So…
I’ve got to wear these for 24 months? Oh man…
A couple of months ago, I started to really get irked by one of my front teeth being a little bit crooked. It was never really bad at first look. A lot of people have told me that my smile is just fine. However, to me, it suddenly became something that I really wanted to have fixed. See, the thought of orthodontics crossed me mind many times in the past, but it was never too urgent. I mean, why spend so much money on something like that, right? Well, now that I have the means, I decided to really pursue it. And at this point, why not do something to improve my appearance?
So, after all these tests and x-rays going back to this past summer, I now have a metal mouth. My dentist says that I’ll have to wear them for about 2 years. That’s a long while, but the end result should be worth it. She said that some people decide to remove them a little bit earlier even though the treatment isn’t fully complete. For me, hey, if I’m paying for this out of my own pocket, I sure as hell plan on getting my money’s worth, eh?
So, alright. First thoughts? Good grief, I look different in the mirror. My gums and lips aren’t right up against my teeth anymore so it looks like I’ve got a mouthful of food or something that I’m trying to conceal. I’m not enjoying the feeling of the metal poking the inside of my cheeks right now. I’m sure I’ll get used to it after a few weeks. Currently, the pressure from the arch wire is tolerable. However, I read on the Internet that the aching usually begins on the second or third night. I’ll manage.
Eating dinner tonight was a challenge. A lot of the food I was eating was getting stuck in uncomfortable places. I was chewing slowly and frequently taking swigs of water to try to dislodge things that needed dislodging. I wasn’t too happy about that. Instead of eating the amount that I would normally eat, I eventually just gave up–it’s kind of sad. I jokingly said that this will act as some sort of appetite suppressant. And now, I’m going to have to deal with that for 2 years. Fantastic. I was given a list of forbidden foods for the duration of the treatment. I understand why the listed foods are on the list, although some of them sort caught me off guard. For example, it’s obvious why chewing gum would be forbidden, but I hadn’t considered that I wouldn’t be able to chew gum for two years. Insane! I’m definitely going to end up missing some things. I think that at the end of the treatment, I’m going to find that nastiest, stickiest, crunchiest foods I can find and eat in celebration. Ah, but that’s still a long while from now.
I’m a little bit concerned about how people at work are going to react. I think one or two people are going to be jackasses about it. However, I fully expect people to lose interest quickly. I don’t plan on announcing the fact that I’m having my teeth straightened, and plan on just letting the topic come up organically, know what I mean? And if anyone asks, I’m just going to be as “matter of fact” about it as I can. It is what it is.
This is certainly going to be an interesting time for me and my teeth. It’s going to take a lot of getting used to, however, the payoff will be totally worthwhile.
Possibly related posts:
Recent Comments