming through!".  I thought it was funny but he was worried he hurt my feelings, hugged me and said "I"m just kidding".  Yea, that's right.  A train is coming through and it's headed for Straight Teeth Town!

Let The Love/Hate Begin

What started out as pure eagerness and blinded love has turned into pure love/hate.  The braces have taken a lot of fun out eating in general, but then I took my niece out to lunch and the hate cometh! 

She wanted chips and queso dip.  I tried to get her to consider other appetizers but she wanted it.  The chips came thin, salted, and crispy.  I thought I could eat them since they were so thin.  There they were in a bowl looking at me.  So I tried to eat one by breaking it into little pieces.  It was getting the job done but then it started to cause some pain.  I started getting frustrated and just quit all together.  I mean, who eats a chip by breaking it into small pieces?  Sometimes I feel like a toddler trying to eat. 

Then came her burger.  I was so jealous.  Everyone says I can eat those things but tearing food into small pieces and placing it in the back of my mouth (the pain free zone) is just not the same.  I haven't been able to use my front teeth to bite down on anything because they are too painful.  That's where most of the crowding is.  So I had to watch her chomp into her hamburger while I knifed and forked my penne pasta.  Sigh...

Let me remind myself.  It's only a year, it's only a year, it's only a year.....