12/31/11 Happy New Year

First of all Happy New Year to you all! I hope this new year brings good things for all of you!

Second, the spot that was sore yesterday that I thought might be a canker sore, doesn't appear to be. There is definitely something rubbing against that spot causing it to be sore. I had wax on it yesterday but took it off to sleep. I hope that it builds up a callous and goes away. If it stays sore during the day, I'll put wax back on it. It didn't keep me awake last night.

Time to go do some work in the garden. Then inside to weave. I really want to finish the scarf that I'm making and see how it turned out. Take care and have a great day and again, A Very Happy New Year!

12/30/11 A Little Bit Sore

My mouth is a little bit sore today. I'm not sure if it's because things are moving again or if I slept really hard on my left side last night. That's another problem that I've discovered. I'm a stomach or a side sleeper, never on my back. If I lay on my stomach or side, then that side of my mouth tends to be sore the next day. I really don't think there's any way around this. I try to sleep on my back but always flip over.

On another note, I can't believe that tomorrow is already the last day of 2011. It would have been my dad's 90th birthday. I hope that 2012 brings better things in my life and yours!

Have a great day!

12/28/11 Cavity Filled

I had my filling redone today. I was hoping to get away without having to have a shot to numb the area. No such luck! My mouth is still numb, though it is starting to go away. The whole time she was working on my mouth, I was worried about my braces, thinking that something would get broken. It didn't. She's a great dentist. I've been going to her for 22 years and know that she knows what she is doing. Yesterday when she checked my teeth after my cleaning was finished, she told me that she could already see improvements in the alignment of my teeth. That made me happy. I sure hope that the braces do what they need to do. I talked to her about the retainer that I will have to have after the braces are taken off. It seems popular now to have a permanent retainer. I sure hope they don't tell me I have to have one. It would make me crazy to not be able to bite into foods for fear of ruining the retainer. I will definitely talk to the orthodontist at my next appointment if not before then!

Take care and have a great day!

12/27/11 Dentist Appointment

First of all, no cavities except for the filling that fell out that I didn't know about. I have to have it redone tomorrow. The appointment seemed to take forever. They have to be really careful cleaning around the brackets and bands. My mouth isn't sore at all from them cleaning my teeth which is good. I did learn another way to floss my teeth that should help keep the plaque off of my teeth. They gave me a small conical shaped wire brush that's maybe an inch long that I can use between the brackets. It'll last 3-4 months and then I can get another one. I'm hoping to coordinate my next dental cleaning with a braces adjustment appointment. What I can do is go to the orthodontist first, have them remove the wires, go have my teeth cleaned and then go back for them to reinsert the wires and do the adjustment. My next dental appointment won't be until next June, so I won't have to worry about it for awhile.

Have a great day!

12/26/11 Talking & Reflux

The one thing that I'm noticing more and more is that the inside of my mouth is no longer getting chewed up when I talk a lot. Yes, I like to talk! I even talk with my hands! Yesterday at my sister-in-law's house I talked a lot. Many of the people, some that I haven't seen since before I got my braces didn't even notice that I had them. Maybe I've gotten good at talking with my mouth closed.

On the other hand, I'm still having reflux issues and don't know that I can say that it's from having the braces anymore. I'm on a different medicine, started it yesterday. I'm sure it will take awhile for it to start working. I'm hoping that it will as I've lost a few more pounds and am starting to get worried about being underweight. If I lose to much more, I will contact my doctor and see if he has any suggestions.

Time to get back to my weaving loom. Have a great day!

12/25/11 Merry Christmas

I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas are having or have had a wonderful day! I will be spending it with my husband's family.

So far, my braces are good, no new sore spots to report!

Take care and have a great day!

12/24/11 Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa

Hello to all! Happy Holidays! So far today has been a good day. The soreness on the right side of my mouth is not to bad. I'm eating an apple with peanut butter. I have to cut the apple into small pieces to be able to eat it. I can't bite into one as it could break the brackets or wires, other parts of the braces, too. At least I can eat them.

Time to do some last minute present wrapping. This morning I found my husband's favorite Christmas candy at Walgreen's. I want to wrap it and get it under the tree. Take care and have a great day. Hopefully my braces will do well through the holiday season.

12/23/11 I Spoke To Soon

I spoke to soon. I woke up today and had sore spots on both sides of the inside of my mouth. I guess things moved since they did the adjustment. I know they're suppose to. I just figured that if it didn't get sore on the inside of my mouth the first day or two that I would be okay. I have wax on the lower bracket on the right side. The left is sore, too, but not as much as the right side is. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be better. I can't keep the wax on there forever. If I do, I won't get callouses built up in that area. I wonder if it would look as funny to have a mouth full of orthodontia wax as it does to have a mouth full of metal!

Have a great day!

12/22/11 Talking

The one thing that I forgot to mention yesterday is that I had lunch with a friend. We sat and talked for 2 hours. Guess what? The inside of my mouth didn't get sore. We'll see what happens this morning. I am meeting 2 friends and I know we'll talk a lot. I haven't see the one friend for awhile. I'm really happy so far with this last adjustment. My front teeth are a little sore when I brush my teeth, but nothing like they've been in the past.

One issue that I am having is with flossing. They give you these special things so that you can thread the floss through your teeth and not bother the brackets or wire. I have a tough time getting it through even with the threaders. When I do get it to go through, it's not like flossing without braces. I know there's plaque built up on my teeth. I do see the dentist next week for a routine cleaning. I wish the orthodontist office would have told me that they can coordinate my cleanings with an adjustment appointment. They take the wire out, I go to the dentist and then back to them to have the adjusting done. Oh well, there's always my appointment in June when I go to the dentist again. I wonder how many people know they can do it this way.

Have a great day!

12/21/11 Not To Bad Today

Things weren't to bad during the night. A little sore at first. My son's coughing kept me awake more than the pain from my braces! This morning my teeth are a little sore, but not like they've been in the past. One more good thing, so far no soreness on the inside of my cheeks. I'm sure I will have some, but hopefully not as bad as in the past. I'm still thankful the spring is gone. Hopefully my teeth will do what they need to do and I won't need it again!

Have a great day!

12/20/11 More Ow

Now my top teeth are getting sore. I didn't think they adjusted anything on the top. Guess they did. Plus, there's a spot on the inside of my left cheek that is feeling more and more like sandpaper. It hurts. I'm going to try and go without putting wax on it, but will if it gets to bad. 3 months down, 24 more to go!

12/20/11 It's Gone & OW!

I had my adjustment appointment today. They didn't do a lot with the top teeth that I could tell. However, he took the spring off and sanded part of my lower front teeth to make more room. He was going to put that darn spring back on and I made a disappointed noise. I got an okay, we can do this another way. Then his assistant put something else on and put the wire back in and the bands across the brackets back on. It hurts just to have the bands taken off, but after him doing the sanding and the final adjusting, my lower teeth are really sore. I'm hoping that the teeth soreness goes away by tomorrow. I'm hoping that the inside of my cheeks or in front of my upper and lower teeth don't get to chewed up from this latest adjustment. At least the spring is gone. I'm sure that is, for now!

