spacers

My ortho put in spacers about 10 days ago. They were as annoying as I’d feared, but after a week the discomfort disappeared. Then bands were put on my two crowns and one large amalgam. Oooh, they feel strange. My teeth shifted from touching on my right side to the left side. Overall, I’m pleased with the improvements.

This is my lower arch at 3 months in braces. The bend in the midline has smoothed out and spaces are closing up. My lower incisors feel like they need to rotate a bit more.

This is my loweer arch right after my braces were banded.

I never imagined that getting braces would improve my figure. My thoughts had been so focused on changes to my teeth that I forgot that not being able to chew *could* be a good thing. Before anyone reading this grows alarmed, I am not developing a disorder. Rather, I am enjoying the one plus of constant teeth aches – weight loss!

I am learning some new recipes here, but I find that during most meals, I loose interest in struggling to chew and stop eating. Oh, and snacking with my toddler has lost its appeal too. Making fruit shakes in the afternoon does seem to help. And my 2 1/2 year old "sweetpea" still thinks it's a treat when I spike our shakes with good-for-her cod liver oil. :)

What does this really mean to me? I ordered this swimsuit from Lands end. The built in under wire and swim skirt make me immensely happy. For the last three summers, I’ve worn really ill-fitting suits because I couldn’t find a decent suit. Why do maternity suits scream hoochie mama? Anyway, now that “buttercup” is 10 months old, I can finally pack away my frumpy clothes. Besides the wonders of braces, my swimsuit ready person would like to thank my exercise instructor, Anna Benson. Anna teaches a fabulous fusion class at my church. For the first time in many years, I am looking forward to wearing a bathing suit.

**p.s. - at my banding appintment, I was able to brush sans ligs, wires and all. Such a great feeling!