"So how are your braces?" asks the friendly receptionist at the orthodontist's office yesterday.
I smile widely (and awkwardly, as I now believe ALL my smiles are awkward facsimiles of the one I used to have)
"I hate them!" I exclaim brightly!
She smiles, "Yeah, all our adult patients say that! It seems they hate them worse than the kids do!"
MMmmm hmmm. Thats because children don't know any better! And in some circles it seems that braces are actually "cool".
So...yes.
I had the wires installed yesterday in my In-Ovation R metal brackets. During the installation of the wires and for about 2 hours afterward, the sensation was nothing more than an itchy sort of pressure. Not pain at all. I began to convince myself that it probably wouldnt hurt! (same delusions I was suffering from when I decided to get braces in the first place!)
That was yesterday at 3 o'clock in the afternoon... and by 9pm the pain was there, for sure. I wouldnt say it is excruciating pain, not for me anyway. Nothing to make me cry. However the pain is wince-inducing! I presently cannot allow my teeth to touch...at ALL. I cannnot chew. (THIS is really beginning to bother me since I just had my first real meal after the extractions, yesterday!). The orthodontist did let me know that the pain would probably stick around after each wire change but sheesh! This is just...a lot.
I guess in the end it will be worth it.
Note for the newly braced: Get wax. Get lip guards for the friction FROM the brackets/wire. Get some tylenol. Try not to utilize NSAIDS at this time (like Motrin and Advil and Aleve. The NSAIDS reportedly slow teeth movement. Though if thats all you can take, then for all that is good and great...knock yourself out!) Get the appropriate flossers and most definately always have lip balm on hand.
Am off to make some porridge now...
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