We can choose from several colors for the bands that go around the brackets. I had lavender last time. This time I got screaming pink! It makes having them a little more fun!

Have a great day!

12/19/11 Feeling Better

I hope that I didn't upset anyone by my post yesterday about vomiting. It's bad, I agree. It's just that it's one thing that I hadn't thought about when I get braces this time or the time when I was 10 years old. I am definitely feeling better today and am looking forward to my appointment tomorrow. I'll need to plan something on the softer side for dinner. I've noticed that my teeth, especially the front ones seem to get really tender after an appointment. At least they did with the last appointment. Not that they will always get sore, but think that it's a good possibility. I think besides the initial movement after they adjust things, they get sore just from them taking things off and putting them back on. I am still hoping that they will take the spring off. Oh well, on to the days chores. I want to work at my weaving loom for a bit today! Have a great day!

12//18/11 Sick & Braces

My reflux was so bad yesterday. I really think the braces had something to do with it becoming worse than it had ever been. I have no real proof of it other than how I feel. I ate so much junk yesterday, including spicy food that I shouldn't have. I woke up at 4:00 am vomiting. Not to be gross or anything, but it was so yucky to have the vomit get stuck in my braces! I feel better somewhat today, no more of the yucky stuff. But, I'm really tired and have a headache. I can't take any Advil because it could upset my stomach. I'm hoping that this will all be gone by Tuesday. That's my next orthodontist appointment!

Have a great week!

12/17/11 Going Away... 3 months

The soreness on the right side of my mouth has pretty much gone away! Though, again the inside of my lower lip is getting caught in the spring. I feel like I have to walk around with my mouth partway open to keep it from happening. I am still seeing changes in my lower teeth. There is more space between two of them than I have ever had and am hoping that this will make room for other teeth. If that happens, than I will get rid of the spring. If not, I'm sure I'll have to have it for awhile longer. I now have spots on the inside front that are feeling like sandpaper. It's an odd feeling and one that I am sure of will go away when the braces are gone. It was three months yesterday that I got the braces put on. Only 24 months left to go... that is if everything goes as planned and my teeth cooperate!

Have a great weekend!

12/15/11 Holiday Time & Work!

There has been so much food and so much candy at work, it's making me crazy. I am so thankful and so lucky to have a job and such wonderful coworkers! It's just that so much of what we've had or people have given me, I can't eat because of the braces or the reflux. So, I share with others. I really believe it's the right thing to do. My mouth is sore today. I don't know if it's because my teeth are moving or I ate something that caused the braces to rub in a place that they hadn't previously. I'm sure by tomorrow it will be better and I'll eat something else. I'm so glad that tomorrow is Friday and it's my last day of work until after the New Year gets here. I only get paid for Christmas and New Years Day. I don't mind it at all and am glad for the time off. I do have my next orthodontist appointment next week. Hopefully it will go well!

Have a great day!

12/13/11 Talking Again!

You would think that with all the talking I do that I would have callouses built up on the inside of my mouth already. I went to a Christmas party tonight at a friends house and did a lot of talking as usual! I can already tell that it's going to be sore. Does anyone know why this is? As always, this too, shall pass! Have a great night or day depending where you're at!

12/12/11 Almonds

One of the things that I've really been missing is nuts. I do eat peanut butter, but it's not the same. We make our own granola and one of the things that we put in it is sliced almonds. I thought I'd give it a try. I chew them towards the back teeth and so far it has worked great. If I don't put to many slices in my mouth at once, it's great! Now I might have to try slicing other nuts thin, like pecans and some of the others. Also, I read someplace that almonds are good for acid reflux. So far, so good!

Time to go cook dinner. Have a great day!

12/11/11 Christmas Party

Last night we went to a Christmas party at the home of one of my husband's coworkers. It was really nice and I wasn't bored this year! The only issue I had really was all of the talking I did. It really makes the inside of my mouth sore, especially where the spring is. Only 9 more days until my next appointment and the next round of sore teeth and sandpaper mouth!  I'm sure you're all tired of me talking about wanting that spring to be gone. I have a feeling, that there will be more springs in my future.

On the other hand, I can see my teeth have moved and that there are spaces between some teeth that weren't there previously!

Well, the washing machine is telling me it's done. I better go get the clothes taken care of. Have a great day!

12/10/11 Sandpaper Again

My mouth isn't to sore anymore. But, more places on the inside of my mouth feel like sandpaper. They hadn't felt this way before. The area in front of the spring does get stuck in the spring if I suck in on my lower lip at all. Trouble is, I don't realize that I'm doing it until it's to late. I sure hope that they remove the spring when I go on the 20th.

On a good note, my weight has stabilized at 111.8. To me I look thin, but I'm happy to be there and not weigh what I did before. My acid reflux isn't bad right now, but I have to be really careful of what I eat. I'm tired of having to watch what I eat. I really miss spicy food! Oh well. Hopefully one day I'll be able to eat it again!

Have a great day!

12/08/11 Hurting

This morning started off good. That is until I gave my son a kiss goodbye before I left for work. He was still in bed and I leaned over to give him a kiss. I didn't realize he was awake, so he lifted his head up. His chin collided with my lower lip and wow did it hurt. The braces actually cut into the inside of my mouth and it was bleeding. Luckily it didn't bleed for long. However, tonight it's still sore. I put wax across the brackets and the spring to keep the area from getting sore from them. It helped in that way, but it still really hurts and there's nothing I can do for it. I tried some ibuprofen, but it didn't help. Also, there's another spot on the right in the middle of the inside of my cheek that is sore from rubbing against the brackets. If it still hurts when I go to sleep tonight I'll put some wax on the brackets.

I am not one to give up on things. I have a high tolerance for pain. However, I'm really tired of my mouth hurting!
Oh well, on to facebook to see what's up there. Have a great day!!

12/07/11 Chewed Up Again

Well... the inside of my mouth is getting chewed up again. I guess I need to sit down and talk to the orthodontist to be sure that this is all normal. My last appointment was awhile ago. I guess the way that things are now, they move a little at a time rather than like the old times where they move all at once. I don't like the chewed up feeling on the inside of my mouth. However, I'd rather have it then to have canker sores.

Time to go knit and forget about braces for awhile!

12/05/11 More spring issues & stuck food

Are you tired of me complaining about the spring yet? Today the inside of my mouth kept getting caught in the spring today. I was sure I would end up with another canker sore. So far, nothing.

My husband made a great dinner tonight, smoked fresh tuna, sweet potatoes and broccoli from our garden. Everything tasted so good. However, the tuna and the broccoli kept getting stuck in my braces. I really hate that I have to take so long to eat. Seems like half the time is trying to pick food out of my braces. I sure wish there was an easier way to take care of my bite problems!

