Metal Molar Bands & some ramblings about decision making...

(Daniel, my significant other, said my metal molar bands look like little "mini-machine guns!" ahahah! he cracks me up! lolz -see top pic for resemblence)

Turns out, after the first 3 to 4 days, spacers do not hurt at all- what a relief; i was eating normally again [AFTER thanksgiving of course]. One of my spacers fell out. When I returned for winter break, the orthodontist replaced it and another one of my metal spacers with rubber ones. I must say-- i think rubber spacers are a bit more comfortable than the metals one- but it could be that my mouth already had a "feeling" for spacers by the time I got the rubber ones.

Anyhoo, the orthodontist recently replaced the spacers with these shiny metal bands that go all the way around my back molars. They don't hurt at all bc there was plenty of room for them- thanks to the spacers! ;) The bands have hook like things on the outside next to my cheeks and on the inside next to my tongue. [These will be the mainstays/base for the wire when they put on my braces] The hooks like things are somewhat sharp, irritating my cheeks and tongue. You get used to it though and your mouth "hardens up" around those areas. The [i'm going to start calling it the "dontist" for short] dontist gives you wax if it becomes painful or too irritating. I've only used the wax a few times. I'm trying to take all of the discomfort and irritation that i possible can-- knowing that none of this will be even close to the pain of jaw surgery.

Speaking of jaw surgery, I've been reading a TON of blogs recently- just to reaffirm my decision to follow through with this lengthy process. I must admit that I've became slightly disheartened and anxious after reading everybody's painful, long, gradual recovery stories- stories of never ending numbness, stories in which every day presents a new painful obstacles, stories of painful physical therapy post op- trying to achieve the goal of a 45mm opening bite, etc. I know it's wayyy to early for me to be thinking this extensively about the surgery- for goodness sake- most people don't worry or fret about it until the a week before surgery. I don't know. I just started becoming a little nervous. Sometimes I feel like knowledge is not power- in some cases. I just hope that in the end, this will all be worth it.

I understand this is all easier said than done. Hopefully, I will maintain my inner strength and all of the success stories will keep me uplifted. Nobody has every told me that i HAVE to do this. I made this choice on my own- and with the guidance of my parents and several dentists/dontists/and oral surgeons. I want to be able to look back and confidently say that I made the right decision.... if I don't go through with this dental journey, I will never know what good or bad could come of it. All I will know is the highly probable gum disease, TMJ, chewing (often times- tugging- not chewing) difficulties, and crooked, crowded teeth. Given the possible results of inaction, I feel that going through with the process will benefit me most in the long run. To used the phrase of a fellow jaw blogger-- hopefully, everything will be "jawsome!" :)

Well, I will be reporting back after I get my braces on January 5, 2010! AHH!! there will be lots of trumpet playing, snickers eating, apple/carrot/etc. eating, maybe some intense kissing [haha!], and whistling before then! ...playing the trumpet may never be the same after braces and all my dental procedures!! ee! :o

Happy Holidays to all! Well wishes to anyone undergoing any sort of dental surgeries over the holidays!