If you have issues with your teeth alignment like me, and you’ve decided to have them treated professionally, then this might resonate with you.
Day 1: The reality is still sinking in, that my mouth now has a piece of metal equipment for at least a year. And yes, I already knew eating would be challenging, but I didn’t realize it could be this difficult; you’d rather starve than chew. Talking is an inconvenience, too, that I’d rather keep my mouth shut all day long. But there’s no way I would be okay to skip brushing my teeth today. And the ortho wax is good news too.
Day 2: I am starting to regret why I had these braces. The pain is everywhere inside my mouth. My gums are in chaotic overdrive and blatant protest against all the metals pushing and pulling my teeth out of their places. I just want to rip these things off. Also, I never thought I would ever fancy goop rice, but this is way better than starving. And aside from a long time in the bathroom cleaning my teeth, I’m starting to enjoy the habit of brushing, more brushing, and flossing. Swish in some mouthwash too.
Day 3: Canker sore. Yes, that’s without an –s because I only have one, and that’s good news. Though my whole mouth felt swollen with all these metals inside it, I’m starting to learn how to speak and eat. And did you know how smiling is a bit of a challenge, much more laughing? Yes, that’s right. And do you know how terrific our tongues could be? So I finally resigned to the idea that eating with my tongue could spare me from hunger. Plus, my gums feel less crazy today than yesterday.
Day 4: They’re right about your mouth toughening up. I think my mouth has finally accepted that these metals won’t be leaving out my mouth anytime soon, so it learned how to open and close (thank you adaptation) to avoid all the metals that stick out into places that never wanted to be bothered. Talking is more tolerable, smiling, and even eating! Perhaps my gums have resigned, too, and got on with it (we’re in this together, pal).
Day 5: Did I mention the constant throbbing? It’s incredible how I can now dismiss it (even it’s still there). This time, the pain is humming in the background. You can feel it, but it’s not screaming like crazy anymore. And I think my mouth has finally learned to dance around the metals too. Plus, I’m starting to brave out eating back the foods I usually eat, like bread and boiled bananas.
Day 6: There are some things you have to live by (for now), I guess, like the ongoing pain, the general discomfort of having metals pushing and pulling against your gums, and difficulty in eating. But I’d say today is better than Day 1.
Day 7: This is it! It’s been a tough week, but I’m looking forward to a more confident smile instead of thinking about the pain. As they said, your mouth will ‘toughen up’ eventually. And where it started to feel full and crowded, now I’ve gotten used to having these metals inside.
jessa 