12/03/11 Next Appointment

My next appointment is on the 20th of this month. I'm nervous about what they will do next and how sore it will make the inside of my mouth. I'm hoping that they will remove the spring from across those front lower teeth. I don't mind the teeth pain so much. It goes away in a day or two. It's how chewed up the inside of my mouth will get from my teeth moving along with where the brackets and wires end up. I have a lot of dental wax that I can put on the braces where the sore parts are. However, you can't do that forever. If you did, you would never build up callouses. Plus, it's hard to eat with the wax on. I've swallowed it a few times. I don't think it'll hurt anything when I swallow it, but don't  want to swallow to much.

Our weather here in Arizona has finally gotten to be on the cool side. It's 51 degrees right now. For us that's cold considering our summer temps are sometimes over 110 degrees!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

12/01/11 Sandpaper

I keep running my tongue around the inside of my mouth and decided that it feels like sandpaper. The only area that doesn't is in front of my upper front teeth. Also, in the very back of my mouth where there isn't any part of the braces. It feels weird, like there is something wrong. I know it's where my mouth is becoming calloused due to the braces. I just wish it felt normal.

I've been hearing about more adults that have or have had braces. A few of them have told me that they have to wear a permanent retainer after they get their braces off. I am hoping that I don't have to have that. If I do, it means I still have to modify my eating habits and will not be able to bite into apples, buns and probably won't be able to have sticky foods. I don't know if I can make it through life without being able to bite into a big, juicy apple! Though I'm sure I will if it comes to that!

11/29/11 Braces and Endoscopy/Colonoscopy

Today I went for my Endoscopy/Colonoscopy. Because my brother died of colon cancer, I have to have mine repeated every three years instead of every five to ten. With all that I had to worry about getting ready for the tests, my biggest concern was with the endoscopy. They told me that I had to put a thing in my mouth to keep it propped open for the endoscope. I kept telling them I was worried about my braces and that I didn't want to have to take another day off to go to the orthodontist to have my braces fixed. Once they got the device in my mouth, I asked if they would take it out as soon as they were done with that part of the procedure. They told me yes. As far as I can tell, there are no problems from having it done. I'm thinking that it'll be great that the next time I have to have this done, that my braces will be hopefully gone.

Not that any of you really want to know, but they did find one polyp in my colon that the doctor thought was not cancerous. They will biopsy it anyway to be sure. I had a narrowing of my esophagus that they stretched. All in all, I'm just really tired from the anesthesia.

11/28/11 Spring

Sorry I haven't posted for a couple of days. Things have been hectic and the mouth hadn't been doing bad. But, today the spring that's across a couple of the lower teeth in the front has been digging into the inside of my mouth. I don't know if I'm sucking in on my lip, but don't realize it. I'm hoping this passes soon. I think the worst part of the braces is the damage it does to the inside of my mouth. I think tonight's going to be a night with was across the spring!

11/26/11 Cheese

My sister in law brought a cheese platter to our Thanksgiving dinner. I think there's four or five different cheeses on there. My favorite is the smoked cheese. It's really good. I thought other foods got stuck in my braces! However, I think that cheese is one of the worst. That and salad. It's funny to see all the food that gets stuck in my braces. I know that I'm suppose to brush my teeth so that the food doesn't just sit and there and cause me issues. I don't always brush them right away. It ruins the taste of what I've just eaten. Sometimes I do brush without tooth paste and it's not so bad.

Back to winding my hand spun yarn for my next weaving project. Have a great day!

11/25/11 Moving again!

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. It was Thanksgiving here and we were busy preparing food for family and friends. It was a great day and yes, my reflux kicked up again. I'm definitely going to have to watch what I eat for a few days and this is with boxes of candy on the table!

My teeth were a bit sore last night, things must be moving again. With only going to the orthodontist every six weeks or so, it makes it seem like things are going to slow. I can tell things are moving the way that they are suppose to be as my front teeth are actually starting to touch when I close my teeth together. I'm hoping that if things go good, that I won't have to have the T.A.D. screws. When they put them in, they have to screw them into the bones near my teeth. Then they use springs to pull my jaw together properly. I haven't enjoyed the screw that they put across my front teeth to make room for the one front tooth. Guess if I do get the screws, I'll have to invest in more dental wax!

Have a great day!

11/23/11 It Worked

Well, the canker sores are pretty well gone. I don't know if it was the medicine or it was just their time to go. They felt better the night that I had the stuff put on them. But, the next day they were still hurting and I used some of the over the counter medicine that I bought at Walgreen's. Today, they are almost gone. You can barely see them now and they don't hurt. I am really considering calling the dentist to have her get me a vial of it, even with the cost. I still think that if I bought some, that I won't get anymore canker sores. It would be worth it to me.

Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving here. I'm excited. I think we'll have around 25 people here. We're making the turkey and stuffing and everyone will bring something. I think this year it's all family. I better go and get tonight's dinner going. Take care and have a great day!

11/22/11 It Worked & Didn't Work

The medicine for the canker sores that I had put on yesterday worked on a couple of them. Two of them look better, but two of them are still really sore. I was going to call the orthodontist but don't know that it would do any good. I'm hoping that eventually they will all go away on their own. If they're not better by tomorrow I think I'll check in with my dentist. She is a wonderful woman who always takes her time with me when I call her during non office hours. She may know of something else to do for them. The trouble is if she calls any medicine in for me I have to pay full price for it since my regular health insurance doesn't cover what she calls in. That and my dental insurance doesn't cover prescriptions. Oh well, maybe it's time to look for more home remedies!

Have a great day!

11/21/11 Medicine for Canker Sores

Hello to all,
I went to the orthodontist today and got some medicine put on my canker sores. Wow did it sting. He said it would feel like it wasn't getting any better for a few hours and that by this evening it would start to feel better. I'm sure hoping so. The medicine is called debacterol. You can buy it but for a very small vial of it is around $65. I really don't want to spend the money on it but figure if I did, that I wouldn't ever get another canker sore. It would last a long time as they used very little of it on me. I'm going to check into it. I'll keep you posted on whether the sores go away soon or not!

Have a great day!

P.S. Any Ideas

I would love to hear from anyone reading this if you have any home remedies for canker sores!

11/20/11 Canker Sores Again!

I love the fact that I can text my orthodontist and he'll answer me back. Got to love technology! Unfortunately, there was little to do for me until they open tomorrow. He did suggest that I can my dentist, which I did. She told me several over the counter things I could do and that if they didn't help, I could come by the office tomorrow and she, too, could put something on them. She said it hurts like heck, but that it takes care of them. I'll decide tonight if I'll go to the orthodontist first thing or her later on in the day. What I bought at Walgreen's seems to be helping. I have taken two doses of my acid reflux medicine to see if that would help, too. I don't want to take to much of it because it makes my heart race and makes me very jumpy. Hopefully by tomorrow they'll not hurt so much. I will definitely keep wax on the lower brackets and take the medicine to work with me just in case!

Have a great day!

11/18/11 Canker Sore

I was doing pretty good until I chewed on something and the inside of my mouth got caught in the spring that runs along some of the front teeth on the bottom. Wow is it sore. I had to put wax on it. I'm hoping that if I keep it on the sore will go away! I'm not giving up on having braces, but again am tired of them. Still, I'm a lucky woman and will see this through. Hope you all have a great weekend!

