Update

So as I said yesterday, I was in the worst pain. Today was a lot better. But still very painful. However it's bearable. Especially compared to the pain of yesterday. The backs on the bottom still don't fit perfect, but after a few minutes they settle into place. I probably would be upset with the pain I'm in if it weren't for the fact that it's a huge improvement from the pain I was in yesterday. I called the orthodontist to let them know so they don't have to check into it. I will just put up with this pain until it passes. I go in for a check up in 2 weeks anyway to get my new couple sets of retainers.

I thought I would take some pictures since I haven't added any in awhile and things are really moving into place now. This first picture is my current retainers. I have never shown them alone, so this is what they look like. (The top picture is the bottom retainer and the bottom picture is the top retainer) You can see the alignment of where my whole set of teeth are. The front teeth have really moved down as I noticed when looking at my first set of aligners, they stuck out a lot. As you can see from the top, there is one tooth that needs to be pushed in a little more, which I'm assuming will lead to the closing of my small front tooth gap the process has created. The bottom ones are moving a lot too as you can tell in the picture they look pretty even and fluid.

This next picture is one I just took a few minutes ago of my teeth how they currently look with no retainers on. It's a little blurry because my cell phone camera isn't the greatest, but you can get a general feel of how things look. They obviously have made big improvements. So looking at this picture really helps me deal with the pain that these bottom teeth are giving me.

Worst pain so far :(

So today it was time to change into tray 19. I was SO ready to change. My teeth felt ready after about a week. So I was eager. This morning I put my new set in and the top fit like it should. The bottom immediately felt wrong. It was sticking up in the back very much. I tried to bite down, but it was so far away from being on my teeth it would have broke it. So I had to click it down with my hands and move by jaw to keep it down. After awhile, it mostly formed to my teeth, but felt like it was not a good fit. I took ibuprofen and went on with my day.

It did not get any better. In fact it got worse. When I took them out to eat, my teeth were so sore. Eating with my front teeth hurt. Then putting then back in was torturous. Hurt so bad I wanted to cry. After work (which was about 8 1/2 hours of wearing them) I made an impromtu trip to my orthodontist to have them check it out. Luckily they were able to squeeze me in. Unluckily my dentist had gone home already. My favorite hygienist took me back to take a look. She said it looked normal and that it would probably fit better after awhile. She said if it still hurt tomorrow to come back in. She told me the orthodontist would take a look and see if this was a set of trays where my teeth were moving a lot, which would explain why there's more pain. If worse comes to worse, I may have to go back to my previous set of trays for a week. Which will make me behind. I really think it's just a matter of the bottom tray is not right. It is too tight and hurts so, so much. Ibuprofen isn't helping. And I'm sad they couldn't help me either. But I'm trying to ignore the fact that it hurts so bad.

The thing about me is, if something hurts or I'm not supposed to be doing it, I automatically play with it more. I keep biting down and observing the pain. Seeing if it's getting better. But it just ends up hurting me more. I need to leave it alone and try to distract myself. Hopefully it will correct itself so I can go forward with my treatment. I know it's the right set because it's the last one I have in my possession before I get more from the orthodontist. And it was labeled. Plus the top fits good. Such a weird situation. But I guess those bottom teeth are getting their crap together and finally "straightening" out. lol!!

HUH?

So about 2 days ago I noticed some pain in my gums. I thought something may have been stuck in there and felt something hard. Upon further inspection, it looked like the root or part of my tooth was coming through my gums. My tooth was tilted pretty sideways in its' quest to get to its' new position. So I was really worried it traveled too far. It was kind of late, so I didn't think the orthodontist was open. I figured if it still hurt Monday I would get it checked out. It was uncomfortable, but not awful.

Well I don't feel the hard part anymore. My gums are a tiny bit sore, but otherwise I guess my tooth was fine. If there is any problems, I will call the orthodontist tomorrow. They are very good about getting me in quick if I have a concern. My teeth are pretty used to these retainers now so they don't hurt much at all. The backs/sides are a little sore as of now, but I think that's due to the fact that I clench my teeth together so much without realizing it.

I told my dad about my tooth gap because I was concerned and he told me it makes sense because the front side teeth still have to be pushed in a little. I hadn't realized it, but when I looked at my retainers, it's true. So that should push the front teeth together. Which in turn should make them lined up with my lips. So I feel relieved about that.

