INITIAL BEFORE AND AFTER :)

Alright! They are officially on! I ended up rescheduling yesterday from 10 am to 3:30 so thankfully I was still able to get them on on Tuesday!

The APPOINTMENT lasted 1.5 hours. During this time:
- Chatted more about the braces
- Put a cleaning solution on the teeth (for better bondage)
- The placing of the brackets
   This part happened in 4 steps. The brackets come in 4 sets. It was similiar if you can imagine to putting a retainer on, except the braces were prepositioned within the tray so 5 brackets and what looks like a crank are all attached at the same time. (At least I think the crank was attached at the same time) I can see how this is much less stressful for the dentist! The picture shows both trays being applied at the same time, followed by pressure to get a bond
- After the brackets were on, my bottom were filed down on the sides a little bit to create "interproximal" space. Basically, so my bottom teeth could move more easily. 
- Then my dentist took what looked like a finger nail file and filed in between my bottom teeth. And this, felt exactly like you think it would.. ughhhhhh
-The wires were attached, simple enough
- In my specific case, due to my bottom crowding I had 4 "quick ties" placed. I was told this was just to create a better connection between the bracket and wire. 
- To finish the appointment I had bite guards placed on two of my back upper molars.
And that was it! None of it was painful and the most uncomfortable part was the filing! 

The first day, the pain level was between 1 and 2. nothing at all! 
The thing that is kind of bothersome is the rubbing of the brackets on the inside of my lips. I was given wax to help with that, and can always purchase more at Walgreens, or a similar.

The first time brushing felt a little weird. My guess is that they are more durable than I'm thinking, but I was very careful not to brush too hard. Overall the entire hygiene part of it took about 7 minutes after eating.. so not bad at all. 

What I HAVE EATEN:
-Broccoli Cheese Soup
-Runza Casserole 
-Cottage Cheese
- Eggs
- Toast (with butter, without the crust)
-Sausage links
-Chocolate Pudding dessert
-Coffee (out of a straw)

So far my ADVICE: 
Half your bites, double your chews. 
Rinse (brush too if you can!) with water immediately after something you think may stain (ie chocolate pudding or coffee)

PAIN
Today, (Wednesday) My top teeth are pretty sore if I put any sort of pressure on them. And the inside of my lips are tender. But! it was/is all pretty much what I expected! 
Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I'm at a 3. BAM!

APPEARANCE
I have been told that they aren't very noticeable from the outside looking in.. but inside looking out, they feel pretty bulking, but even from yesterday to today I have gotten more used to them. (Initially I felt like my lips hardly would cover them!)

NEXT TIME
My next appointment is Dec 2nd, where I will get my bands changed, most likely not the wires though. (Shooting for the 2nd month appt to switch to a tighter wire). 

PICTURES
So here's the pictures I have got for you!

Until next time kids! 
Shelby