11/17/11 Only a little sore!

The inside of my mouth became sore again today. It's not bad. Nothing I can't handle. In many respects, braces are so much easier now than when I was 10 years old. Though, being 53 now, I am definitely less tolerable than I was back then! I hate to say that I wish the time would go by faster. I'll be 55 when I get them off. That makes me feel so old!

I'm tired tonight, long day at work. I am a sign language interpreter at a middle school here. They had a guest speaker in science class today, very interesting but wow did he talk fast! It wore my out. I'm going to go to sleep now and hope that where ever you are that you will have a good nights sleep or a great day!

11/16/11 Still Okay, maybe!

My mouth is doing okay today, sore at times, but okay at others. I haven't eaten anything that would bother them yet! The trouble is, I keep seeing things that I want to eat, but can't. I have a craving for caramel, a forbidden food because of the stickiness. I also, would love to bite into a big, crisp, juicy apple, something else that is also forbidden. Really, when I had braces as a child, I didn't care that I couldn't eat those things. Now as an adult, I really MISS them! There's more than just those two things. However, I am resilient and will get through this. If only now, I can get rid of the headache that I have, life would be pretty good. On the other hand, life is great and I am indeed a very lucky woman, even if I do have braces!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

11/15/11 A Little Bit Better

Today the inside of my mouth is doing better today. I guess I can't complain because when it does get sore, it seems to go away the next day! I'm getting use to them more and more everyday. The one thing that I refuse to let my braces do is take away my smile! I smile everyday and really don't care what other people think of my braces!

Hope you all have a wonderful day! I'm definitely trying to. I'm going to try and finish sewing a baby quilt that I started for a teacher at work!

11/14/11 Moving Again

My teeth must be moving again. I have spots on the inside of my mouth that are all chewed up from where my teeth are moving. I can't imagine that my teeth move very much at one time. It must be just enough to have the brackets, etc. move enough to make things hurt again. I really don't mind the teeth pain, it's easy to deal with. However, having the inside of my cheeks and in front of my upper and lower front teeth all chewed up is the thing I hate the most.

On the other hand, I can already see improvements in my bite and the alignment of my teeth.

I'm off to bed everyone. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

11/13/11 Apples & Peanut Butter

I had apples and peanut butter today for lunch. I've had it before, thought that the peanut butter would get caught in my braces, but hasn't and it tastes great with the apples! I still have to cut the apples into small pieces. I love apples, but really miss biting into a good crisp apple. Oh well, hopefully I'll be able to some day!

My bottom teeth in the front are sore a little bit today. Not a lot. But I do notice it. I'm sure by tomorrow this pain will be gone. It's hard for me to get use to that every so often the braces make my teeth move and they're sore again. When I had them when I was 10-12 years old, it seems like I would have them adjusted and my teeth would hurt for a day or two and then not hurt again until the next adjustment. Still getting use to it all!

Hope everyone is having a great day!

11/12/11 Talking Again!

The inside of my mouth was doing pretty good. However, we went to a retirement seminar and there were friends of ours from my husband's work there. Yup, we talked. I'm not sure why it makes the inside of my mouth so sore when I do.

One of our friends that was there is thinking about getting braces for the same open bite that I have. She's waiting until her daughters are both out of braces before she gets them. Her sister just got them. I told her my views on the subject. Not that if I had to do it all over again that I wouldn't. But for her to be prepared how it changes your eating habits, how moody I am. Because she had them in her teens, we both decided that when you get them when you're young, you are definitely more tolerant of the things you can't do. Or you do them even though you know you'll get in trouble, but don't care. As an adult, we are less tolerant of the things we have to give up and less tolerant of the pain! I still have fears from when I was 10 of being yelled at by my orthodontist and it's been almost 40 years since the last time I saw her!

11/11/11 Croissants

I went to lunch with my Mom, niece who was in town and my youngest son today. It was great. We went to Paradise Bakery. I had a sandwich and had them put it on a croissant. I still couldn't bite into it, but was able to chew it just fine. They're soft all the way around. I was so glad I was able to eat it, had a whole sandwich instead of a half. I gained a pound back. I think if I quit worrying about my issues at work and do what I can with my my son and his not doing his homework that my stress level will go down and I won't lose so much weight. Though, weighing a little less at the holiday time is a good thing. I can eat to my hearts content!

11/10/11 A Little Less Sore

Well, the inside of my mouth is a little less sore today. I was actually able to take off the wax from the upper side in my mouth in front. I can feel it's a little sore, but the canker sore hasn't come back yet.

Still stressed! I know my job is part of it, so is problems with my son not doing his homework. The braces still stress me and seems like it all got worse when I got them. I know it's not all the braces. They just aren't making it any better.

My stomach is yucky plus I haven't gained any weight back. I think part of it's the change in diet from the braces and part of it's the stress. Oh well...

11/09/11 Still Sore

The inside of my mouth is still really sore. The worst spot is in the left front top teeth. As long as I leave the wax on, it's okay. If I take it off for even 1/2 hour, a little canker sore appears. I know that the orthodontists office said they have stuff they can put on it to get rid of the canker sore. Who has time to go over there? It's not on my way home. I will ask if they can give me some to take home or if it's something that I have to go to the office to get. I'm hoping that my mouth will feel better tomorrow. Otherwise I'm going to have to use a lot of wax!

11/08/11 Sore

Okay, my knitting class was great. I learned a new technique. However, after a 7 hour class, the inside of my mouth is so sore from all the talking I did. It was well worth it and I'm hoping that the soreness will go away tomorrow. I'll let you know!

11/08/11 Still Wondering

I'm still wondering if any of my physical symptoms are caused by the metal in my mouth. Mostly the acid reflux issues. I've tried asking the doctors about it and they just give me a blank stare. I'll have to check with the orthodontist to see what they think. I still don't like having them on and still wish I hadn't gotten them. I've heard from a few people that had them removed for the reasons that I mentioned and they've all said they wish they hadn't had them taken off. I just don't know if I can go through 2 years of this. I'm sure it's the other stresses in my life and I'm trying to pass blame on my braces. Seems coincidental that my stomach issues became worse when I got my braces on. Oh well... off to my knitting class!

11/07/11 Eating Time

I knew that it took me longer to eat than it use to before. However, it was definitely more noticeable at dinner tonight. My husband made a wonderful salad with fish on top of it. Normally I'm done at the same time as my husband with our 13 year old son lagging behind. Tonight, I was the last one done!

My son gave me a hug today when I got home from work. I love his hugs. But, we bumped each other and he hit my mouth. It made the top bleed just a tiny bit and the bottom where the spring is, is really sore now. Oh well, I'm sure it'll be better by tomorrow. I'm taking the day off to go to a knitting class. Hopefully my mouth won't be sore as I'm sure I'll do a lot of talking!!

