As a youngster, maybe junior high, I wore
braces. Back then, they were the hammer and chiseled on metal bands around the
patient’s molars connected to a virtual labyrinth of more metal wrapped around
incisors and such. I remember some major discomfort. Definitely at first. I think
I ate baby food only for two weeks straight. Then, every few weeks or so after that torture, when the bands and wires were cranked on and tightened. And it was back to the baby food again.
Think that horrible torture scene depicting
the stretching of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart.
Fast forward a few…uh…decades.
For whatever reasons…Maybe because when
the treatment was blessedly completed, I didn’t wear my retainer as religiously
as I was supposed to. Or, as the years went on, some necessary root canals,
extractions, crowns and the like were done. At any rate, my front teeth crowded up again.
I lived that way for years. Not smiling
for the camera (note my profile picture here) was really the only downside.
Then the necessary extraction of one of my
front teeth, on the bottom, but still, made a decision for me I’d been toying
with for a while. Dipping into the kids’ inheritance to pay for it, I decided
on another round of braces.
Invisalign was the suggested treatment of
choice. You know what I’m talking about. Clear devices, or trays, computer generated to fit over
your pearly whites, top and bottom. As time goes on – and somewhat magically if the
animations are to be believed – all the nooks and cranny imperfections straighten
right out. The devices are also removable for eating and drinking, so there are no real food restrictions as with traditional braces. Sweet!
How hard could this be? Really!
Now that I’m more than one week in…very. No.
Let me qualify that. It’s all definitely doable, but not as easy as I may have led myself to believe.
For starters, more than two hours in the chair on my initial
appointment, with what amounted to a lip plate in place – think of those used by
some tribes in Africa – while these little square attachments were adhered to
my teeth. These, I was told, to help the aligners do their job. Some patients get as few as three or four. I
received eighteen. In addition...BONUS...two other 'thingies' were applied to both back lower molars to hold two tiny rubber bands that extend to the top tier trays.
Yay!!
Yay!!
I was also provided with a number of personalized trays to wear for the next eighteen months. Each
one worn for ten days before going on to the next set. I received forty-nine of
those.
Double Yay!!
Double Yay!!
Then came the time to insert the first set. Let me tell you, trying to use a mirror while doing this only added to my frustration. Fumbling around for quite a while it seemed, using the touch and feel method, I eventually got the devices properly seated.
That's great. Congratulations!
Now remove them again.
Wait! What?!
They must have meant try to remove them. Heh-Heh-Heh.
Needless to say, more fumbling ensued.
Those puppies were on there! Well, of
course they were. How else would they do what they’re designed to do? Little
did I know taking them off would be a bit more complicated…and hurt! They were definitely on there! Although I will say putting
them on again and wearing them, there is really no pain at all. Except for one thing. Though they
are made of plastic as opposed to metal, surprisingly, there is the occasional
rough edge to deal with. Sharp enough to poke into sensitive gum and lip tissue. This can happen even
when the trays are out, too. As I discovered when one of the larger attachments, front and center, made
it uncomfortable to chew.
Which led me to another discovery.
Orthodontic wax. Something they didn’t have back in the day my first go round. Soft,
pliable, stack able, retain able and comfortable. Works like a dream, but is not
available everywhere, I also learned. Definite stockpiling when found applies here.
But, back to the eating and drinking.
To achieve the best result, it’s recommended that the trays be worn at least twenty-two hours a day. That’s two hours off divided by three meals a day, with time allowed for proper brushing and flossing before reinsertion. Yikes! We’re talking forty minutes each…tops. As a taking most of the morning to savor multiple sips of coffee type of drinker, a restrictive time limit is going to take some getting used to. Then there’s the over-all hassle factor to deal with. Removing them, putting them in their special case, thorough teeth brushing after, prior to reinsertion. The potential hazards of doing all of this at restaurants. (In the restroom, of course, but still...)
To achieve the best result, it’s recommended that the trays be worn at least twenty-two hours a day. That’s two hours off divided by three meals a day, with time allowed for proper brushing and flossing before reinsertion. Yikes! We’re talking forty minutes each…tops. As a taking most of the morning to savor multiple sips of coffee type of drinker, a restrictive time limit is going to take some getting used to. Then there’s the over-all hassle factor to deal with. Removing them, putting them in their special case, thorough teeth brushing after, prior to reinsertion. The potential hazards of doing all of this at restaurants. (In the restroom, of course, but still...)
So far, I’ve adapted quite well…I think
anyway. Mainly because all in all, the discomfort and care and feeding
necessities of the procedure are minimal. The end result will be worthwhile I’m
sure. I’m also looking on the bright side. Not being able to munch at will is,
hopefully, going to be good for my waistline.
Today, is actually day ten for me. New ground to cover coming up.
Tonight, before going to bed, I move on to set of trays number two. One down and forty-eight to go…
While I'm doing that...my latest release Book 1 of Brothers In Blue, On The Surface is now available.
Soon to be followed by Brothers In Blue, Book 2, On The Force...cue tantalizing cover art.
Tonight, before going to bed, I move on to set of trays number two. One down and forty-eight to go…
While I'm doing that...my latest release Book 1 of Brothers In Blue, On The Surface is now available.
Soon to be followed by Brothers In Blue, Book 2, On The Force...cue tantalizing cover art.
My days to blog here are the 11th
and 23rd. For more about me and the stories I write, please visit my website
Or find me at these other locations.
Or find me at these other locations.
Website: www.margohoornstra.com
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