Sore toothy

Ow! I am having some major tooth placement annoyance today. On the top right side a tooth is position so it digs right into the center of the tooth under it on the bottom. I tend to clench my teeth together when I'm thinking, which I don't notice so that's making it hurt even more. Not very comfortable. Plus add the fact that when I take my retainers out, the rest of my teeth are not at a natural position, it's quite annoying.

I also can notice lots of small gaps between most of my teeth. They really are moving. They are still moving forward. Judging from how the retainers look there isnt' too much more forward movement. Then they will be moved back and into their new permanent positions!

It's almost 2012...which is the year my treatment will be complete!!! New year, new smile! I'm very much looking forward to getting these attachments off so I can start some whitening products to make my smile even better. And I certainly won't be upset to get rid of this discomfort. But once again, it's completely and totally worth the smile I will have.

Woahhh

Almost forgot to change retainers today! But thankfully I remembered, and woahhh do they ever hurt. It's almost Christmas so I'm nervous they will still be sore, but nothing will keep me from feasting. I remember a few years ago when I got my wisdom teeth out a week before Christmas (now that's a story) and I ended up getting dry socket and being in so much pain. I had a packing on my mouth wound and could barely eat, but I did NOT let that stop me from eating small bites of Christmas dinner. I actually had to resort to ibuprofen, which I haven't had to rely on for months. But it has helped the pain so it's all good. I am about halfway done and the progress is amazing, so I will put up with minor discomfort to get my smile even better!

Update & New Pics!!

So I have really noticed the change recently. I have been looking at lots of old pictures and videos and WOW I didn't realize how bad my teeth were before. I'm even happier now that I made this decision.

Things are moving along. I have been really bad recently. I drank a milkshake yesterday with my retainers in and just now drank some apple juice! That is definitely not reccommending because a) it can stain your retainers and b) it can get sugar in the retainers and then it just sits there trapped in your teeth which is not healthy for your teeth. However, it's not something I do frequently, so I'm hoping it will be ok. Right now, the position of my teeth is driving me NUTS, but it's passing already. It is such a gross feeling when your top tooth is in between 2 of your bottom teeth. Eww! But I get through it and it's fine.

I've included some new pictures because it's been awhile since I've taken some.

Things are continuing to improve!! So I am very please.

Booyah!

Been getting sooo many compliments lately! Very exciting. My sister was admiring my teeth and asking about my journey. I love talking about the process. It's kind of amazing to me how these retainers have totally transformed my smile and confidence. And the level of maintenance is not as hardcore as it may seem. Sure, it does take work to keep your retainers clean, but it's really not much different than taking your teeth clean. An extra few minutes brushing throughout the day is totally worth it.

It can be annoying, especially as of lately, when my teeth are in an odd position and feel uncomfortable when I'm eating. It's only temporary though, and it's not horrible. The pain that comes with teeth moving has been so minor overall. I have heard from so many people with braces that it is a painful process, so I feel sure this option produces the least pain. The most I've ever had, besides the pain that came with getting used to the first retainer (which did suck) was a minor tooth ache in like 2 teeth for a day or two. It's definitely bearable. And the dentist, and least mine, has been there every step of the way. If something doesn't feel right or I'm concerned, I could go right in and get checked out.

I cannot be any more pleased!! Now, just a side note to keep in mind once again: I am not being sponsored to say these things. This has been my REAL experience. And I'm very happy with it thus far. There have been some un-perfect moments, but overall this has been a GREAT process!!!!

Check Up Time

Today it was time for another check up. I had a different hygienist today and I didn't even see the dentist, which was unusual. I told her I was a day off so she gave me my three new retainers and made me try on my newest one to make sure it fit alright. It felt fine so she told me to change tomorrow. So tomorrow I should be starting tray 11 I believe.

My teeth are once again in a strange position. It's crazy how the tiniest amount can really make your bite off. Soon enough it will pass, as it always does, but still annoying nonetheless. It's nice to be getting further in my treatment. I'm about halfway done now!!! Woohoo! It's exciting to think soon I will be retainer free. Well, I believe I will still wear them at night for a while, but during the day my teeth will be freeeee! AND I will get these attachments off, which is the most exciting part.