First Christmas with the grill!

My very first Christmas sporting the grill! Must admit sitting down and eating Christmas dinner was a bit intimidating. I couldn't eat many of the things on the table because either one: I couldn't (like corn on the cob) or two: I didn't want to risk it (Greens and red wine) But other than that I stuffed my face with other goodies, turkey, duck (kinda), potatoes, stuffing, tamales! Tons of other choices. Kept my talking to a minimum because I didn't want to scare anyone with food in my gear! And of course embarrass myself! LOL In one of my earlier posts I joke about wearing the green and red bands on my grill for the holidays...good thing I didn't follow through!

xo,
C

A lot to be thankful for!

I usually don't blog about anything on here besides my braces, but I wanted to take a moment to blog about what could be the best thing that has ever happened to me on Christmas.

This morning I woke up, fed Bug, and got ready to drive to the local mission to volunteer for their yearly Christmas dinner. I showed up not knowing what to expect, since I don't usually volunteer unless I 'have' to do it for some reason or another.

This year has been different, I promised myself I would make more of an effort to help others when needed, not spend as much money on silly things, don't talk bad or judge others, go to church more often, be more understanding, and overall become a better person.

When I arrived I signed in and took a spot next to the other volunteers. There were about 20 other volunteers, many families, and groups of people. On the other hand I was standing there alone. The organizer was asking for volunteers to do specific tasks...I quickly rose my hand and volunteered to serve desert.

As I was waiting for 1 o'clock to hit, a little boy about 8 or 9 ran up to me and said 'Can we eat yet?' 'No, not yet in about 10 minutes'. He ran off and said 'OK Thanks!' I stood there watching him run away and I couldn't help but feel extremely sorry. A feeling of sadness covered my body. I thought to myself 'God, when I was 8 or 9 I could care less about the food...all I wanted were my presents and I wanted to make sure I got exactly what I asked for' I guess I never really thought about food because I just automatically assumed it would always be there. I mean as an 8 year old girl, I didn't think about those things all I was thinking about were my toys and when the next sleepover was going to be.

1 o'clock came around and I was on a mission! I wanted to make sure everybody had at least one piece of desert. Pecan pie, cupcakes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and chocolate cake was on the menu for desert. It was sweet potatoes, ham, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans for the main course. Salads, coffee, milk, water was also available.


When the doors opened and the ok was given, people swarmed in. Lots and lots of people. I'd say about 200. People of all races, ages, kids, seniors, males, females, they were all there. People got up when they were finished and their spot was quickly taken by someone else.

After an hour and a half, and almost breaking the coffee machine people were starting to clear out so I started cleaning tables off. About 5 minutes later, in through the door came a man and a young girl maybe about 10. I'm guessing it was a father/daughter. Volunteers imediatly seated them and handed them plates of food. A family who was also there volunteering asked if they could have their daughter (about the same age as the girl who walked in with her father) take desert. I nodded my head stood back and watched the little girl take two plates of desert to the table. I watched the two girls side by side. One wearing jeans, warm boots, and a Christmas turtle neck. The other wearing old jeans, flip flops and an old worn out jacket.

I wonder what went on through those girls minds? Did they even see what I was seeing? Could they tell they were from two complete different worlds? I don't know, but that moment made it clear to me, that life isn't always fair...and that I need to be grateful for every little thing that I have...because Yes...I sometimes complain! Why? Why do I do that? I have everything in the world...EVERYTHING! What else could I even dare to ask for? For crying out loud I drove there in my BMW!!! How much more selfish could I become?

Now that I've had some time to look back this experience has not only made me a more grateful person, but I honestly believe this was a life changing experience. I mean, how could this not change a person? Looking at people...human beings, that don't have a home to go to for Christmas and cook a warm meal makes me truly thankful for everything that I have. I have a home, a warm bed to sleep in, a job, food, friends and family

<--- This folks is the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Next time you get the urge to yell at someone in traffic, complain about not being able to have the latest and greatest game for your xbox, or getting annoyed at the young girl behind the counter because she can't get your order right...think about it twice. You don't know what kind of struggle people are going through. If you can eat, breath, walk, talk, have a warm bed, can put your own socks on consider yourself blessed and be thankful for what you have. Thank God for all of the little things He has given you and go out there and try to become a better person. The inner peace that you find within yourself when you do it...is the best feeling in the world.


Hope you all have a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year!


xo,
C

Happy 6 month Anniversary!

Not yet...but only a few days away! On Christmas Eve I will also be celebrating my 6 month anniversary with braces :) Braceversary! It's crazy how fast time goes by! Thank goodness!

I will be spending New Years in San Diego with a few friends! Super excited to get some time off...maybe squeeze in a little shopping too! That's right...the grill and I will be traveling and going through airport security! Wish us luck! :)

Hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



xo,
C & Bugsy!

Let Me See Yo' Grill...

Thought I'd share...

This song just played on my iphone! LOL Kinda ironic!

Needless to say...I took full advantage of it and showed off my grill to myself in the mirror as I danced my ass off throwing meaningless signs in the air with my hands! I kinda feel a little more gangsta' this morning! Awesome! :)

Peace,
C-Diddy

Just 4 Fun!

