No? Just me?
Anyway - since adjustment #1 the following 6 weeks have, in contrast, definitely flown by and it has already been a week since my second - madness. I need to make sure I keep this updated.
General Thoughts
The novelty of having braces has pretty much completely worn off now and they feel like just another part of me. The only times I am aware of them are when eating (I can't wait for when I can eat again without getting everything stuck everywhere) and of course, when it comes to cleaning my teeth & my seemingly endless dental hygiene routine.Overall though, after 3 and a half months now they're just another part of my life which I don't tend to think about (much).
Pain levels
The first couple of days after my second adjustment were no where near the same levels of pain I had after the first. I could still chew (though it was tender, especially on the right hand side). I stuck to soft things for a few days but I only felt the need for a couple of painkillers on the first day. I was also still able to use my electric toothbrush (woo!!!) I really hate not being able to use it even for a day, there is just no comparison in the feeling of cleanliness between an electric & manual brush.5 or so days after my 2nd adjustment and I really don't have any/much pain at all, which is amazing and I'm savouring everything I chew while it doesn't make me wince.
In the first month of braces I would get really anxious when I felt the pain lessening as I felt like the level of pain = the amount of movement but I now know this really isn't the case. Sometimes I will get major pains and zero corresponding movement (thanks teeth, thanks a lot) but equally, sometimes I notice changes without much pain at all, so it's all swings and roundabouts...
#2 Adjustment Changes
I'm now on a thick square wire on my bottom teeth - I don't know the exact size. I didn't anticipate the 'square' wire so early, I guess because I've read of others only getting them much later in their treatment, but my bottom teeth had very few issues to begin with so I suppose their quick progression makes sense. I've been focusing much less on my bottoms as they have never been a primary concern, more like an added bonus knowing that they too will be lovely and straight soon.I'm not 100% sure which wire I have on the top, but I feel like it might be slightly thinner than the previous one. My back molars were not fully engaged on the wire as we were waiting for my orthodontists trick to work its magic and twist them around enough so he could thread a wire through. They're now all happily joined on the wire however it doesn't feel like there's as much force going on besides a bit of twisting at the back, which I guess makes sense if its a thinner wire. I have a feeling when I go up a notch and get a thicker wire the pain will come back with a vengeance but until then I shall enjoy pain free chewing as much as possible!!
Progress Pics
The fun bit! I can't express enough how much of a boost it gives you comparing progress photos throughout treatment. If you're getting braces or have just got them, do take lots of 'before' photos, you will be really glad you did!
Okay so here are some comparison pics.
One month / Now
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| I am biting down in all these pics - you can see how much my molar build ups have worn down on these side photos! |
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| My middle gap is gone!!! |
You can really see how much the wire has straightened out!
I feel very fortunate to not have much wear on my front two teeth - I know that with my particular type of incisor rotation it's very common to have quite a bit of wear and tear in the middle and as a result a little black triangle where they meet - however I only have a small amount of wear on my left tooth which really doesn't bother me at all. I wouldn't even mind if it was left as it is once my braces are off, but we'll see what happens.
I'm SO thrilled with my progress so far and it's so encouraging to look at progress photos when I feel like nothing much is happening.
My next adjustment will be on the 6th of January so I'll be back in the new year with more updates.
Until then, have a very happy Christmas & new year!! xxx
