Day 22: Bite Me?

I've noticed my bite doesn't line up. As my muscles draw my jaws together the bottom jaw wants to meet the upper jaw so that my incisors line up. The feeling is a little like trying to set my teeth on edge. Then the bottom jaw slides back until the rear molars interlock.

The fact I can bite, even in this obtuse way, is huge improvement over the first week of my life with braces. But the lack of natural alignment explains why chewing can be so ungratifying. It takes a lot of work, it's not happening automatically, and I have to bite carefully so that I'm not in fact chewing on the edges of my teeth.

Definitely an issue to take to Dr. W. He had mentioned earlier he might need to shave some of my teeth to compensate for my physiological inability to have a perfect bite. (BTW, when he does this I think I will figure out a way to send in my teeth without me having to be there.) But the lack of alignment I'm experiencing now is more than a little shaving can fix. I presume things have to get worse before they can get better. More shall be revealed.

Day 21: Can We Talk About Flossing?

I've definitely adjusted to the braces, as best as one can adjust. Eating a hamburger remains a challenge; it feels like more of the bun gets caught in the braces than I actually eat. Chewing soft foods, such as bread, is really odd. I kind of move the bite to my molars and have at it until it's reasonably ready to be swallowed. I don't get the taste sensation I'm used to. Rather, I'm experiencing a facsimile taste, a reminder-of-bread taste.

In a dark moment, wondering what health problems lie in store for me as I age, it occurred to me braces are a voluntary modification to my body. It turns out Vicki's aunt, with whom we are staying while vacationing in Salt Lake City, had braces in her 50s. She held out the promise that when it's all done it will well be worth it. The cynical part of me could only respond, 'That's what they keep telling me.'

And I still haven't gotten my mind around the real reason why I'm doing this: the jaw device that will open the back of my throat so I can breath better at night, reducing my mild sleep apnea. What if that device is terribly uncomfortable? Yet another adjustment I'll have to make.

On the bright side, I've gotten really good at re-using my floss loops. I've used one loop for 4 days now. That could make the 8 I have remaining last nearly to February. Maybe my goal should be to make them last to my next appointment, when I can pick up more.

Another thought. The flouride rinse bottle holds 532 ml. I use 10 ml per night. So the bottle will last for 53 rinses. I'll need a little more than 5 bottles for my 270 day treatment. I'll keep tabs on how many bottles I use to see if I'm right.

And I do need to give myself credit. 3 weeks down, and I've done the hygiene routine every single night. Also, I can hardly wait until Dr. W or Alda takes out my wire. I am going to insist on flossing all my teeth!

249 days to go!

Day 16: No. 4 May Have Moved Into Place

Just a quick thought. I think No. 4 (if I'm counting correctly) on the bottom left moved into place. it doesn't feel wiggly so much as it feels a little spongy. Like it's where it's supposed to be but hasn't gotten perfectly solid yet in that spot.

Made through Chinese food for dinner. The noodles were a little too thick to eat easily, but I made it through.

Stopped by the office of Dr. W and the gang to pick up floss threaders. Want to make sure I have enough for my out of town trip (Salt Lake City until just before New Year's). Ania said I'm a great patient. And she noted I row crew. Not much more she could say to make my day!

254 days to go!

Day 14: WIll It Ever Stop Being Weird?

14 days in and I still can't get over the feeling of having this wire sticking out from my teeth. Or that when I smile and my top lip pulls back over my braces, I feel like I'm essentially plugging in a neon sign that flashes, "Braces! Here!"

Or how about the way food finds refuge everywhere: under the wires; above the wires; and, below the wires. Or that I have to just get used to kind of mawing at my food. If chewing went by legal standards, I've been reduced from "masticated beyond a reasonable doubt" to "masticated by a preponderance of the evidence."

I did, for a blessed moment, get a glimpse of the prize. The picture Joanna took of my bottom jaw last week (see "Two Reasons I Really Need Braces," below) showed how much I needed to straighten out the choppers. Today I saw in my mind's eye how nice it will be when I have the best smile I can have. An internal, emotional calculus of, 'do I really deserve this' computed and I felt a sense of new confidence that I would be putting my best self forward. I'll leave for future wonderings what it will mean to sleep a little more apnea-free, after I get the Somnodent appliance.

256 days to go.

Day 13: Eating Pretzels!

They lay there on the shelf, forlorn in their yellow bag, visible through the small, clear plastic window. Everytime I saw them in the pantry I felt a little, melancholy tug inside. Someday I'll get to eat them again. But when? When will the pain abate, so I could actually munch something as hard and crunchy as pretzels?

Tonight I decided to try them. I haven't felt real mouth pain in a few days. Eating can still be a delicate, slow experience. I still need to cut my foods, especially something like beef, into small pieces. Even soft foods like bread don't go down with the same ease they used to. But at least I can eat most anything.

So after a bout with the checking account -- adding missing transactions in preparation for the year end summaries -- I decided to splurge. I fixed up a Rob Roy and, throwing caution to the wind, went for the pretzels. As a precaution, I broke them into small pieces.

And guess what? They sure are good!

257 days (34 shabbatot) to go!

Day 10 And the Teeth Moved

I swear when I bite on my left side my number 4 tooth, bottom, moves. It wiggles! I felt it a little on the right bottom, same tooth, too. I guess that's supposed to happen. My theory: the teeth are getting pulled slowly, loosening up, and between now and the next visit to good Dr. W my gum and whatever holds the tooth in place will grow to hold the tooth in its new position.

Not much more to say, and it's late. I need to call the office and see if they miss me.

260 days to go!

Two Reasons I Really Need Braces