As promised some pics...these are mainly just for fun. It's fun to see my smile with grill! Plus it's really different than it was before...I can tell when I look in the mirror, but for some reason I can 'really' tell in pictures! hahaha :)

Smile



Bug is not ready for the picture!


There you go...better!

Being a dork...

Me...

Bug in his Halloween costume...he hated it! LOL

Keep Smiling!

Claudia :D

First Dental Cleaning with Braces!!!

Hi All,

So yesterday I went for my first cleaning with braces! Quite the experience! I had forgotten about it until I received my phone call reminder. So I called back to see if I needed to do anything special, they told me they would like to have my wires taken out. I told them how I just had them tightened. They said they could go ahead and clean around them and they would do as best as they could.

They were super excited to see me since they hadn't seen me in 6 months since they sent me to the ortho. Actually they didn't even know I went ahead and got the braces right away. They were ecstatic and I got the royal treatment! LOL My hygienist went ahead and cleaned my teeth and she said she didn't even mind the wire because my teeth were so clean! She said it's a bother to have 'bracers' who don't bother to clean their grills, and keep them spick and span!

Since most 'bracers' are teenagers, they don't keep them as clean someone older. I think it's because they don't have to pay for them! LOL...I forked out 3 grand and expecting my insurance will pay the remaining 2500. I tell ya what...I'm not a money tree and I WILL take care of them because I can't afford to get them again! LOL So to all my fellow followers "keep your grills super clean and shiny" the result will be worth it! and I can't wait to see my teeth...minus the grill!

So the cleaning went well...It took about 15 mins longer then usual...she complimented on my clean teeth and explained how it would take a little longer since she had to clean around the brackets and wires. Next time I think I will try to get my wires taken out before I go in...just to make it easier on her.

Oh yeah, and they gave me a bag full of goodies! Toothpaste, additional threaders, toothbrush, pics, and special floss.

By they way I used to use 'super floss' because it had the threader already added to the piece of floss, but honestly I hate using it! It gets stuck in my grill and it's way too thick. Then I get big balls of yarn stuck in my grill! So I started using 'Glide' floss, it's made by Crest. I love love love it! Of course it means I have to use the threaders but I'm willing to do that instead of the super floss. The Glide floss makes it easier to floss...I actually look forward to flossing! I know weird! It's funny, but I buy new things to keep my grill clean and I get excited about using them. I guess it keeps my grill shiny and clean! LOL So anyway, I would recommend staying away from 'super floss' and sticking with the 'glide floss'.

I have yet to post pics...I will soon promise! Just haven't had the time.

Keep Smiling,
Claudia :D

Five Months and a Day!!

I have officially had braces on for 5 months and 1 day! Time really does fly by! It doesn't seem like I've had them on for almost half a year! I'm extremely happy that time is passing so quickly because I can not wait to get these suckers off! I have dreams about that day! I must admit I spend a lot of time on Youtube watching videos of people getting their braces off! I can't wait until that day is my day! I'm sure you all can relate.

So I went in to get my second tightening on Monday the 22nd, and things went ok. It's weird because they didn't change my wires at all. They left the same ones in!?!? They did replace my top powerchain and added an additional one on my bottom grill. They also left the same twist tie things on my bottom grill, but just added a powerchain to it all. The orthodontist checked out my teeth and was telling the assistant "23, 25, 26, 7, 8" numbers that meant nothing to me, but the assistant quickly understood.

I explained that I hadn't been wearing my bands 24/7 like he had suggested because I was doing a lot of presenting and public speaking at work. He understood and said it looked ok (whatever that means) He did give my bands to continue wearing (which I knew he would because I didn't leave them in like he suggested) except they are stronger bands. I can feel them pull harder. The point of wearing the bands on the side is to get my teeth to align with one another. (top and bottom) The one additional thing I have now are two hooks right next to my two front teeth. He added those because apparently I have a slight overbite...a few millimeters and what I'm supposed to do is wear two smaller bands in the front. From bottom to top. I'm to wear those only at night! (Thank goodness!) So basically at night time my mouth is completely shut closed! Kind of scary! and he said that if I yawn when I wear my front bands, my temporary hooks could break! Great :/

I have been sick again :( coughing and stuffy head and everything else that comes along with that. Because I have had a hard time breathing through my nose I have yet to have a full night with my new front bands. I can't wear them because I can't breath! Not only that I can't stop coughing at night, and coughing requires an open mouth! I'm just afraid I'll end up breaking my brackets, so I wear them as long as I can stand it but end up taking them off soon after I put them on. I'm sure once I'm over this bug I will be able to wear them throughout the night.

I will post pics later.

<3,
Claudia

5 Months...Almost Here!

Hi All!!!
I'm really excited for my 2nd tightening appointment...it's almost here! I go into my ortho's office on the 23rd, which is right before Thanksgiving so it's a bit of a bummer :( Luckily I can have mashed taters and stuffing!