11/06/11 Braces and Stress

Though I know it's probably not true, I feel like that my getting the braces heightened my stress levels with other areas in my life. I have a teenage son, who is a wonderful young man, 13, but screwing off in school. I have a 27 year old son that is having personal issues, so I'm stressed over that, too. I swear before the braces I could handle things so much better. Now, I'm not so sure about it. I think the braces definitely added to my stress. Part of it is the money, part of it is my health. I was down to just under 111 pounds today from about 122 before I got the braces. I'm eating good, maybe not quite as much junk food, but still am eating. Guess it's good that I am having a colonoscopy and endoscopy towards the end of this month. I hate going through that, but better be safe than sorry!

11/05/11 Inside

I can take the pain that comes with my teeth moving. It only last a day or two and then it's down to a really mild ache. It's when the teeth move and it changes where the brackets are on the inside of my mouth. Then it makes a new area in my cheek or in front of my teeth sore. The worst pain I think I had with it was when I first got them and I had a really sore spot under my tongue. Every once in awhile it will bother me a little bit, but nothing like what it was when I first got them.

I decided that while having the different colors is cool looking, I definitely like the lighter colors better. It makes the braces less noticeable. Maybe it sounds conceited, but I really like the way I look when I smile and the braces detract from that. I like to smile and won't stop just because of the braces! Just won't do it for pictures!

11/03/11 Chewed up Cheeks

Today my teeth don't hurt so bad. However, I find that the more I talk the more the braces rub the inside of my mouth and make it sore. I don't want to always use wax. If I do that, I won't build up the callouses so that things won't bother me. I feel like I've chewed up the inside of my cheeks. I talked to a friend of mine that had braces for 4 years to correct her TMJ. I sure hope that I don't have to go that long. Funny thing is that she went through a lot of the same thing, including the depression and weight loss. It was great to talk to her and find out that I'm not so crazy after all!

11/03/11 Callouses

I think the spot on the front of the inside of my mouth where the spring is has started a callous. It doesn't quite get caught in the spring now and that's a good thing. I'm still not seeing the good side of this treatment even though I know what it's suppose to accomplish. I'll stick with it. Today I am exhausted. Not sure why as I got a good nights sleep last night.

I discovered chocolate that I can eat that has nuts and salt in it. It's by Ghiradelli. The almond pieces in it are so small that I can easily chew them without disturbing the braces. It definitely helps to satisfy the craving for nuts I've been having. Maybe the recipes that I want to make with pecans, I'll make them but chop up the nuts so that they are smaller pieces!

11/02/11 A Little Better

The inside of my mouth is a little better today. I didn't have to use any wax. I did go to my regular doctor for ear pain, fluid build up. Steroids for 6 days should help it feel better. He told me my jaws were tight and I asked if it was from the braces. He admitted that that could be part of it, but said it seemed more like stress. I told him it was stress from having to deal with the braces. I know that I'm trying to blame everything on my braces. Seems like a reasonable thing to do even though I know they are not my only stress. Something about being married with children, one of them 13 might have something to do with it, too! However, I love my family and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world!

11/1/11 It Hurts

After last night, I thought it was going to be okay. My teeth are sore. I can handle that. It's the spring that they put across those lower front teeth. The inside of my mouth keeps getting caught in it. It's not a canker sore, just really irritated. They said the only thing to do for it is to put wax over the spring to keep it from happening. The other thing they said is that I need to build up a callous on the inside of my mouth. Kind of hard to do that if there's wax over the offending part. I am still at the point of not seeing an upside in this treatment. I won't have them taken off, I'm committed to it. Just very frustrated and really feel ill-prepared for the total treatment.

11/01/11 More OW!

Last night wasn't bad as far as my teeth hurting. I ate a regular dinner! However, this morning is another matter. I just blew my nose. I know, something you really don't want to picture. However, it really made my teeth hurt. Good thing I have oatmeal planned for breakfast and soft fruit and yogurt planned for lunch. My weight had stabilized at 113 for a few days now. However, I'm thinking I'm going to lose some more after how sore my teeth are today. Guess I'll have to suck on chocolates today. Hope it doesn't mess up my stomach to much!

OW!

I'm definitely sore now, especially on the left side. I knew I would be, but it's really bothering me. I forgot to tell you that I got a spring on the front from one tooth across another tooth and attached on the next tooth. It doesn't hurt except when it pinches the inside of my mouth. On the upper left it feels like the band is cutting into the roof of my mouth. I'm hoping that this will go away by tomorrow.

10/31/11 Candied Apples & Beef Jerky

I had my appointment today. So far, so good. I know that my teeth and mouth are going to be sore. I'll take some ibuprofen with dinner. I had a long talk with them. I told them that I wished that I had been able to talk to some adults with braces before I made my decision.  Even though I had braces when I was younger it is so different as an adult. They listened with interest. I told them a big thing for me is the food. When they asked me what food it was, mostly it was nuts. However, on my way home I thought of the time of the year being Halloween and caramel apples. I love them and there's no way for me to eat one. The other thing is my husband always makes beef jerky for our grown kids and grandchildren at Christmas. Not going to be able to eat that either. They are both comfort food for me as is Waldorf Salad and Strawberry Surprise Jello. Sure they both can be made without pecans. However, the pecans are my favorite part of it. Oh well... I'm sure I'll find something I can eat!

10/30/11 Doing somewhat okay!

I found a group through yahoo e groups of adults with braces. I joined it and had a nice e mail from someone who urged me to not have them taken off.I appreciate him sending me the e mail. I'm sure I'll continue with them... it's just that I get so frustrated with the whole situation. I really wish that I had researched more with other people how they felt about having them. If anyone reading this is an adult considering getting braces, please do your research before you make the decision. Research every aspect of  being an adult with braces. I don't want to deter anyone from getting them if they are truly needed. Just do your research!

19/28/11 I didn't get...

Well, I didn't get the GI doctor to say that it was all from my braces. Looks like I'm stuck. My teeth aren't sore today, but my mouth is. Not sure if it's from something I ate or if my teeth have moved again. I have my next appointment on Monday and am DEFINITELY not looking forward to it.

The GI doctor did tell me that because of the reflux and the fact that my brother died from colon cancer that I need to have a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Got it scheduled for next month. I'm sure everything is fine, but better safe than sorry.

I'm looking forward to this weekend and hope you all have a great one!

10/26/11 Not feeling well

On top of everything else, I have a sinus infections. I feel yucky, no sleep last night. Okay, very little sleep anyway. Sure hope it's better tonight.

The braces are okay for now, have a sore on the inside lower right and left of my mouth from where things rub. It usually goes away in a day or two and doesn't hurt to much. I thought I had really thought this decision through. It was not one that I made lightly. Yet, I still wish that someone had talked me out of it. I guess two years isn't that long. Still, not looking forward to the rest of it.

Tomorrow I go to the GI doctor. Hopefully nothing will be majorly wrong with my stomach! I'll keep you posted.

