Yay!! Today arrived and Mike and I drove over to the orthodontist for my 45 minute appointment. On the way I took this photo…
The after photo…
The process in the dentist chair was surprisingly painless. I could feel they were doing stuff, but I almost feel asleep. They have what’s called a cheek retracter that held open my mouth, so it was no hardship.
Today I feel blessed for two reasons:
- Only my top teeth have braces at the moment. The bottom palate will be done in a few months time, once space has been created at the top.
- At the moment I don’t need elastics.
Both of these things have improved the experience. I’ve got mild discomfort – I can feel the tension – I’ve had a headache all day, but over all it’s not nearly as excruciating as I thought it would be.
What’s funny is that in order to prevent the brackets from chafing against my upper lip and gums, the only thing to do is to SMILE. It keeps all the brackets away from the soft tissue. Gives new meaning to ‘keep the smile going!’
It was 19th September when I first walked into Dr. Botha’s office and started learning that my issues were more complex than I ever imagined. I thought I saw him about a month ago, when in reality it was nearly two months ago. He in turn referred me to my Orthodontist. Time sure does go by quickly and although this is Braces Day and tomorrow is only B1, time is going to go by fast and the treatment will eventually be done.
The challenge for me will be consciously to enjoy the journey.
I’m 54 years old. The 50s is a decade where terminal illness can raise its ugly head.
If having braces are what define my 5th decade, I’ll get out unscathed.
#951 of my 1000 thanks is for BRACES! It was only yesterday I was reminded to thank the Lord for these. I didn’t think of it before!
When I got home, I still got 5 hours of work done, including 3 Skype calls.
Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
These are the days….every single one.
Keep the smile going – regardless of a bit of drool. 
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