From my previous posting I mentioned last time I went to my ortho's they wanted me to wear bands. I've been wearing them religiously until about 2 weeks ago :( I have been doing nothing but presentations and public speaking all month! I just can't speak for 2 hours at a time with the bands in my mouth! So I end up taking them out and wearing them only in the evenings when I get home from the office. I know it's a very bad thing and I hope it doesn't set me behind schedule. My ortho did tell me to wear them all the time if not I'd have to end up wearing them even longer...my guess is he's going to tell me that I have to keep them in longer next time I go in (bummer) But I didn't really have a choice...I mean it's hard enough talking in braces...but add bands to the equation and it's even worse!

My back right molars are really bothering me...especially when I put my bands in. I'm thinking it's even worse because I don't have the bands in all the time...IDK, but I hope the pain goes away...it's really painful :( I actually woke up in the middle of the night because my molars hurt! I took my bands out and it really helped with the pain.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I want to rant and rave about anyone I come across that also wears braces through out my own braceface journey! I went to the local mall yesterday morning and I had to stop by Annie's to buy one of their famous pretzels! I love pretzels!! Anyway, the girl behind the counter also had braces and she gave me a huge smile...and I smiled right back at her! We had a short conversation, acknowledged our grills and went on our separate ways. :D Awesome!

xoxo,
C

'Tis the Season

So this weekend I was driving back from Spokane with a couple of friends and we decided to get coffee at Starbucks. So if you guys are familiar with Starbucks you know that they have their yearly "Pumpkin Spice Latte" that are to DIE for! So needless to say I knew exactly what I wanted the minute I walked in and smelled the coffee in the air. "I'll have a Grande Tripple Shot Pumpkin Spice Latte Please!" it was awesome! Knowing that I was going to start eating healthier on Monday and that I wouldn't be having another one of these until next year I enjoyed every sip of it! Until.....I looked in the mirror and smiled!!!! I was horrified! My crystal clear grill all of a sudden turned this musty orange/metal color!!!! I couldn't believe it! I had orange braces!!! Just in time for Halloween! As soon as I got home I brushed and swished with two different kinds of mouth wash but still not much of a change. I was sad :(

Next day woke up not feeling so good. I ended up calling in sick (which I NEVER do...I've done it 1 in 6 years) going to the ER that night only to find out I had INFLUENZA TYPE A /SUB TYPE H1N1!!!!!!!! THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS...SWINE! I was in shock!! Needless to say the whole week I spent curled up in bed trying to recoup from the miseries I was suffering! I'm now feeling back to my normal self...somewhat. The fact that I had swine flu made me forget about my orange gear...once I remembered I checked them out and they seemed to be back to their normal color. They didn't seem orange anymore! Weird! I was glad but still weird! I called my ortho to have my bands changed anyway because I swear that every once in a while I get a glare of orange looking at me in the mirror. So I go in on Wednesday to get my power chain changed. I will keep you guys posted but other than that my gear is doing ok. Since I was sick this whole week and didn't eat for 3 solid days my teeth got a rest from chewing! I'm just now gaining my appetite, and trying to recoup from my 7lbs I lost in about 6 days! I just thank God I'm ok and I can officially say I've survived the orange grill and the swine!

xoxo,
C

Week 12

Today is my 12th week with braces...WOW! Time goes by fast...I was thinking that by Christmas of next year I will hopefully have my braces off, maybe even sooner if things go well. This Christmas however is a different story! I will be sporting my shiny grill next to the shiny Christmas tree! Hey maybe I'll get in the spirit and have my ortho put in green and red bands on my brackets during the season! Or maybe I'll even decorate my grill with some small Christmas ornaments! LOL! J/K!

I had a couple bad days with a soreness on my lower right gum...it was weird! Nothing was bugging my gum, It wasn't a sore...just irritation of my gum?! It wasn't the bracket because it was far from the gum and it wasn't touching it in anyway, but my gum was sensitive??...only in that area right below where my rubber band connects on the bottom bracket! I just rinsed with warm water and salt two times and it did the trick! It's still a bit sensitive, but not nearly as bad as it was before. Amazing how fast the warm water/salt mix worked! My jaw has been extra painful these last two weeks since I got my bands put in. I'm guessing the bands move my bottom grill and try to align it with my top grill? IDK, but I think that's what it's doing.

Speaking about Christmas trees...the other day I went to Walgreens and found the little Christmas tree brush thingies we all use to keep our grills clean on SALE! (you know what I'm talking about...I just don't know what they're called) Anyways, I stocked up! LOL even though I get them for free from my ortho I decided it was too good of a deal to pass up! I have four 12 packs! LOL enough to last a while I think!

I also came to the conclusion that my braces rock! I get attention I didn't in the past and I'm so comfortable in them now! I can actually say I've bonded with them! They are like part of me...I constantly think about them. Wonder how they're doing, if they need anything? are they clean? are the brackets lose? Is it time to change my bands? Is my powerchain still clear and not yellow? Are they doing their job? I even sometimes talk to them...tell them to do their thing as quick as possible so that my teeth and jaw will be perfect! I know it's weird...I am weird but It's become part of who I am, part of my routine. I must admit, when I get them off it will be an adjustment in itself! Don't get me wrong...I can't wait for them to come off, but the day that they do I think I may shed a little tear...Just a little little one though!

I've been having fun with my braces...Enjoy!

