Braces...
I have been trying to deny that I need them. I have been in denial for a few years now. But it is time to face the music. My dentist staged an intervention and referred me to an orthodontist. I have very short roots on my front teeth, and if things continue as they are, I could potentially lose them fairly young. And despite the poor way I have cared for my teeth in the past (I have been to a dentist, an endodontist, a periodontist, and an orthodontist in my brief life), I am actually quite attached to them and want to keep them for as long as possible.
But for the first time in my thrifty shopper life, I actually want less for my money-- braces for as little time as possible.
Turns out, I have a smaller uppper jaw, but a pretty big tongue (haha, I know I know-- fits right into my big mouth), which means that over time my tongue has forced my teeth apart on the sides. It also doesn't help that I chew on my tongue when I concentrate (most of you will be nodding at this-- you have seen it, and it makes me look like an imbecile). So now I have a hugely open bite and my front teeth (which are beautifully straight) are the ones bearing all of the pressure when I chew.
So the diagnostic is....
braces for 18 months, along with surgery to widen my upper jaw.
That might sound like a long time, but I had braces on for 7 years before (thats right...7 years), so 18 months seems like nothing.
But this time, I will actually go to my orthodontic appointments (I skipped my appointments for a whole year once), and I will wear my rubber bands (it was only slightly more important than flossing, which I also didn't do), and I will wear my retainer (I think I lost it and then never tried to get it replaced...)
Lesson: Take care of your teeth
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2 comments:
That stinks, Rachael, to have to get them a second time. At least you're remaining positive about it. And you're beautiful, so you'll still look great. :) at least it's only 18 months. The time will fly by faster than you know. Chin up.
Good luck! That sounds like it will hurt :( Think of it this way, it will only be as long as a mission!
I once had a professor who was in his 70's or 80's who had braces. Now that is faith that you're going to live long enough to make good on the investment!
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