I wanted to write an article about embracing my braces at the ripe age of forty, but knew everything I typed would be a lie. I’ve been really surprised at all of the people that have asked why I got braces. Apparently as you age, your teeth shift. I had two upper teeth that were completely turned and had major gum recession. I know that I have to have a gum graft, but my dentist wanted me to fix the problem teeth before the graft happens. So, I have that to look forward to.
My journey actually started with Invisalign. I received 36 trays and was ready to get these pearly whites straightened out… after all, my 80-year-old aunt and I were going to be able to compare stories about our Invisalign journey. She only had a few months to go at the time I got mine. I knew I needed to wear them 22-hours a day. I didn’t. I’d take them out and drink a cup of coffee. Then, I’d decide I needed another cup. After that I’d have a mid-morning snack…and why put them in when lunch was right around the corner, or wine, or a York Peppermint Pattie, or another glass of wine.
After about 6 months, my orthodontist finally laid down the law. I was an Invisalign failure. I don’t like admitting failure, but I needed something that I didn’t have control over – turns out braces was the answer. If I only knew then what I know now.
My first week I got terrible ulcers. Stella’s (my oldest daughter) friend asked me at softball practice if I’d had lip injections. Sadly, only a gnarly blister that was adding major plump on one side of my mouth. While things are getting better, I’ve lost a bracket to Veggie Chips, had to give up movie popcorn and have been told I look like a teenager more times than I can count (believe me it’s only the braces…the wrinkles tell a different story). I have become the go-to mom for 10-year-olds in need of wax. It’s something to commiserate with your kid’s friends over how miserable braces actually are. I hope to come back to this blog and tell you that I don’t regret it one bit. Until then, I’ll keep taking terrible pictures and finding curly kale in unseen brace places hours after eating it.