Bands Bands Bands :(

So at first I thought I didn't mind having the bands in...but now I'm really hating them! Grrrr :( I have to wear them 24 hours a day taking them out only to eat and brush but they really really make my jaw hurt :( And I honestly don't understand the point of them! I have however kept them in for 90% of the time. I take them out for a couple hours a day. I took them out for a few hours this afternoon because I had a presentation to give at my work. I'm comfortable speaking in front of a group of people since I do it so often in my job, but speaking in braces and on top of that speaking with my bands! That's a big No No! I took them out to give my presentation and put them in soon after. There is just no way I could do it with my bands in! So my jaw is constantly sore because of them...I'm hoping this goes away because I don't know if I can stand 9 more weeks of this!

OK enough of me complaining...

First Tightening - 10 weeks out!

Hey All!

So I went in for my first tightening today! I was really nervous and scared to go in there, because I didn't know what to expect. It didn't take long at all I was probably in the chair for about 1/2 hour! I was surprised. I was also surprised to know that it kind of hurt :( The whole pushing on my teeth was not fun at all and some teeth were more sensitive than others. I didn't get the clear brackets on the bottom because the Dr. said it would slow down the process since the clear ones are not as stable as the heavy-duty metal ones...and the last thing I want to do is sport my bedazzeled grill for a week longer than what I have to.

I got a thicker wire on both the top and the bottom grill...the girl said it was a really good thing because it meant I was closer to being done...which is still about 15 months away :( I know!! I was hoping for a shorter amount of time...but it looks like I will be sporting my grill for a few months longer than what I had anticipated! I guess it's better to get it done right the first time. As far as my Jaw goes...the Doc said it's still unaligned and still tilting to the right, but it was too soon to tell if my braces were doing it's job. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I don't want to have surgery!!! The good thing is that I don't have an under or over bite. My bite is actually perfectly aligned! My top and bottom teeth actually are symmetrical with one another, which is nice :D

Besides the thicker wires I also got a powerchain on my top grill. I have to say I wasn't looking forward to the powerchain because it seemed bulkier than the individual bands on the brackets, but it doesn't look that bad, or that much more noticeable!! I'm also excited to wear it because as I mentioned in an earlier post my teeth have moved so much that I have gaps in places that I didn't before! The powerchain should help close the gaps between my teeth. Reading other blogs I've heard that powerchains work quick! I have the clear powerchain which is really nice because it's a lot less noticeable. I'm hoping to keep them as clear as I did the the individual ones during my first appointment 10 weeks ago.

My bottom grill didn't get any bands at all! Just the wire! I asked and she said that she actually wrapped a piece of wire on each bracket individually which works similar to having the band on each bracket....I have to say I love having the wire instead of the band. For one it's less noticeable which makes the bracket look smaller, it also feels a lot smaller. I'm not sure why the difference but I'm ok with it :D My bottom teeth look great too! They seem perfectly straight to me, but they are obviously still slanted according to the Dr, and the x-rays!

Another thing I got were Bands! I'm guessing that's a good thing...I'm not sure what the point of the bands are but the doc and the assistant kept stressing the importance of wearing them 24 hours a day taking them out only to eat and brush.

QUESTION TO MY FELLOW BLOGGERS:

WHAT'S THE POINT OF THE BANDS?

The assistance actually said that I could keep them in if I could while eating. I've kept them on today since I got them, but it's only been a few hours. I am however going to try my hardest to keep them on allllllll the time because I don't want to slow down my process at all! That's the last thing I want. And actually they're not that bad, I don't really notice them only when I try to yawn. LOL If you look at the pics they are on my back teeth so it makes it less noticeable.

I was proactive and took my Advil today before my appointment, and the Dr said to keep up with it for the next week because he warned I would be sore :( And it's only been about 8 hours and the pressure is on! I can feel it and can only imagine what it will feel like in the next few days :( Not looking forward to it. But the assistant said that it's never as bad as when you first get your pimped out grill! So that's awesome news!


(Sorry about the quality, on my last trip to Vegas I broke my camera and these are from my phone)

Here's my full frontal pic! Notice the powerchain on my top grill and the individual wire ties on the bottom grill.



In this pic you can really see the gap I was talking about, and the new bands.


This is the other side and my other gap.


OH, and in case you haven't noticed from the pics I'm missing my canine teeth! I know, they just never ever came out! My dentist says that out of about 1000 people about 3 have missing canine teeth, but only about 1 of those thousand are missing them from birth like myself. Weird huh?

Overall it's going good... I don't really have any sores, my lips are not as chapped as they used to be, I use my wax minimally...I'm used to my wires but can't wait until these suckers come off! Of course this is me saying this only hours after my first tightening, this could all change within the next couple of days. Keeping my fingers crossed nothing changes!

Also for some reason I came home today after my appointment and just slept slept and slept! I did the same thing after I got my braces first put on...not sure if I just happened to be tired or if it has something to do with my braces and the pressure? IDK, but a little sleep can't hurt anyone right?

xoxo,
C

First Apt!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I go in for my first tightening tomorrow afternoon! I'm excited but scared and nervous! I don't know what to expect...I hope not too much pain! :( I will keep you guys posted tomorrow after I get my new wires in! Wish me Luck!!!!

Luvin' my Braces!

