Braces...

Did you know I have braces?  Thirty-something years old and I finally get braces. 

I really am looking forward to being able to chew things like a normal person, but I am wishing this process would be over.

The orthodontist that I choose to work with is in the nearest "big" city.  A city with things like Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Starbucks, and some real stores in the mall.  That means every time I need to visit him it is a 2 hour drive each way.  Not that I mind the drive.  It actually seems pretty short in comparison to the 4.5 hours to Fargo.

So, I've had braces on since April.  6 long months.  They say I could be half way through this process.  Maybe.  If my teeth keep moving at the rate they have been.

Yesterday, the ortho said, "chain her up.  Top and bottom."

Then he left.

And his assistant did some really mean things to my teeth.  My head is still throbbing.  This "chaining" process is going to align my teeth so there are no spaces between them anymore.  Well, you know what, I didn't have any spaces between my teeth until they started this whole process 6 months ago.

So, now, I have chains on my teeth (it is actually an elastic length with wholes in it that go around each bracket) and I am suppose to wear 6 rubber bands at night.  No more during the day.

I could barely open my mouth with all 6 bands in.  And this morning my whole jaw hurt.

In the end I'm going to have a smile worth all the pain and really, I've got a lot to smile about in life right now!

(Braces also make a really good diet addition.  I lost 6 pounds getting these things on.  Who knew?)