10/25/11 Wanting to Scream

I think I'm getting a cold or an allergy attack. I feel yucky, but not bad enough to keep me home from work. I'm still having reflux problems and am actually looking forward to seeing the doctor on Thursday. I still believe that most of this has to do with my getting my braces. I think it changes my whole system. I did gain 1 pound, so weigh just over 113 today. Don't know how it will be tomorrow. The things I need to eat to keep my weight up seem to irritate my stomach. I think I'm wanting the doctor on Thursday to tell me that I need to have the braces taken off and take my chance with ruining my teeth later on in life.

Tired

I wish that I could find other adults and see if they are having similar things going on with them that I have. I guess I'll ask the orthodontist when I see them on the 31st. Meanwhile, I have an appointment for my reflux this Thursday. I tried to print out the patient forms and they won't print right. Oh well, guess I'll do them when I get there.

I ate another apple today with the chocolate peanut butter. So far it hasn't bothered the braces. This I'm excited about.

Off to do some sewing.

10/23/11 Spillover

I've decided that the stress I have from the braces is spilling over into the rest of my life. I can't say it's all from the braces, but a good part of it is. I've always said that I have few regrets in my life, but this will definitely be one of them. Maybe later on, I'll feel differently about it. Maybe when I'm 80 and still have all my teeth.

On the other hand, I've noticed that my lower front teeth have moved some and now they don't look like they're different heights. It use to look like on of the lower front teeth was a lot shorter than the rest and now it doesn't. I guess that's one good thing!

10/22/11 Not Bad (for now)

Today seems a little bit better. I keep thinking of things that I can't eat like jelly beans and caramel. I can suck on them if I'm careful. I ate an apple today cut into tiny pieces and for the first time, it didn't make the inside of my mouth sore. Hopefully things will get better soon.

10/21/11 Frustration

Well, the frustration has really hit. It's been just over a month and I'm not seeing anything positive about this undertaking. My teeth are sore, my stomach is still upset and mentally, I'm worn out. I have an orthodontist appointment on the 31st. Who knows what will happen then. At the age of 53, I really don't want to wish for time to fly, but I want the next 2 years to pass by quickly. I'm suppose to get TAD screws, temporary anchoring devices, at some point in my treatment. I looked it up and am NOT looking forward to that at all. I really think that when adults consider getting braces that they get psychological help first!

10/20/11 Yuck!

I feel terrible right now. My front teeth are really sore on the bottom. I swear when I had braces when I was 10, that it hurt for a day or two then stopped until the next adjustment. I have an appointment on Halloween. I hate to think of how much it will hurt then! I've lost 10 pounds now and at 112, don't need to lose anymore. My stomach is still messed up so can't eat a lot of stuff that would help me gain weight. We eat healthy for the most part, but am just so upset. I always had the reflux, but never this bad. It's downright depressing. This all started when I got my braces, the worst of it anyway. I really wish I'd taken my chances and not gotten the braces. There's always false teeth!

10/18/11 I Want To Scream

I know it's been a month and you would think that things would settle down by now, but they don't seem to be. I really wish that I hadn't done this and had taken my chances. My stomach is still messed up, going to have to go to a gastroenterologist to see what's up. I've lost more weight and I didn't want to. It's all really beginning to depress me. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

10/15/11 Hurting again

I think I overdid it this weekend. The right side of my mouth and that top molar with the band are really hurting me. I did a lot of talking this weekend and to tell you the truth, that bothers me. I'm sure my husband wishes it would bother me more and stop me from talking. Nothing will stop me from talking. If I can't use my mouth, I'll talk with my hands using sign language! Also, I ate apple pieces today and I think that's part of the cause. They said I could eat them, just cut them in small pieces. Oh well, this, too, shall pass. Thanks for listening!

10/15/11 Not to bad

Hi all,

I hope everyone is doing great. I'm doing okay, but probably shouldn't have had that cup of coffee. We're in a hotel in Albuquerque, NM and it had been awhile. My mouth is good today and I'm hoping that it will stay that way at least until my appointment on the 31st of this month. I have to remember to not put my tongue against the roof of my mouth. That should help keep the two teeth from hurting to much. I'm not looking forward to my appointment. I know they will adjust things and that will make my mouth sore all over again. Plus they'll probably yell at me because I haven't been flossing my teeth as much as I should. It's to hard to get the floss in there. I have been brushing like crazy, after every meal. I shouldn't have any cavities!

Oh well, time to go explore the city. Then it's off to the beer tasting this afternoon.

10/13/11 Better

My mouth is feeling better today. I'm hoping this continues. However, I'm thinking it's not going to.continue. Normally I'm a patient person, but with this, it's different. There's not only been changes in my mouth, I feel like there's been changes to my body as well, also my personality. I feel like I'm more cranky than usual. I've always had a bit of acid reflux, but never this bad and my bowels are messed up, too. I'm just not sure if it's all related to the braces or something else. It did start when I got the braces, so who knows?

10/11/11 Isn't 2 years over yet?

I am so miserable right now. I don't know if it's because of the soft pretzels I ate earlier or because my teeth are moving again. I'm okay when I eat, it's after I'm done they start hurting. If I had to do this all over again I definitely wouldn't do it again! I'm going to call the office tomorrow and see if they can take a look at it to see if there's anything out of place.

OW OW OW

I went to the mall with my son and couldn't resist the pretzel bites from the place there. They were so good and they were soft enough for me to chew. However, my mouth is so sore and I have sores on the inside of my mouth where there hadn't been any for quite awhile. I just don't get it, still don't see why I did this. I'm just not seeing the good in any of this other than being miserable.

Too much

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I'm exhausted even though I sleep somewhat decently. My mouth is still sore today, but the day is still young for me. I'm really concentrating on keeping my tongue away from the roof of my mouth. I suppose soon it will be habit. I don't remember having this many issues with braces when I had them when I was 10. Maybe when you're younger, things don't bother you as much!

OW!

That one tooth on the upper right that the band is on is really hurting tonight. I'm trying to keep my tongue away from it, but it's hard to do. I'm sure it'll go away just like the left side did. I hate waiting! Right now I'm still wondering why I did this. Can someone please explain this to me. What made me do this?

10/10/11 Okay Day

The tooth that was sore last week is better. However, the same tooth on the other side (top) is bothering me today. I've discovered that it's from pushing against it with my tongue. It's difficult to deal with the little pain. I can't take ibuprofen because of my reflux. Guess I better take some tylenol.

Today is a good day for other reasons. My husband is almost finished with the remodel of our kitchen. He's got the counter top almost done, still needs to do the back splash. The sink is being installed today and we'll be able to use it tomorrow. The cooktop that we ordered is back ordered and we're not sure when it'll get here. He did the cut out for it and the old one will fit back in. The sink is great, really deep and will hold a lot of dishes. It's almost big enough for my little dog Bella to go swimming in!

10/09/11 Sleeping

I slept good last night for a change. It's nice to be able to do that. However. I slept so hard that it made my mouth hurt. Not much I can do about that. I keep finding all these little things that have an effect on my mouth. Anytime I push anything against my teeth, I feel like they move slightly and move back. They are very sensitive to that. I'm still trying to decide what colors, if any, to get next time. I could go with green and red for Christmas, or maybe red, white and blue to show patriotism. The school colors for the school I work at are purple and gold, may do that. I'll have to see what colors they have before I decide.

