This whole post can be summed up by the phrase: adult braces are terrible.
Ugh. I don’t remember braces being so painful the first time around. When my kids had them they said their teeth only hurt for a day or so after an adjustment and then it was fine. That had been my experience too.
This time (at this age) I’m going on a week and I feel like I’m constantly being punched in the face. I have no idea how I’m going to put up with this torture for two years.
I’m frustrated at myself. Because if I knew at 11 when I’d gotten my first pair what I know now, I would have worn my retainer every day for the rest of my life.
And here I am.
Not that I have to justify my choice, but this isn’t cosmetic. My bite is so off that I broke twelve teeth at the root. Let me tell you, the lovely experience of having them fixed and knowing it’s only a temporary solution if I didn’t fix my bite, was enough to push me to this. I had an epiphany that braces might be the way to go (like all the dentists I’ve seen for the last ten years have told me) instead of losing my teeth.
UGH. But now I’m wondering if it really is worth it because THE PAIN IS AWFUL.
Yes, I’m being a big baby and I do not care if you know it.
But the questionable decisions just keep happening.
Me: I keep making questionable decisions and I can’t seem to stop.
Husband: What decisions?
Me: First, the braces that tore up my mouth. Then I decided I needed a waterpik that tore up my gums. And then for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to use a mouthwash.
Husband (horrified): Oh, Heather.
Me: I KNOW! I cried for a half hour.