Full Metal Braces @ 23 Years Old

So my appointment for braces to be put on was yesterday (Sept. 16/09) morning at 9:10 AM. Everything went by pretty quick it seemed, though it was 11 AM before I left the Ortho's office.

I came in a few minutes early, but they were prepared and have everything ready to go. So I went in and sat down and they polished my teeth off first. Then the cheek expander went in..which was uncomfortable for me, cause it rubbed on the top of my gum line.

My brackets were already made up and put in trays that were put on my teeth after the bonding was put on. Then they put that little light on each bracket on each tooth to cure the bonding I believe.

Then they let me have a little break before the wires were put on. I went to the washroom to check out the brackets in the mirror and noticed that they didn't put any brackets on two of my top teeth. So I when I went back to the chair, I asked why they didn't put any brackets on those two teeth. My Ortho tells me, "Oh, well because they are going to be removed". I thought that was weird, since last time I was in I told him that I was opting to have jaw surgery, and he told me that two lowers were going to be removed at the time of the surgery.

So apparently there was a miscommunication between my Ortho and one of his assistants that I spoke to after deciding on the jaw surgery and he didn't quite get the message. But he did put those two missing brackets on those teeth for me and we got everything straightened out.

So my last two brackets and the wires were put on and I got my little goody kit and was sent on my way. My next appointment is in November now.

So, the rest of the day I was kind of sore. More uncomfortable to feel the pressure on my teeth than anything I think. And getting used to all the new appliances in my mouth. I have one sore spot that really rubs, so I've been keeping it covered in wax. I put wax on a few other spots before I went to bed last night, even though they weren't rubbing, I think they are going to be sore spots if I don't. I have also been keeping extra hydrated and doing the salt water rinses a few times a day.

So yesterday was fine...but when I woke up today...holy cow! I seriously felt like somebody had hit me in the teeth with a sledge hammer! Ugh, it was not a good morning! I got up and popped an Advil ASAP which really helped. It's still a dull pain and my teeth are extremely sensitive to any kind of pressure. I've been trying to eat normal, but it just hurts too much. I had some home made soup today with chunks of tender beef in it, and I managed to lightly chew that.

Brushing today was very painful too. Ugh I just don't want to touch my teeth in any way so that they don't hurt! I know it's going to get better and I am looking forward to it! I don't have a lisp so that's a plus. I've gotten quite a few compliments on them. For my first colour, I picked teal. I like that I will be able to change the colours up at each appointment too. And I enjoy eating ice cream too just in general, but the cold seems to soothe my teeth as well. I can't complain about having an excuse to eat more ice cream!

Here's a few pics. I have wax on a few spots as you will see. The bathroom light makes my teeth look really discolored!