BRACE yourself, its Tin Tooth's journey! ;)

[Dee17]

Yes, I understand what you are saying. I guess it's just a completely different story for me because up until this past summer, I never had ANY problems with my teeth. They were always straight and I had NO gap. So, in many ways I feel like I've kind of been betrayed by my body. Or certainly betrayed by my mouth! I think if I'd had crooked teeth most of my life I would probably feel the way you do!

[Tin Tooth]

Hi Dee! I actually think it would be worse in your situation. More of a 'shock' to go from perfect teeth with no gaps to all of a sudden having a gap. My teeth have always been like this. And honestly, my teeth never once held me back from smiling, laughing or talking. I think I would have even more determination to get my teeth back to how they were if I ever had great teeth to begin with, like in your case. I don't know what it's like to have straight teeth! Is it really that great?!

[Tin Tooth]

Quick updated picture of teeth. Next adjustment is Jan 29. Hoping to get this coil off soon. Looks like there is enough room to pull up that lonely tooth!

[Dee17]

Hi Tin Tooth,
Yeah, you're probably right. That probably explains the way I was just freaking out back in September before I got my braces on. As for what it's like to have straight teeth? I never really thought about it, you know? That's just the way my teeth came in and that's just the way they were. What has happened to me since the summer has definitely been a HUGE change for me. I am hoping that my teeth will start to get back to the way they were before all this happened.
Your teeth are looking fabulous, though! I am SO impressed with how much better they are starting to look! You must be, too, I'm sure!
Hope you had a good Christmas. All the best for 2013.

[Tin Tooth]

Hi again Dee! Your teeth will get back to how they used to be before you know it. What's a year or two in braces anyways? That's such a little amount of time if you really think about it. And your teeth will look the best they ever have once you get your braces off. I hope you stick with them! How are you doing now?

So I had a dentist appt yesterday to remove my coil since there was enough room for my tooth to move up. As the ortho assistant attached the archwire to my bracket, she tells me I will experience some major pain later on today. I was thinking 'yeah okay, it's nothing new and can't be that bad.' OMGGGGG!!!! The pain was like nothing I have experienced yet. It was immediate and lasted all day long. AND I had no pain reliever of any sorts AND had to drive 2.5 hours home. Uggghhhh. But, my little freakin tooth actually moved up to where it's supposed to be in like 4 hours!!!!! It literally moved before my eyes. I couldn't believe it. I was so so so happy. This pain was all worth it

[Dee17]

Hey Tin Tooth,
That's an awesome story. Wow! I can hardly believe that! I'm sorry that it hurt so much while it was moving but the fact that it moved that much in one day is amazing! I'm absolutely astounded! Really. I don't even know what to say.
As for me, I'm still waking up in the middle of the night clenching but it's only about twice a night now. I went to see my therapist at the request of my family doctor and he gave me a prescription for something called an SSRI (selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). He said it would really help me with my anxiety. The bad thing, though, is that I can't take that in conjunction with the muscle relaxant and so I had to make a choice. I decided to go with the SSRI. But he said it would take between 5-6 weeks before I would see any difference. So, it's been about 2 weeks now. I will be very grateful if/when it finally kicks in and I can get some relief. In the meantime, I'm hanging in there as best I can.
You ar looking GOOD, girlfriend! That's really all I can say. I'm happy for you.
Dee

[Tin Tooth]

Thank you sooooo much Dee!!!!!! Isn't that movement just insane?! I could not believe it. So happy!

That's good you are seeking help with your anxiety and sticking with the braces. Anxiety is awful. Do you experience clenching during the day as well? I also get bad anxiety have decided that I need to do something about it. What I do now is take B vitamins. I'm going to start exercising tonight to see if that helps. It's not like me exercising is gonna hurt anything!!! I made a doctors appt for this wednesday. I'm curious to see how you like your prescription of SSRI. I have my fingers crossed for you that you will love it and that it WORKS for you. Keep me posted

[Dee17]

Hi Tin Tooth,
I'm glad to know you're happy about the tooth movement you've had recently. Yeah, that's pretty insane. I find it pretty hard to believe, myself. It's wonderful.
Yes, anxiety is terrible. I think I've had problems with anxiety for a long time but was always able to handle it pretty well. It really wasn't until I started to have the problems with my teeth that it really came roaring to the surface. I have been taking B12 for about two years mostly just to help give myself some more energy. I never knew it could help with anxiety.
So far I haven't had any problems with the SSRIs. No real side effects, well maybe just some more vivid dreams than usual but nothing that has been distressing to me. I think exercise would help you a lot. Also try some meditation. I do that when I'm feeling really stressed out and it will sometimes help take the edge off. Just beware, it's not an instant fix. You have to really "practice" at meditation before you can get good at it, if you know what I mean.
I am also doing a fair bit of clenching during the day but when I catch myself doing it, I can relax and stop so it's not been so bad. It's the clenching at night that has been just KILLING me!
Good luck with your doctor's appointment. I hope they will be able to give you something to help with your anxiety. Just be wary of taking anything in the benzodiazepine family (like xanax or valium) because they are highly addictive. Just a friendly warning.