the braces go jogging

I was out jogging this weekend with my dog, and was passed by another runner.  As she went by I noticed her teeth and said “I like your braces!”  I swear, she shot me the dirtiest look!  Like she thought I was making fun of her or something!  Really, like a non-braced person would even say anything – or notice for that matter, right?  Only us tin-grins are looking for that sort of thing and would be brazen enough to shout at a total stranger. 

 

But while she was glaring at me, I just grinned really big so she could see my braces, too.  She softened and laughed.  We had a quick how-long-are-you-in-for convo and she continued on her way… 

trendsetter

A lady I know at work ran up to me today to show me her new braces.  Yeah, that’s right – I’ve inspired someone. ;)

 

Notice the lack of photos?  I finally got a hold of the photographer about their whereabouts – he said he thought he sent them to me, but mailed out another disc yesterday morning – we should have them tonight. J  Even if I hate them all, I’ll post one for you all to see… :-#

blah

Nothing too exciting going on here...no appointments, no toothaches, just the usual cycle of eat, floss, brush, rinse and repeat. I gave those pix another try today. Nope, still don't like 'em. They don't slide between my teeth as promised...you just can't replace floss...

One bit of news since I last posted - I had some professional photographs taken! A local photographer was looking for belly dancers to pose for a contest entry he's putting together, and I volunteered. I warned him about the braces ahead of time, but he was very enthusiastic nonetheless. It was a lot of fun - I usually hate pictures, but he made me very comfortable; it was easy to smile. I haven't seen them yet, but I can't wait!

But other than that...this whole experience is starting to get old. I'm a bit bored by the braces. I know this is all about patience, but I've lost mine. Blah.

The amazing braced belly dancer

A friend and I got hired for a birthday party gig last night at an Indian restaurant.  I thought it went pretty well - all the diners seems to enjoy watching me...but then it occurred to me that they might just be staring at my braces!  :(  Ugh, even when I'm all dolled-up and feeling pretty, the braces manage to knock me back to reality like THAT!

Oh, well.

Just a quick update on the Tung Brush.  Several people commented on the whole "bleeding" thing.  It's not like it was a ton of bleeding - it was more like I scraped a little too hard.  And it actually only happened the one time.  You know all the little bumps on your tongue?  I basically scraped off one of those, I think...  Hopefully that makes sense... ???  Overall, I'm really enamored by the brush - it feels like it gets a lot more gunk off of my tongue with much less effort that using my regular toothbrush. 

Now, those pix are a different story.  I'm not good with flossing apparatuses, I guess.   I need to stick with my regular floss - Oral-B Super Floss.  I freakin' love this stuff.  I couldn't get the hang of those floss threaders, but these strings come with a stiff end so you don't need a separate threader.  The Oral Pix, oh those damn Oral Pix.  True, I only tried one, but I managed to stab myself in the gum and let me tell you - that was some blood!  Maybe someone else will have an easier time with them, but I just don't think I have the dexterity for poking little plastic swords between my teeth...

Happy Memorial Day weekend, all...

No pain, no...well, no pain

Wow, so far, nothing hurts.  Maybe it’s too early.  I had my 3^rd official appointment at the ortho this morning at 8.  Only the bottom wire was replaced, moving me up to a 14.25.  There was some minor trouble getting the farthest back two doors shut, due to my incredibly small mouth, I’m sure, but other than that it was a pretty smooth appointment.  I ate a good breakfast – Camille’s Sidewalk Café “Original” breakfast wrap – eggs, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes in a jalapeño-cheddar tortilla….mmm – in anticipation of not being about to chew the rest of the day.  But, 4 hours later, nothing really hurts.  I’m almost disappointed!  :-# 

My next appointment is in 10 week, July 22, at which point Dr. Weber will probably move some brackets around – no new wires.  

 

Dr. Weber also gave me some “Opal Pix” – basically flat sticks for flossing.  (I think my enthusiasm to floss while the wire was off took him by surprise.  I’m flossing regularly, really I am.  But flossing takes FOREVER, so the chance to floss my entire bottom row in less than 30 seconds is THRILLING.  Ah, the sorry state of my life…)  Anyone else try these yet?  Good?  Bad?  Indifferent? 

 

The Tung Brush is going well.  I can’t say that I’m noticing a huge difference yet, ‘cause I’m a big tongue-brusher anyway.  The packaging warned that my tongue might “get sore and bleed”.  Eek.  That’s not really what you want to see on a dental care product…  Basically it’s just a toothbrush with a   round flat head.  The bristles are stiffer and shorter, for better scrubbing power, I guess.  I’ve been using it for 2 days, and last night my tongue DID bleed a little, so if you’re going to try this product, be prepared!  The package also claimed that it wouldn’t trigger my gag reflex, but that’s a joke! :-#   I will post again about my breath – we’ll see how much of a difference this makes over the long haul.  Grade so far:  B+

 

 

Nice and clean

Yesterday I went for my first dental checkup and cleaning since being braced.  Wow.  It took FOREVER.  The hygeinist said I was doing a good job of cleaning, but ortho is just that much harder to keep clean and I still had a lot of buildup.  Oh, well.  No cavities, as usual.  :)

Tonight while grocery shopping, I had the foresight NOT to buy a ton of food that required chewing.  I'm getting a new wire on Thursday so I am expecting several days of soft foods...  In March, right before my first new wire, I bought a huge tub of organic baby salad mix.  Stupid!  Hello, braces to Aimee!!!  You can't eat salad without working teeth! :-#  Lesson learned.  At least my husband enjoyed several days of baby spinach...  This time I stocked up on Stoneyfield Farms Caramel Yogurt (SO good!) and Naked smoothies...

Ooh, and I bought a tongue brush.  Well, it's a Tung Brush.  Anyone use one of these things before?  I feel like I still have icky breath and maybe I'm just not getting all the gunk off the back of my tongue... we shall see...

slacker

I’m being a blogging slacker.  Does anyone else just go through periods where they have a lot to say and periods where they just don’t?  I’m in one of those “quiet times”.  The Braces are fine.  I had a slight toothache yesterday in a tooth that has moved quite a bit, so I’m not too worried about it.  I feel like I have been eating a ton lately.  I’m not entirely sure if I’m eating more than normal, or if I’m just spending more time eating due to the careful-chewing factor.  Eating actually wears me out sometimes! 

 

I have a cleaning in two weeks and an adjustment a few days after that – I’ll get a new wire, I’m assuming.  I wish time were moving faster.  While I preach patience to everyone else, I really possess very little myself!  I just want this to be over!  I’ve gotten increasingly aware of people staring at me.  Since I don’t really notice The Braces as much – I can talk and eat without too much hassle – I forget they are there and then wonder why people are looking at me funny.  Then I remember!  Damn metal mouth!  Last week I attended an art tour and made the mistake of trying to socialize while snacking on chips and guacamole.  Everytime I took a bite, someone would try to talk to me.  Grrr…

 

I got a letter about my 10 year high school reunion.  I was planning on skipping it, mostly because of The Braces, but I’d kinda like to go.  I don’t get home very often, plus its during our County Fair, which my husband has never witnessed.  So, maybe I’ll suck it up and go.  I’ve done quite a bit with my life since high school – may as well go back and rub it in, huh? :-#

 

How is everyone else doing?