Just a quick note to let everyone know I have my first tightening on Sept 10th and I can not wait to go in and get my teeth tightened...that means I will be closer to a corrected jaw and a perfect smile! I didn't think I'd look forward to this appointment, but I'm excited/nervous to see what my ortho has to say. I'm hoping that he tells me my grill has been doing an amazing job and that I will get my braces off sooner! I know I'm optimistic but you never know :) It's amazing how fast my teeth have moved! My teeth are noticeably much straighter and look better. The downside is that I have gaps in between my teeth that I didn't have before! I'm guessing this is normal if it's not let me know pls! I'm thinking that the 'powerchain' everyone talks about is meant to pull teeth together and close the gaps?! Any comments would be appreciated! :) It will be two months at the end of next week...time flies! 2 months closer! So excited! I'm sure time will fly by.

Question to my followers:
Does the pressure on your teeth ever go away? My guess is no because I have felt pressure since day numero uno! I know it means my teeth are moving but will my teeth ever feel normal?

VEGAS!!!!

This weekend I went to Sin City Las Vegas to celebrate Lil' M's last night out on the town as a single lady :( Tear!!! But we celebrated with a BANG! (My grill included) We (BFFV, Salma, and M) had the most AMAZING room! we were blessed and lucky enough to have a suite an the MGM Grand Hotel and it was to die for! I've been to Vegas 7 times before and this time was by far the best room! We had an amazing balcony over looking the strip which just put the cherry on top of everything else!

I'm going to keep this post short since "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" and I am living up to that saying! shhhhhh!! Let's just say all my DG's and I had a fabulous time filled with memories we will never ever forget!

xoxoxoxo to all of my DG's out there! I heart ya girls!

Smile :D

Birthday Week!!!

I know I've been a bad bad blogger lately! Sorry fellow followers! I've been so busy this summer it's really quite amazing I'm still here! My birthday was by far one of the best best best birthday's I've ever had! It's really hard to imagine I would have the best birthday thus far considering my braces. It really goes to show that the thrill of my grill is empowering me day by day. Last year I could say was one of the worse birthdays for various reasons...and if someone would have asked about this year I would have imagined it be the same or worse with the new grill...needless to say the grill didn't stop my from having a fab fab time!

I'm calling this blog my birthday 'week' blog because I spent my birthday in Seattle celebrating Thursday, Friday, Sat (my actual bday day), Sunday, and Monday!!! I know! I didn't think my grill and I had it in us! Thursday I did work part of the day and later that night I drove to BFF's house in Seattle with a buddy. That night we celebrated with a little shopping and din din at the Cheesecake factory! Yummers! The next day we celebrated by going to the Mariners game! Go Mariners! (even though they lost that day :/) We had awesome seats sitting 18 rows up from the third baseline! I just wish I remembered more of it!!! I had one too many beers for the M's and I paid for it the next day :/!




The next day was my real real birthday day! LOL I pulled myself together polished my bedazzeled grill and BFF Vanessa and I went out for a night on the town...RAWR! We went to dinner and later met up with some friends to go dancing! So much fun...and my grill and I got a good workout! I though I would feel self conscious about going out with my grill but the more I expose my self the less and less worried I am about it...especially after a few drinks! Oh yeah and later that night as I was waiting in line to get a Seattle hotdog my shoe decided it was tired and gave out on me! :( I literally fell right on my ankel as I was STANDING!!! No I was NOT drunk I swear because I ran down town Seattle with my heels and nothing happened...but don't let me stand because I will fall! OMG so embarrassing! but I survived...a bloody ankle and a bruised ego...but still survived!



Sunday was spent relaxing and shopping with BFF and Monday night was concert time!!! WhooHooo! We had 4th row seats to Motley Crue and GodSmack! So awesome! We got our rock on and had a fabulous time!!! I have to say I'm usually not a rock type of gal...but once there I rocked on! Needless to say I had a fabulous birthday with the best people in the world and my braces made it that much better! So to all my fellow bracers embrace your braces and ROCK ON!!!!

All My Fellow Bracers!

Hey All!

This weekend was fabulous! Filled with many mini brace moments! (try saying that fast 3 times) I took my grill to its first concert, and it had tons of fun :o) As I walked into the place I noticed that the girl who stamped my hand and let us in was wearing braces...but she did the complete opposite of what I'm trying to do, she was trying to hide her wonderful grill! She kept her lips over her teeth as she talked...she looked silly. I almost wanted to tell her, but we all have to learn to accept ourselves sooner or later and she'll realize it eventually. During the concert a security guard passed right by us and smiled...and guess what? He had a bedazzled grill! He was much older than I and he was rockin' it! So to all my fellow bracers...Let's ROCK ON!

It's really funny that I notice peoples teeth now more than ever. I never would have paid attention and remembered anyone random with braces...but now I remember all of my fellow bracers I cross paths with. It's really fun too :) And I'm hoping to capture it all on my blog...anyone I run into that has braces will hopefully end up on my blog!

Mid concert, I heard it...One of my fav songs! And I sang my little heart out! Then I noticed the people standing in front of me seemed a little wierded out...I ignored them, stopping only once to catch my breath and take a sip of my vodka-tonic. Then it came to mind that I may be spraying spit as I sang! I tried not to spit as I sang...but I couldn't help it! I felt like I was drooling! So I took it as a lesson learned and I will just lip sing next time!