Candy Bars

My husband and I went to the grocery store tonight. I was okay with going through the store. It was when we got to the checkout to pay. They always have all the candy bars there for you to buy. I'm guessing that at least 75% of them are ones that I can't eat because of the braces. It was really depressing to see all of that there. Yes, there are many of them that I can suck on but it's not the same as really chewing something. Wow, do I miss being able to chew candy and other things. We bought some apples. I can't bite into them, it would break the braces. I have to cut them into tiny pieces. It's going to take me forever to eat a whole apple! Sure wish the 2 years was over!

10/8/11 Taking Time For Me

Today I took some time off from my braces. Okay, not really. They're still there. I went to my weaving, spinning and knitting group. There was only 3 of us there today, but we still had fun. I'm trying to finish a scarf that I'm knitting. Hoping to have enough yarn left to knit a moebius scarf with the leftovers. I might have to spin some more yarn to go with it. One of the ladies made a German Apple Cake that was delicious and well suited to my braces. Soft! I just ate a spoonful of chocolate peanut butter. I was thinking it might get stuck, but it didn't. I guess since I can't eat nuts, they're too hard, that I'll have to look for more nut butters. Yummy!

10/7/11 Okay

Okay, I'm resigned to the fact that I'm stuck with these braces for at least 2 years. I'm resigned to the fact that there will be certain foods I can't eat, that it's going to hurt a lot of the times. I've never been one to give up on something or back down from a fight. I wasn't raised that way. Thank God I have a mom who taught me to be better than that. On the other hand, it doesn't mean I'm not going to not go kicking and screaming and complaining the whole way! I have so many other things in my life that are good, family and friends, a roof over my head, food in my mouth and a job I enjoy. Going to make the best of it.

Today my mouth is sore again!

10/6/11 Light At The End Of The Tunnel

No, not yet! Today is 3 weeks since I had the braces put on. My mouth is sore in different places again today. Guess this must be boring to read! I'm sure that some day I'll find the up side in all of this. Today one of the men at work noticed my braces and told me they look nice! Hmmmm, he asked how long I've had them and I said three weeks. He's not very observant. I have an appointment at the end of this month, not sure if I want colors on them again or not. Maybe red, white and blue. It would make my 13 year old son happy. He's such a patriotic young man! I'm still at the point where I would never wish braces on anyone! Yet, I still smile. Life is indeed good!

10/05/11 Hurting Again!!

I sent my orthodontist a text message this morning to ask about the pain I'm having. I guess things are moving again. Every time they do, my mouth gets sore again. Not just the teeth, but the inside of my cheeks. I've got wax on the right side. Usually it lasts for a day and then it's okay again. Then a few days later it happens again. It's a vicious cycle. I'd like to numb my mouth for 2 years at least. then I wouldn't have to worry about the pain. I guess I'd talk funny. Oh well, the kids at school would like it!

Me Again!

Okay, so grilled cheese wasn't the best choice to have for dinner. I cut the crust off of the bread, too hard to eat. The bread wasn't the problem, it was the cheese. It got stuck everywhere! I'm still pulling some pieces of cheese out of my braces. I don't know if I want to ever do that again. It tasted so good! Oh well, some things are worth it!

10/4/11 Can't keep the date straight & OW

I posted the wrong date yesterday. Maybe the braces are fighting in my head making me forget things. It's hard when you get older. I remember when I had braces when I was 10. It would hurt for a day and then go away. Now it seems like it hurts every other day. Maybe I had a higher tolerance to pain back then. I'm not sure. I have a feeling that though sometimes things seem easier, that I will make it through these two years. I had my picture taken at work today because I won an award. I refused to smile and show my teeth. Everyone knows I have braces, almost everyone. I was embarrassed.

10/04/11Not hungry

I'm not hungry this morning, but need to eat. I'm still wondering if my stomach issues are related to my braces somehow. It's better, but not all the way. I'm watching what I eat so that I don't upset the stomach acid/reflux to much. Guess I'll ask the orthodontist about it when I go the end of this month. Well, off to work. I really like my job as a sign language interpreter in a middle school. The kids all think I'm cool because I got braces!

10/03/11 Hurts

Here I am thinking I'm doing pretty good and things start to hurt again. I'm guessing that my teeth have moved the slightest bit and it's making a new area sore. Though this time a couple of my teeth are sore, too. I've eaten more than I have, and don't think they hurt anything. I do tend to let things that will, melt in the roof of my mouth. I find that my tongue pushed against the roof of my mouth a lot and that makes things sore. Oh well... I keep looking at myself in the mirror with the braces and blue bands and wonder if I'd look less dorky if I didn't have the colors. I think the colors make them stand out more. Guess I'm not going to smile in pictures for a couple of years!

10/02/11 Dinner

We went to dinner tonight. I hate the fact that I can't pick a hamburger and bite into it with my front teeth. As a matter of fact, I can't bite into anything with my front teeth, might break something. That means no lox, bagel and cream cheese for a year, no corn on the cob, no pizza, no hard rolls, no hard anything. I have cheated, but haven't hurt my braces. I sure wish I could figure out a way to cheat with the front teeth. Anyway, at least I'm enjoying my food better even if I have to cut it all with a knife and fork!

10/1/11 Better?

Today seems to be a better day. I've gained almost 2 pounds, but don't want to gain to much. I kind of said I'll be damned if I'm going to let these things ruin my eating habits! My husband made an excellent dinner last night. He even shredded the carrots into the salad rather than slicing them. He knows I can't eat them if they're just sliced. Guess he's getting use to them, too! The inside of my mouth is a lot better. I suppose as my teeth move that new spots will get sore. Again, I'll be damned if I'm going to let it bother me. I did buy extra wax at Walgreen's and will get more if I need. I'm not looking forward to the T.A.D. screws, but will deal with it when it happens.

9/30/11 T.A.D. Screws

I just got to thinking that somewhere down the road I'm going to have to get these things. They actually put these screws right in the bone and then attach a spring to them and then to the braces. It's not suppose to hurt... Hmmm, I've heard that story before! I know it's only been 2 weeks, but my top teeth have moved already. I'm eating better. I've discovered a new way to eat things I'm not suppose to. I suck on them. Makes it the consistency of baby food. There's still things I won't be able to do that with like popcorn. Not sure why I can't have popcorn unless they fear a kernel being in there.

I still am wondering why I did this. Still wondering what color I want to have them put in when I go back in October. I may not have them add color at all. I think it makes them show up more when I smile, which I don't like to do now. Sure looks silly when I smile with these things on. I'll have to take some pictures and post it. Anyone have suggestions on what color to get next if I do get it?

9/28/11 When Will it Stop?