Several people lately have told me how much straighter and better my teeth look now. Which is great to hear!! I'm glad others notice too. I certainly see the difference comparing them to before pictures. I can't believe I'll be done soon. And then I'm very excited to start teeth whitening. I will have the best smile!!

Now THIS is real pain

Forget my complaining a couple days ago. Today I was reminded what real pain is. Ow! I changed into set 18. And immediately I knew it was going to be painful. They fit very tightly and the backs didn't seem to be quite fitting yet. Less than an hour later the backs snapped into the proper place, but as soon as I put them in they hurt. That was 6:30 this morning. It's now 11:30 pm and they still hurt. A lot. I took some ibuprofen before I left the house. And after 4 1/2 long hours of wearing them, I took them out for lunch. Chips wasn't the best lunch plan with sore teeth. But the break from them out of my mouth was lovely. Take short breaks. I'm telling you it helps. You definitely don't feel like taking them out because it hurts to take them in and put them back when they're still new. It's painful. But it's much more painful if you don't give your teeth a break. Trust me!

I got to thinking it's weird that teeth can hurt. Because they're aren't like skin or muscle. But I'm quite sure they do hurt. I have a HORRIBLE habit of biting down hard when I'm thinking or concentrating too hard. Which further hurts my teeth when they're already in pain. And I'm totally the type of person who notices something is not right or painful and then constantly pokes at it. So all day I have been biting my teeth together at various angles observing what parts of my teeth hurt and from what direction makes it worse/better.

I tried taking them out several times for breaks, forcing myself to eat here and there. (I've learned not to take my antibiotics on an empty stomach or I get queasy. At least my ear infection pain is gone. One pain at a time, please) At work they passed out popcorn cups to everyone on the floor (which is hundreds of people) and it was super awkward to take my painful retainers out to eat, but I took my time eating and it was a nice unplanned break to give my teeth. I took some more ibuprofen about dinner time, but it really didn't do much for the pain. I think I'm becoming immune to it I use it so much. Is that possible? Please say no.

So currently I am in quite a bit of pain. But I know it won't last. The first few days should hurt. That makes sense. I guess I've just gotten spoiled because I haven't been in pain every time I change trays. It's nearing the end so teeth are getting back into place. I'm sure braces would be far more painful. I just do not like any kind of pain. I know it will be worth it in the end. 10 months of treatment. I'd guess I probably had under 20 days of pretty bad pain. So it's not horrible. I just would prefer no pain. Yeah, not realistic.

One more observation I've noticed: when you first change sets and the first time you take the new set out to eat, drink, etc. it instantly feels very weird. Because the retainers have already kind of gotten your teeth used to where they will be moving. And it feels unnatural because that's not how you have been biting down for the last week or so. So it's a weird feeling. My suggestion is to go with what your mouth is doing. Don't try to correct it back to what it was. You want progress so in this case that means change. It will feel more natural by the end of the day. And you'll like the way it feels better. During this process there have been times where my bite really bothered me because it made teeth rub against each other that never did and it was uncomfortable. Now they're moving back to a more normal position. And it's weird to get used to. But it's also a lot better of a feeling once I get used to it. They fit a lot better.

It honestly amazes me that plastic on my teeth can make them straight and perfect (to me). I'm so excited about the way my mouth is looking. Just a few minor improvements and they will be excellent. So yeah, it hurts. But name one treatment that doesn't. My smile, my confidence, my bite... all will be changed for the better. So really, I can't complain. (not that that will stop me :P)

Ooouch

Not ouch. oooh-uch! That is the main feeling I'm dealing with right now. There are a couple reasons for that. One) for the past 2 days I'd say I have had a very sharp, irritating pain in the back, top right side of my mouth. Like where my wisdom tooth used to be before I had it painfully removed a few years ago. Anyway I assumed there was something in my wisdom tooth empty area. But then I started to think it was a sharp part of my retainer cutting into me. I couldn't take it today, so I felt around for awhile and found a popcorn kernel stuck. So annoying! I've brushed my teeth several times since I've eaten popcorn. Those suckers get stuck. And it's right where the retainer rubs against my upper gums.