When BFF and I walked up to the bar to get a drink (and a couple of shots) of course V pulls out her camera and wants to take pics...lots of pics! and close up pics! Ugh! I'm still trying to get used to seeing myself in pictures with my shiny grill....But getting better by the day. I think it's easier for me not to hide them becuase I know that eventually I will not have them, but pictures are harder for me because they will last forever! Here's a long life pic memory:

This picture will last forever as well as the memories...truly one of the best performers ever!!!

The next morning was filled with shopping, shopping, and more shopping! LOL...One of the girls who helped at one of the many stores was wearing braces...she was about my age but her brackets were white, where mine are clear. I think they were more noticeable since nobody really has perfect white teeth. She noticed my grill I noticed her grill and we shinned our grills to each other...LOL sounds nasty!

Later that night we met up with some long-lost friends! It's always fun to meet up with friends you haven't seen in years! So I walked up to a long lost buddy David and he quickly asked how long I'd had braces on for. I explained my story, offered to share my blog address, etc. (I swear I'm just going to give out cards with my blog address on them so they can just read about it...I've had to explain my story over a million times!) So he went on to tell me he worked for an orthodontist office and then he pulled down his lip and showed me his clear bottom grill! I was ecstatic! We shared a few braceology moments and had a few laughs...It was great!

Overall this weekend was great! I ran into sooo many people with braces in such a short amount of time! I love it...

Don't forget to proudly smile :D

KISSES!

I've officially reached week 3!

Bugsy my son...

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I got braces! Time flies and it's really getting a whole lot better...even last week I didn't think I would be able to put up with a year of braces! Don't get me wrong sometimes I just want to rip the damn grill right off my teeth! It's a foreign object in my mouth and I want it out! Like yesterday please!

I get so frustrated at times...it's frustrating not to eat things that could stain my clear brackets on top of other things all my other fellow bracers can't eat. The number one thing I miss is definitely coffee! :( I've been getting bad headaches lately and I'm not sure if it's the pressure from my braces, work stress, or the coffee withdrawals I'm going through. I think it's a combination of all three! I've had to cheat at times...I have a cup of coffee once a week, I especially need my java when I'm sitting in early am meetings! I'm not a morning person and to be expected to function without my daily juice is torture! I've resorted to sugar free Redbull to get my fix, but I love the taste of coffee and it hasn't been the same. My heart is broken and this girl needs coffee! (along with many other things LOL)

Grrr.....


Here's Bugsy showing me his own grill!


Last weekend I went to a wedding where I saw a lot of my family members. It was the first time with them since I got the new pimped out gear. Many even said they couldn't really tell they were braces so that made me feel better. I even danced a few songs with my wires and it felt great! Getting prepped for M's big day!

The other thing I've been dealing with is massive chapped lips! I hate it! I use lotsa chapstick but nothing has been working really! Grr! I hate it...It looks gross and it hurts too! I also haven't had to use my wax much, but today one of my brackets started bothering the inside of my bottom lip. I can't figure out why it would all of a sudden start poking into my lip? It must be because my teeth are moving..IDK but I have wax on right now and it makes it feel soo much better! I love my wax! xoxo! The down side is that I really can't use wax when I'm in public because it's extremely visible since it's on my front rack.

I've been reading other fellow brace blogger's blog and some have the clear grill on the top like I do. I notice that many of them have had trouble with their grill staining. I've had mine on for three weeks and my brackets and bands are still clear and they are not Turing yellow like other bloggers. To all you bracers out there who are struggling with this I recommend using a toothpaste with fluoride as the primary ingredient. I also rinse once a day (night time) with fluoride mouthwash. I never knew how many different types of mouthwash's there are out in the world! OMG! There's like a whole wall of them...different colors, uses, flavors! It's really quite overwhelming. I went to Target to buy some flouride mouthwash thinking I would be in and out...Yeah right! Wrong! I was flabbergasted while looking at all of the different types! Who'da Thunk! 15 mins later I finally had narrowed it down to two different types of brands. I couldn't chose so I just did the inny-minny-miny-moe thing and picked one and left the isle...running! Anyway, I recommend using a fluoride mouthwash every night it helps keep the brackets and bands clean and clear and under control! LOL (wait that's the Neutrogena saying!)

I'm going out of town this weekend and I will be riding in my car, jamming to my music...just me and my grill!

I'm attaching a few pics for your enjoyment purposes! Just my braces, my doggy Bugsy, and me...chillin like a villan.

xoxo,
C

Even In Cartoons...

