retained

The bottom braces are OFF!  Naturally, I forgot to pretreat with ibuprofen, so it HURT when the gal snapped off those last few brackets, but I’m not complaining (too much).  She cleaned the teeth off really well, then glued on a wire to the back of my bottom teeth.  I’m aware that this is in leui of a removable bottom retainer, but I’m not sure if it’s permanent.  Probably.  She also fitted my upper retainer.  Wow, this thing is so much more comfy than the one I had in college, the first time my mom tried to convince me to brace up.  It’s not bothering me at all, other than the taste/smell.  Ever drank nail polish remover?  That’s what this reminds me of… well, what I imagine drinking it would be like… I’ve never tried it either. J  I brushed it really well when I stopped at home, but it still smells.  Hopefully that’s just the “new retainer smell” and will fade. 

 

My orthodontist’s office recently bought a Flip camcorder and has been shooting little “thank-you” video clips for the newly-debraced to send home.  Children send them to their parents, but they sent mine to my hubbie.  I look ridiculous, but I’m sure he thought it was cute.  Basically you just grin into the camera and say “thank for putting up with all my whining!”  He’s buying me sushi tonight, and I’m so looking forward to not having it stuck all over my teeth!

 

I go back in 10 weeks to see if my retainer is doing its job and to get final photos taken.  I’m post some before that, but I didn’t have time this morning…today I’m going to pop out this retainer and indulge in some long-missed junk food.  Crunch ‘N Munch, Cheez-its (could have eaten those, but hated cleaning all the gunk off), Jolly Ranchers, and Sour Patch Kids!   A couple days of this and then back to the diet…  I did bring a nice juicy red pear for a snack as well – something healthy to bite into!

 

As I was typing this, my dentist’s office called.  They have an opening tomorrow and can move my cleaning up from next week.  5 minutes later, they called back to confirm.  Apparently, the second receptionist didn’t realize that the first one had just called.  At least they’re thorough… J

 

 

 

weird, but wonderful

Top braces are off!  And most of the bottom, too, actually.  All of my brackets are gone except for the bottom front 6.  Dr. Weber and crew then sand-blasted all the glue off (well, that’s what it felt like!) and even lightly sanded the bottom of my two front teeth to smooth out the ridges that have always been there.  I go back next Wednesday to get my retainers and have them yank off these last 6 brackets. 

 

For those of you close to the end – it didn’t hurt like I was worried that it would.  There was a little big of a twinge on the front teeth when they pull them off, but it’s not that bad.  If you are worried like me, pre-treat with ibuprofen.  I didn’t do that today and didn’t have any ill effects.  I might next week though, because I was told the bottom front ones are more sensitive.  They left those brackets on for an extra week because those teeth have the shortest roots and are most prone to shifting.  Best to wait until I have the retainers ready.

 

Before I left, Dr. Weber’s team presented me with a gift bag of all the foods I was supposed to avoid while in braces. J  Popcorn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, tootsie rolls, bubble gum, suckers, and taffy.  Nice!  What I really want is an apple and a Snickers. J

 

I have these remaining brackets completely encased in wax – the now-exposed remaining wire is really digging into my lip.  I see no reason to tough it out – it’ll be “wax on” for the rest of the week.

 

I tell ya, though – this is the most awesome and weird feeling ever – and I love it!

The sun will come out...

Tomorrow! Upper braces come off tomorrow! Did I mention that I'm getting the upper ones off tomorrow??? Yea!
5 bucks say that I am too excited to sleep tonight, wake up in a fog, and drive halfway to work before I remember the appointment.



Anyways, last night of elastic-ing the mouth shut before bed! (btw, I tilted my head in this show - I don't think my mouth is this lopsided anymore!)