After reading about my friend
Seven's upcoming adventures into the world of Orthodontia I thought about when I got my braces. I was having terrible headaches and pain in the side of my face. I went to the Doctor and after eliminating other possible scenarios we decided it was TMJ and I was advised to pursue Orthodontics. I went home, discussed the situation with Stacy and made an appointment for the following week. I got to the Orthodontists office. They did x-rays, made molds etc... I was asked "When do you want the braces put on?". Me: "Well, Thanksgiving is coming up and i'd really like to be able to enjoy Thanksgiving so as soon as possible". Dental Tech: "How about today?". Me: "Huh? Today. Well, Okay". So.... since it was a spur-of-the-moment deal and they didnt' have time to put the spacers on they used this thing that looked like an electrified small pizza cutter and "spaced" my teeth. Oy. I don't know if it was the noise that bothered me the most but that was a most unpleasant experience. Then they put this plastic thingy in my mouth that held my mouth open, I sort of looked like a cow saying MOO very loudly. After the brackets were put on I had the most unpleasant taste/sensation in my mouth and only sipping a cold Co-Cola gave me relief. My mouth was SORE. But nothing compared to my feelings when I got home and was met by my darling husband at the door. When I smiled at him in greeting he shrank back "Ohmigod. You are so ugly with them on". I burst into tears. Then he hastily tried to backpeddle saying "You're not UGLY, I was just, um, surprised. I didn't know you were getting them on today". "Really Hon I was just surprised. You're not ugly". Me blubbering away "No,you said I was ugly. That's what you said". He STILL has not lived that one down.
I don't consider braces ugly,and i'm sure Seven will be just as handsome with them as without. I am still self-conscious about wearing them. I don't smile a whole lot but I guess when they come off... i'll find my smile again.