It will be 2 weeks tomorrow and I'm still getting sores in my mouth. The orthodontist said it would take 1 to 2 weeks for me to build up callouses. So why am I still getting them. The office called today to see how I was doing and I asked them. They couldn't tell me for sure, said it's different for everyone. I guess when you're small and you have braces it takes less time because your mouth is smaller. My husband is always telling me I have a big mouth. Bigger mouths take longer. I sure would love to get beyond this stage. Why is it that pain in your mouth seems worse then pain in other places. I guess because when it's in other places there's better meds for it. Oh well. As my mom would say, "This, too, shall pass." 

Thanks for listening!

9/27/11 OW!

The spot that was sore yesterday is better. However, the other side of my mouth hurts now and has sores on it. I was told it could take up to two weeks to build up callouses. Thursday is two weeks. Sure wish it was the two years! I'm still having trouble eating certain foods. It makes my teeth hurts. I couldn't eat the fresh beans that I picked from the garden. They were to hard. Guess I have to start cooking everything until it's really soft. YUCK! Something else I didn't think about.

9/26/11 Just When I Thought...

Just when I thought things were getting a little bit better, the inside of my mouth hurts like heck again today in several spots. I don't know if it's from my teeth moving or if it's what we had for dinner last night. I normally don't back down from things, don't give up easily, went through 8 hours of back surgery and have 6 screws and 2 rods in my lower back. However, I really wish the 2 years was over and done with. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I texted the orthodontist to see if there's anything I can do about it. I haven't heard from him yet. Sure hope it goes away soon!

9/25/11 Better, A Little Bit

I forgot to tell you yesterday that the inside of my mouth was feeling a little better. I guess I must have built up callouses on the inside of my mouth. I still have a spot under the right side of my tongue that is a little sore, but not as much as it had been. They said for children it's 3-4 days for the soreness to go away and for adults it can be 1-2 weeks. It will be 2 weeks for me this coming Thursday. That means only 102 weeks to go. That is more or less. They said treatment would be around 27 months. Ugh!

9/24/11 Stomach

Well, I thought my stomach problems might have been related to my braces. Now I'm not sure. I've been chewing my food better and it's still not going away. Maybe it will take some time?? It seem worse today then it did yesterday. Maybe it's related to the stress that I'm feeling from having made this decision in the first place. At this point in my treatment, where I just don't see an outcome yet or any benefits, I still am regretting doing this to begin with. I knew it would be changes in my lifestyle, just not this many. If I could only go back a few weeks with what I know now, I would make a different decision. I'm sure that in the long run I will be happy with this, but right now... I think that anyone that gets braces for cosmetic reasons only is weird!

9/23/11 Figured Something Out, I Think!

I think I've finally figured out the whole issue with my stomach. Because of the braces, I've not been chewing my food thoroughly and swallowing some of it whole. I think the acid in my stomach is working overtime to digest my food. We'll see... I've been trying to chew more but still have visions of being yelled at by my orthodontist when I had braces back when I was 10. Wow would she get mad at me if I broke any of the braces. Why as an adult do I still have that fear. In fact I got a letter from the office about how important braces were and that I should take really good care of them. Don't they realize that as an adult, I am not taking lightly something that I put some much time, effort and especially money into?

9/21/11 Mango Leather

A couple of months ago I made mango leather. I pureed it in the blender and poured it on sheets in my dehydrator. It is so good. I had to give it to my son. I can't eat dried fruit at all. It's either to hard or to sticky. I have been tearing my crystallized ginger into small pieces and chewing it with my back teeth. I don't think I'm doing any damage to the appliance, nothing hurts. I can't give up my ginger, especially with my stomach being upset right now.

I keep thinking of all these things that I can't eat. I hadn't thought about how this would effect my family. I can't eat what they can, no pizza, no bagels. I can cut them into tiny pieces, but it's not the same. How can you not eat pizza with cheese dripping down your chin?

I'm just not seeing an upside to this at all!

Me Again

I've been reading web sites that talk about adult braces. So far, I have not seen anything about the psychological aspect of adults getting braces. They do mention an adjustment period, but it's still not enough. I wonder if other adults who have gotten braces have had the same "depression" that I have had. I know it'll go away eventually. Right now, it just exhausts me. I know it's only been 6 days... Why do we handle these things so much better as children than we do as adults?

9/21/11 Yuck

Today I'm not feeling well. Stomach is still all acidy. I'll call the doctor today and see if I can get in. I'm wondering if it's related to the braces. I can't eat all of the food I could before. I'm lucky if I can eat much at all. I wanted to lost 5 pounds, but don't want to lose anymore than that. I need to keep my weight up. It's hard with this reflux issue! Don't do it, braces are not a good weight loss plan!

I'm in a depressed mood. This is a big change in my life. While I thought I had thought it through thoroughly, I guess I hadn't. There are so many changes that I hadn't thought about. I'm sure I'll get use to them soon. I really wish someone would have discussed the psychological issues with me of getting braces as an adult!

9/19/11 Still wondering

Today wasn't to bad. The kids at work were all surprised about my getting braces. I don't know if they thought I was cool or if they thought I was weird. My mouth is still really sore and I'm having stomach acid problems. I think it's because I thought I could swallow my chewable vitamins. After all I can't chew them now. Don't want to break anything. I'm really hoping it's that because if it isn't I'll have to make a trip to my doctors office. YUCK! I'm tired of doctors!

Yesterday I spent about an hour slicing into raw olives from our tree. I had always wanted to try doing them. Trouble is, I won't be able to eat them. Think I'll suck on them after they're all finished. I'm finding it frustrating to know all of these things that I can't eat. My friend said she'd take all the wonderful beef jerky my husband makes. I can't wait for the two years to be finished!

Adult Braces What Was I Thinking 9/19/11

On September 15th, I got my braces put on. I had just turned 53. A week before that I had the spacers put in and I was miserable. My dentist at my last cleaning kept looking at me and saying, "You would really benefit from braces". Why oh why did I let myself get talked into this. Her and the orthodontist said my bite was way off. The only tooth that touched was a molar on the left side. My back teeth were doing all the work and I was wearing them down fast. I already had 4 crowns and 2 root canals. They also said it could help with headaches and jaw pain. Mind you, it wouldn't be a cure but could help. I would be saving my teeth if I did this. Okay, I went for it. The actual appointment lasted about 2 hours including paperwork. I could tell after they put the bands on that it was going to be uncomfortable in my mouth. That was an understatement! That night wasn't bad, but the next day was my anniversary and I could barely eat. Things rubbed in places that they had never rubbed before and it hurt! I couldn't wait to get home and get some wax put on it. The orthodontist said that could last up to 2 weeks. Yikes!

Yesterday we went to Costco and I kept seeing all this food that I wasn't going to be able to eat for at least 2 years. I decided that there definitely is a psychiatric aspect to adults having braces. Kids don't know what they're missing because they've never had it before. Here was a whole store full of food that I couldn't have. Couldn't eat the samples either.

Now, let me explain I had braces in when I was ten for 2 years. It was a lot different then, more bands, etc. They have made advances, but not enough.

Well, time to get the wax on and leave for work. I'm sure the students will get a kick out of me being in braces. Sure hope I can last the day!