Denise

Today is the third full day since having my arch wire put in. The pain was so great yesterday that I had to take 800mg of ibuprofen. I don't normally like taking drugs for pain but I had to, it was almost unbearable. The sensitivity finally got me, and it was the first time in two full weeks it hurt to chew solids. Today doesn't feel any better. I'm going to have to take some meds again soon. I'm starting to get severe headaches because of the pain. The orthodontist said the pain should only last "a few days" so I'm hoping this will go away soon.

On a plus side, I think my cheeks are finally getting tough. I haven't had to use gishy goo on my brackets in two full days and they haven't cut me up at all. It's nice to be free from the feeling of having gum stuck to my teeth, though I'll still take the Goo over wax any day.

Update on sister's progress: she went in to get her arch wire on Wednesday and they decided that she would need an extender. So they didn't put the arch wire in, but did put in different spacers on her teeth and took a mold for her extender. They told her she still has a 50/50 chance of needing surgery. She is 23, so they aren't sure if her bones are going to move naturally. She's very frustrated, and in a lot of pain from the spacers. She goes back next week to have the extender put in and has to wait two months for the arch wire. Her treatment will most likely be around 24 months, as her original quote was 18-24. She's in a lot of pain and is very frustrated, but we're getting through it a day at a time!