I am now a member of our Metal-Mouthed community, for real. After years of seeing my teeth run apart from each other and tilt; and after months of pure anguish and research about my options (no other!), there I was finally archwired at noon today.
I must say this blog got me all the pertinent information I needed before this crucial visit. My ortho is the least communicative of the entire orthodontic society. My luck is there is not much choice around where I live. But I was told he does a good job... Fortunately his assistants are sweet and told me what was "happening"... The installation was pretty uneventful, yet unpleasant, but I was able to breathe through it. The reality check came when he inserted the wire. I thought then: That's what it feels like...
It is not pretty. It is painful. But my main question is now: Will I EVER be able to chew anything with as little tooth surface as I have now??? The brackets are way on top of the teeth. Plus the flesh of my inner cheeks get cup up between the metal and my upper teeth. (I consider myself so fortunate that I have only braces on my lower teeth. Although I see that the top ones will need work eventually...) Really: do we learn to chew with barely any surface left???
Well, along with "before" pictures (I will try and post later), I weighted myself this morning. And I now think this will be the best diet ever! I had two small meals: overcooked and thoroughly blended food. I know I already developed a co-dependant relationship with my blender! God bless the inventor of the blender!
I did not get any instructions on how to clean my teeth. (I read some instructions on this blog, fortunately!) And all I got from the ortho's office was a little travel toothbrush and a bad photocopy of a list of foods to avoid. Oh yeah, also 3 strands of wax in a paper envelope. I feel a little sorry for myself when I know that some of you guys even got electric brushes! Wow. After the visit, I went to the store and bought myself some things I thought could help, as well as a little pouch to carry the "care" kit. But I think I will have to buy the bigger gear: an electric brush (I don't feel like brushing... and to brush what???) and absolutely: a water pick! Do you have any favorites to suggest?
Thank you for reading my story. I "know" it will be worthwhile... (At least I hope!) For now it just feels ironic that I would consciously submit myself to such pain and difficulty!
So back to my MAIN question: Will I ever chew ever again?
Oh yes: how do you get the little "progression strips" at the bottom of your messages? Merci!!!
Thanks for being there!!!
Braces are an adventure, and we all end up finding coping strategies along the way. You will learn to chew with your new braces, then at some point you will get an adjustment that throws you another curve to cope with.
I am sure you will be through it within the next few days. Good luck.