		The Simpsons		In episode "Last Exit to Springfield" Lisa gets a full set of braces plus a large headgear, at the end she receives clear ones
		Toy Story		1995. Sid, the neighbor kid, has a mouth full of braces
		Donald Duck		Appears with a kind of headgear in Quack Pack
		Butthead		Even MTV's infamous comic character has used brackets

http://personal5.iddeo.es/mmoreira/crcing/famous_people.htm

Em"Bracing" My new Smile

Hi All,
Today is my 13th day with braces...amazing how fast time is going by and already I'm seeing my teeth move! It will be hard to forget the day I got my braces since it was the day Michael Jackson sadly passed away :( As I layed on my couch watching E! I couldn't believe what I was seeing...definitely a sad day. My teeth were a bit more sore today than normal, but I've gotten to the point where I can chew without massive pain. I was thinking I would lose weight considering my diet was very minimal…but oh NO! I actually gained a 1 ½ lbs! I think I’ve just been loading up on carbs which include potatoes, rice, pasta, yogurt, yams, etc! So disappointing considering I thought I would actually lose lbs not gain them! I try to tell myself that the metal in my mouth must weigh exactly 1 ½lbs I SWEAR!

Yesterday, the feeling of gaining weight only increased when I started playing Wii Fit and my Wii Fit Fitness Instructor totally got me in trouble! When I stepped on the scale it showed I’d gain 2lbs! So needless to say he worked my butt off…literally I hope! So today I decided it was time to show my new be-dazzled grill to my gym buddies, since I was avoiding the gym since I'd gotten braces. As I walked into the gym and checked in I saw this hottie! I’ve actually run into him a few times and we just briefly look at eachother and smile. We did our normal smile but this time I proudly showed off my grill. As I walked away I felt good…my confidence is increasing and progressively growing. And frankly I've gotten to the point where I don't care what people think about a 25 year old with braces as long as I'm good with myself, that's all I care about.

Tuesdays are usually my busiest day out of the week, usually filled with business meetings and a lunch on the go. I was a little nervous to go into a meeting where I knew I’d be surrounded by some of the top people from my organization. I didn’t let that stop me, I continued as if nothing was different. I’m sure people noticed, but they didn’t point, laugh, or make fun of me. (at least not in front of me) LOL! I got that out of the way and I know it will only get better from here on out.

At the beginning I felt like my lips were not big enough to accommodate my new gear. I don’t know if my lips are getting bigger (Angelina Jolie Style) or if my mouth is just getting used to it, but I don’t feel that way anymore. My speech is improving and I’m no longer having trouble with my S’s. I must admit I practiced talking in the mirror and singing to Taylor Swift’s Love Story song! I must have replayed that about 3 times until I got it right!

I go in for a tightening on September 10th, which is 10 weeks out. I'm not sure if that's the standard because I've heard of people having their appointments 6 weeks out but not 10? Maybe my teeth don't require much moving, I don't know but plan to ask my ortho at that time. Anyway, at that time I have to option to switch my lower level gear to clear-gear if I want to. I'm still debating if I want to endure the pain of having to switch my lower silver colored brackets into clear brackets. Not only that, it's hard trying to keep the clear brackets clear, and they are actually bigger and bulkier than the regular silver looking ones. Plus you really can't see my lower silver colored ones unless I open my mouth for the world to see...which doesn't happen very often unless I've had a few drinks!

There's is a lot to look forward to before I get my first tightening. I will be celebrating my birthday out of town, going to Vegas for a bachlorette party, and then will be attending my BFF's wedding. I'm sure I will have plenty of fun braceology moments to share with you all!

Smile :D

Just to make me feel better!

This is my cousin...Neddy. Just thought I'd make someone smile :) Kind of ironic I bought him this fake grill and now I'm the one with a real one! Luv Ya <3

4th of July Weekend!

So it was official...I was determined to correct my jaw with braces instead of having to endure the pain of jaw surgery...So I might as well get used to it!

It was going to be my first weekend out with them...Yes them. I sometimes refer to my braces as a third person. My BFF Vanessa was going to be in town for the weekend!! Whoo Hoo! I love it when she come to visit! We decided to go out and have a couple of drinks to start off our weekend extravaganza! I was sooo nervous! Vanessa called and said "I'll pick you up at 9"..."Ok...we'll be ready" "We? Who else is coming" "My Braces and I" She laughed at me and said ok...

As I walked through the bar I couldn't help but feel a little awkward...I felt that people were staring at my braces and not me! That night I also introduced the braces to alcohol! And they approved...they like-te-dit! It was then when I knew we could possibly get along! I don't know if it was the alcohol or my confidence but I started to realize that it really wasn't that bad...I noticed many other girls with braces that night, and some may even say they look hot! ;)

Friday night I went to a bachlorette party...I was a little annoyed at the fact that I couldn't really have any of the food...I just didn't want to risk eating a strawberry, smiling, and having a huge piece of red right in the middle of my newly polished grill! No way! That day only added to my confidence when a girl I had never met asked me how long it had been since I'd had my braces taken off. "Off?" I asked...Then I told her I had just got them on a week and a day ago. She said she thought I was wearing a retainer! It really made me feel good that someone actually though my braces were a retainer! The clear brackets really help disguise that I'm actually wearing braces and people think that I'm wearing a retainer!! So exciting!

On the fourth of July I had a few of my girlfriends over at my house for a "Bridezilla Bridal Lunch Meeting" My BFF Maria is getting married in August! Yes and I will be wearing a cute dress with braces! The only good thing is that the silver in my braces will match the silver belt buckle on the dress! Then I started thinking: not only will I have braces for Maria's wedding, but I will also have braces for my 26th birthday, and our Vegas Bachlorette Party trip in August! OMGoodness! But I can't stop living my life and doing the things I love to do...just because of my new gear!

