Sunshiney Saga

[SunshineRay]

Its a surprise party for my father in laws birthday but I dont know all of the details about the food. We dont see them that often, due to the distance, so I was kind of dreading them being the first people I had to face being braced.

[JeniK]

Wow Sunshine..!! I have read all your post....I am glad you are still going towards your goal!! Keep going! June is close...I hope they keep all your dates now!

[debinator]

SunshineRay- I had my impressions done in early November and didn't get a brace date until April- I know what you mean about the waiting- I had a lot of work to get done before we could go ahead with braces- but it was totally worth the wait. Hang in there- you are almost there!

[SunshineRay]

Thanks guys! Sometimes it seems easier to give up but I am determined this time.

6/6- extractions, they called yesterday to confirm
6/18- cleaning for me and my oldest daughter
6/20- braces!!

My app on my phone says 16 days. Luckily,but also unfortunatley, Ive had some tween drama to deal with ......aka my 12 year old likes to think shes 18. So my mind has been pretty occupied and I havent been dwelling on the braces.

[Dee17]

Oh, I remember those days of the 12 year old who thinks she's an 18 year old. You're right... it's a good way to distract yourself! Good luck when your Big Day finally rolls around.

[SunshineRay]

Well theres no turning back after today. I go at 10:45 to get my 2 pre-molars pulled. I am soooooooooo nervous. I decided to be cheap and tough by telling them I only needed to be numbed with anesthia instead of the nitrous to knock me out. I am kicking myself. I am going to take a valium and have my headphones to listen to soothing music. ugh, Im a wimp!

[Dee17]

Try not worry about this too much, Ray. I had two teeth extracted last year (and I am THE biggest wimp/baby you'd ever want to meet). Aside from the icky feeling of pressure, it was not a big deal. It didn't hurt at all (I was only numbed up, my dentist doesn't do nitrous oxide) and there was virtually NO pain afterward. I was very pleasantly surprised. You will probably be fine.

[SunshineRay]

I typed a message and got logged out. grrrr

Sooooo. Dee you were right, no pain. I still dont have any pain except the weirdness of the humongus holes in the top of my mouth. Its hard to eat but I guess thats preparing me for braces.

Speaking of, 13 more days. Im starting to go into panic mode. What do I need to buy? New toothbrush, waterpik, life supply of floss, wax that people mention yet I have no idea where I would get it. Is there a list somewhere? Im sure its been asked a zillion times.

Oh and months ago I scheduled our family to have our first professional photos done.....you know the new outdoor/destination pics. Its 3 days after I get my braces.

[Dee17]

I think the main things you are:
a good electric toothbrush (but your orthodontist might give you one so check with them before you buy one!)
a waterpik!!! Essential. They are expensive but SO worth it
some dental flossers -- at least I do. I use one each night when I floss my teeth
some wax. You can get it at Wal-Mart and almost any drug store. Some people use silcone wax that is used in ear plugs (I think) but I've never actually needed wax.
A recipe for a salt water rinse -- 1/2 tsp of salt to one cup of warm water. Combine and swish/rinse in mouth for 20-30 seconds. Will help reduce pain.
Other than that, that's really pretty much all I've ever used. But then again, I think I've been pretty lucky because I've had minimal pain and very little discomfort.
Good luck and don't worry about your family photo. You'll look gorgeous even with your braces!

[SunshineRay]

Thanks Dee!
Extractions are done and it wasnt a problem. I didnt have to get knocked out. lol They were fine Thursday (got it done at 11am) and Friday but theyve been hurting since then. Not horrible pain but enough to take advil. I guess its the healing process?

TEN DAYS!! It has flown by. My daughter and I are getting a cleaning next Tuesday then Thursday morning is brace day!

Kinda sucks that I cant eat alot of stuff because of these 2 big holes in my mouth. I noticed last night when I talk my tongue goes into the holes on both sides with certain words. Ahhh the things that entertain me.

[Dee17]

You're so funny. The pain you're having will probably be gone by tomorrow. Good luck with your brace day!

[SunshineRay]

8 days!! I am getting nervous. I havent told anyone at work and want to but dont know how to bring it up. Actually I havent told anyone IRL, except my husband, daughter and 1 friend. lol yikes!!

[Dee17]

Well, Sunshine Ray, many people on this board told me before I got my braces (because I was absolutely freaking out about it!!) that most people will probably not even notice or if they do they will think "Memh!" and move on to their next thought. So many people are so used to seeing kids in braces that it really doesn't even register for them. But you're probably thinking, "Yes, but I"m an adult!!" In my humble opinion, it really won't make that much difference to anyone except you. Some people might make a comment or two. I had two (doctors) comment about my braces shortly after I got them and I just wanted to DIE of embarrassment. But I didn't. You'll eventually get over feeling self-conscious about them. It took me about 5 months to do that but I am really not very embarrassed by them at all. Not really sure when that change occurred and I didn't think it would ever happen, but it did. You'll be fine. If you're worried about what your co-workers are going to say/think, you might just want to mention casually, "Oh, I'm getting braces next week, just so you know." Some of them might curious about why and ask questions. It will be a good jumping off point for a discussion. You'll probably feel better once you "come out of the closet" about it -- so to speak.

[SunshineRay]

You are always so supportive Dee! Thanks!!

[Dee17]

No need to thank me, Sunshine Ray. Just trying to "pay it forward". I got a lot of support from people on this forum before I got my braces on, and it meant the world to me. Hang tight, girl!