DAY TWO IN BRACES: "What They DONT Tell You!"

KFC Mashed Potato n Gravy.

"HELLO BABYFOOD!"

Well...not really.
As I mentioned in my first post about getting braces (see top tab of page), I do not yet have any wires on the braces at the moment (therefore no tightening/straightening going on yet). BUT...I had NO IDEA how uncomfortable the sensation of braces would be!

At the consult, we discussed types of braces to put on. The normal "traditional" brackets that require elastic bands, did intrigue me a bit. However, being honest with myself I figured I wouldnt be putting any coloured bands on my teeth at the ripe old age of 31. The orthodontist pointed out the clear ceramic brackets, but they were much larger than expected and I was sure they would make my already full lips simply protrude even more! And as I said before, the reported "stain factor" of this more aesthetically pleasing bracket choice did not interest me at all.  So I was left with the 3rd option...In-Ovation R brackets. They are also called speed braces in some circles. They are smaller....ok...correction, they take up less square footage on each tooth. However, now that they are ON my teeth, I am beginning to wonder if the traditional brackets (that require elastic bands) wouldnt be a better choice as those were most definately FLATTER!  The In-Ovation R braces have little doors that open and close to insert wires. But they also have the little "door handle" that protrudes! And those little handles are presently the bane of my existence!

Its May 13, 2013 today. And I got the braces on May 10.
What no one said to me was that there is an addtional, heretofore unmentioned "discomfort" of having your inner cheeks and inner lips abraded constantly! It takes some REAL getting used to! At first I thought I would certainly have sores. The ortho told me to forsake the mouthwash for a bit and simply swish and swirl some very salty water around in my mouth for a couple of days. Not sure if that has prevented the sores---well, I didnt GET sores (yet?) but it is surely SORE! There is a swollen welt present along the inner cheeks and along my lips where the brackets maintain their ingratiating contact. My inner cheeks and lips have gotten so puffy that the braces stick to my lips when I speak and eat. I expect it to tear into it any moment now but it hasnt (Thank God!). Infact, yesterday I started experiencing an interesting numb sensation, NO ONE MENTIONED THIS TO ME BEFORE. I guess all that rubbing finally started to make the area numb. I also wore the wax to bed on the night of the 11th and on the 12th and that seemed to help but TIP:  Here's wwhat they dont tell you: "lay off the wax during the day. Allow your cheeks and gums to get toughened up!" (which means yes, if sores start, let them be. Allow them to heal at night but its like a cut. The scar will form. And it is that scarring that will help protect your gums/cheeks/lips in the long run.

Things That Have Helped?
-Get the Waterpik!
I have the Waterpik Waterflosser, Cordless.  But I would certainly recoomend the bigger, plugged in variety since the version I have has to be refilled around 4 times to get a thorough cleansing done. If you arent fussy like me then it wont be a problem but I can see how it could be annoying for some people.

-I also have an Oral B Vitality, electric toothbrush.
It took some getting used to at first. Am pretty sure I wont be able to use it for a bit after I get the extractions done but, I like how thorough a job it does at cleaning!

-Smooth Floss is a must!
You will not want the ones that are rope like. Nothing that snags or hitches anywhere will please you. (I have the Oral B Satin Floss for now.....but when the wire goes on I will have an update and new floss techniques!)

Eating has been interesting.
 I have these bumpers on my rear teeth. The ortho used the composite material to elevated my bite somewhat as I was biting down on the brackets themselves. This has now left me with a lovely open bite and a very unnatural chewing surface area and a weird sensation and taste while I attempt to eat. I basically have started to wonder what I have gotten myself into, and yes am sure I am not the only one to wonder that at the outset. I am still...HATING braces. But...slowly am getting used to it! Now...for the extractions tomorrow afternoon!.....Eeeeeeeek!

Until Next Time!

By The Way: One of the best braces journeys on video I have seen is the one from BRACES4AQUARIUSCHIC on Youtube.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU1rkS_pFp8