But the most painful part two) is on my lower bottom right (what's up with the right side?) there is a large-ish gap where my tooth is really moving. Those side teeth have been moving lately. Anyway my gums are super sensitive in that area because they're exposed in places they haven't been. So in that little area, my gums are puffy and really hurt. I just flossed and ay-karumba did it ever hurt. Since I'm currently still feeling my ear infection pain, this is just another added pain. So I may take some pain reliever so I don't overdose on pain.

On a gross note, my retainers are ready to be changed. I clean them, but they are just done for the count. There is only so much you can do. I need to start doing mouthwash rinses again. Reminder to self: buy clear mouthwash!! Tomorrow is my last day wearing this set of retainers. Then Wednesday I get to change to my new set! Which I'm nervous about because I will be wearing them for a long time at my new job. But also excited because I'm very ready for a new set. This set is feeling like it has done its' job. So I'm eager to move on and possibly get these side teeth moving even more. And (fingers crossed) close this gap in my front teeth. As for now, getting through sensitive gum pain!

Update!

So I have started a new job and we cannot leave for lunch during the first 5 weeks of training. Which is weird, but whatever. Having to take my retainers out to eat when the lunch area is set up like a high school cafeteria is really awkward. I'm sure it grosses people out. It would gross me out if someone did that in front of me. Then I don't really have the time or resources to properly brush my teeth and clean my retainers before putting them back in. So that whole situation has been annoying.

Then on top of everything, I have been really sick lately. And the last couple days, I have been extra sick. On top of a severe ear infection, I have some sort of flu. I realized I need to eat food with my antibiotics or I get really sick. Which the first day I didn't, so I was so nauseous. And the thought of throwing up with retainers in both scares and digusts me. So that has been annoying to deal with. I don't feel like taking care of my retainers when I feel awful. And when you're sick, you wake up with horrible tastes in your mouth that are just gross. And the retainers add to that. Plus having to make sure I have time to eat.

(And let me just tell you, the sound your retainers make when you wake up shivering and chattering your teeth is less than quiet)

My tooth gap has gotten very annoying to me because it's ugly and I want it to get back to normal. Seems to be taking forever. I'm eager to change into my new set in 4 days. Otherwise, I haven't noticed any changes or anything since the last time I wrote.

Hmm..

So I have been wearing this set for 4 days. I am finally used to the alignment. And I like it so much better. My teeth on the side feel like they're finally not in the way. Which makes chewing a lot easier too. However one thing I've felt today was pain. The lower mid-right side is pretty sore. It makes sense though because that's the one area that hasn't done too much moving yet. I don't have enough pain to take medicine, so I'm not awfully worried about it. I would expect it to be fairly better by tomorrow. Which I hope is the case because tomorrow I start my new job so I will have very long periods of time where I cannot take out my retainers. When you are in pain with your retainers, short breaks with them out really helps. So if I can't take them out and I'm in pain, I will grow even more in pain the longer I keep them in. And sometimes the pain doesn't strike until it's too late.

I have been trying to remember how many trays I'm supposed to have in total for my treatment. But I can't remember and it doesn't look like I wrote it down. My containers say 24, but I know that is not correct because I remember he told me we wouldn't use them all. There are extras just in case I need more improvement past what he thinks my treatment time will be. Since I'm already on tray 17, it can't be much long. 22 maybe? I guess my focus should just be on wearing my retainers and continuing to do as I'm told. It will go fast, I'm sure. The rest of treatment has. My teeth look so much better already. I noticed today that my mouth is fuller and my teeth kind of fill out my mouth more. Which I think makes my lips look better as well.

I surely can't stop smiling every time I pass a mirror to look at my new smile. Such a great investment. Anybody who has ever been self conscious of their smile knows how much fixing their smile makes a difference. In my case, the dentist had been telling me for years to get braces because my teeth were crowded. But my parents didn't. They put it off. And soon enough I was 18 and not their responsibility. I took it into my own hands purely because I hated my smile. Little did I realize at the time, it was a lot worse than I thought. Looking back at pictures now and seeing the improvement, I can see how bad they really were. So it definitely was started by cosmetic reasons for me. But now it's helpful for my bite and my gum health. Parts of my teeth I couldn't reach before are now accessable for brushing and flossing. So overall, even though it may sound super cheesy, for me this was one of the best decisions I've ever mad.