Later that day I took my braces swimming for the first time! Vanessa and I headed to the pool to catch some sun rays and take a dip in the pool...it was after all in the 90's! All in all this weekend was filled with great memories and most of my Friends were introduced to my new wires ...and it kinda feels good!

:D Smile!

Let Me See Yo' Grill...

I'm starting my blog a little late so I'm trying to catch up...

2 hours! That's all I kept thinking about...How the heck am I going to sit and have the orthodontist look down my throat for 2 hours!!! Luckily I have some of the best BFF's in the world...Maria was texting me that morning making sure I was ok and giving me the extra little push I needed to smile to the world! I heart her<3

I am lucky especially now a days to have dental insurance that will pay for part of my treatment. I still had to fork out 3 grand!!! It's not everyday I write a check for $3,000! It felt kinda weird writing it out! LOL

Getting them on went rather quickly...It didn't take the full 2 hours and it was painless. I opted to get the clear braces on the top and the regular silver color on the bottom rack. "Are you sure you don't want colored bands on your brackets?" Um...Hell-er! NO!!...I wanted to hide them as much as possible! When they were done they handed me a mirror so I could check out my newly pimped out teeth...All I could think about was that dang song..."let me see yo' grill" OMG...I almost screamed! I couldn't see myself in my newly pimped out grill! I just couldn't!

As I left the office I went home so I could fully inspect my new equipment. After a little cry...I put on my big girl underwear and walked out the door and into work. Everyone though I looked cute! Ahh! you look sooo cute! Ummm...that's not the look I was trying to go for...I don't want to look like I'm 12 years old working in the highly demanding business world. I've worked too hard to get where I am...but who wants a boss that looks like a 12 year old girl? LOL


"You'll feel pain in the next couple hours" my ortho said. I didn't think much of it since I wasn't feeling much pain. Then I remembered Brat Child! She warned me and a few hours later I was in pain! Ouch! I went home and tried to eat...let me tell you that's an experience I will never forget! Trying to eat with a mouth full of metal is harder than you think...My diet consists of jello, soup, pudding, mashed potatoes, and anything mushy that doesn't require a lot of chewing.

The weekend was full of pain and minimal eating...I thought I was going to turn into a potato considering that's all I had been eating. On top of the regular foods you can't have when you're an official MM (Metal Mouth) like gum, corn chips, corn, taffy, and carrots. I have to be extra careful not to eat things that could stain the clear brackets on my top grill like mustard, curry, tomato paste, soda, tea, coffee, and red wine. ( I know coffee!!!)

So far I've been doing ok considering I can't eat period! and when I do I spend a good 15 mins trying to clean out the food that gets stuck all up in my grill! Grrr...such a pain to brush your teeth 5 times a day and floss (which takes 10 mins alone) I just keep reminding myself that I will have a perfect smile and a corrected jaw and it will all be worth it in the end! Week One Down!

This is only the begining...

Hi There!

This is my first blog ever! I've decided to start blogging about my newly be-dazzeled teeth! Well it all started when I went to the dentist for my regular 6 month cleaning and followup. Everything was going as planned when my dentist started comparing my new x-rays from previous ones. He noticed that my jaw was slightly tilted to the right which was causing my bottom teeth to slant to the left! I didn't think anything of it thinking "ok...hurry up...gotta get back to work and I was really craving a mocha". Anyway, he went on to say he thought I should go visit an orthodontist to get a better idea of what was happening and he started telling me if I didn't get it checked out I was prone to gum disease....Have you ever googled gum disease?? Well I did and Yuck...it grossed me out so the next day I called my orthodontist to make an appointment.

As I approached the orthodontist office I walked in feeling super confident...I never really though my teeth were that 'outa-wack'. NEGATIVE! As I waited for my name to be called I sat next to a girl who was probably about 12-13 years old. She just kept looking at me...and I kept thinking ok you little brat...WTF is on my face? Why do you keep looking at me? "Did you take some Advil" she asked...I said "No, why?" "Well you're going to need it." Soon enough my name was called and as I walked back I thought to my self what a wierd encouter I'd just had with Brat Child out in the waiting area.

As I waited patiently I was told I had to remove all of my earrings in order to take a full mouth x-ray...which was a complete huge pain in the butt since I have my ear pierced in the upper cartilage and removing that earing hurts like no other...but I did as I was told and followed instructions (and if you know me...you know I'm not good at taking orders LOL) I was then walked back to the room where my orthodontist walked in and started looking at my x-rays and my teeth..."Yeah, your jaw is tilted to the right...blah blah blah blah blah" Then I heard it..."You need to get braces to correct it" WHAT??? NO! I couldn't believe it! Then he went on to say if I didn't get braces soon, my jaw would set into place and I'd have to get jaw surgery which requires them to break your jaw and wire your mouth shut for weeks! I was in utter shock! I guess I didn't have a choice...I was bound to be known as metal mouth for the next 12-18 months. After the orthodontist left I was asked to schedule my appointment "I have an opening for tomorrow morning" So soon? OMG...I guess the sooner I get them on the sooner they come off. "I'll take it"