Brace Face

Day 1---7/9/14 (top), Day 5---7/14/14(bottom)

The top teeth have already improved.  The upper lateral incisor (the pink bracket to the right of the upper front tooth in purple) has started moving back into the proper place.

Ok, so I totally changed my mind on ceramic Clarity braces at the last minute.  I was already in the chair and they had the box of ceramics on the table next to me when I began drilling them with lots of questions.  The answers didn't make me happy so I chose to go with metal.  The reasons were:

1) Ceramic bonding glue stains and can be seen behind the bracket.  There isn't anything you can do about it.

2) The clear or light-colored ligatures (rubber bands that go around the brackets) change color and don't do anything to hide the ceramic brackets once stained by coffee, tea, soda, tomato sauce, curry, etc.  In fact, they can look downright gross if you stain them.

3)  Ceramic brackets are larger and my bottom teeth are tiny.  Considering how hard it is to get my lips over my small metal brackets, I can't imagine doing that.

4) The removal of ceramics can be difficult.  The bonding material is stronger and can pull the enamel off of your teeth.  That is a risk I am not willing to take.  I have a small amount of bonding on the surface of one of my top front teeth and the thought of getting a ceramic bracket pulled off of it scares me.

5) Ceramic brackets are brittle and they can break.  Enough said.

6) Metal is stronger and can work a little bit faster than ceramic.

Some people pay more for ceramic but my ortho charges the same either way.  I really wish that the ceramics didn't have so many cons because I really wanted them, but I am happy with the metal.  Since I have metal, it was easy for me to go with colorful ligatures since there is no way to hide the fact that I am in braces.

The only bad thing is that I cannot eat properly.  My molars are so sore that biting isn't something that I can do as of yet.  It has been weird eating soft foods all the time.  Oh well, it will all be worth it in the end.  Heck, I was having a hard time eating before braces because my molars had just enough space between them that they caught food every time I ate.  It was terribly painful and the main reason that I opted for braces in the first place.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...(Hair and Teeth)

I finally cut off some of my ridiculously long hair last month.  I got 8 inches chopped and now it feels so much better.  It has been 3 years since I last cut my hair.  That is too long to go between cuts, I know.  My feeling is that I would rather spend possible salon money on spa treatments (massages, facials, etc.).  I love being pampered but don't really care about getting my locks chopped.

I have been having a horrible problem with my back teeth getting gaps in between them.  Pockets in the gum have formed due to this.  They catch food constantly and really hurt.  I am in pain almost every time I eat and I am sick of it!  It all has been happening because I had 4 wisdom teeth and 2 molars removed back in 2005.  The removal of those teeth caused the rest of my teeth to shift.  My molars stayed in place but the rest of my teeth moved toward the front of my mouth, causing them to crowd.  I really don't care to fix the minor crookedness of my teeth as that doesn't really bother me.  It is the pain that prompted me to correct my mouth.  I will be getting ceramic braces on Wednesday.  They will be the color of my teeth with a small silver wire.  It will look like I am wearing a retainer unless you look really close at my mouth.  Wish me luck!

Stitch Fix #22 Review

My last Stitch Fix was perfect.  I love my stylist (Jackie)!  I requested items that could accommodate a growing belly and she picked items that will work well when I am in the awkward early pregnancy/post-partum phases.  Here's what I got:

1. Pomelo- Moni Geo Print & Camisole Blouse-Love the stud detail on this top.  It is a pretty orange color and lightweight for summer.  I have received numerous compliments on it.

2. Liverpool Carolyn Colored Cuffed Denim Short-These shorts are white denim and they cuff at the bottom (can be rolled down as the cuffs aren't sewn down).  I really didn't think I would like them but they fit perfectly and feel good.

3. Leota Haylee Abstract Chevron Print Swing Skirt-This skirt is incredibly comfortable.  Lovely colors and pretty design.  It has a stretchy waistband, making it a great piece for pregnancy.

4. Pomelo Corinna Striped Heather Dolman Top- I already have this top in blue/black, but I was still thrilled to see this one in my box.  It is so soft and comfy.  The cut is flattering on everyone that I have seen on the web.  It's a perfect top.

5.  41Hawthorn Montgomery Chevron Cross-Fit Top- This top is super soft and the color is beautiful.  The only thing I don't like about it is the fabric can move rather easily to show off more skin than I want to.  It needs a snap in the chest area to hold it closed.

Father's Day 2014 (6/15/14)

My 3 guys

Father's Day was a lot of fun this year.  We went to Amelie's for a nice breakfast, played around at Discovery Place in Charlotte, ate an early dinner at Tupelo Honey (oh-my-yum!), and then went to Studio Movie Grill at the Epicentre to see X-Men.

Love this pic!  Hayden's photo bomb makes me LOL every time I look at it.

The way to my hubby's heart is gifts (and homemade cookies).  He is like a little kid in that respect.  We gave him a couple of Tommy Bahama shirts (since he will never buy them for himself), beer soap (yes, you read that right, lol), a new beer glass, Aveda shampoo & conditioner, and a beer shirt.