Braces
Friday, February 4, 2011 I chose to have braces put on my teeth two years ago. Just in time for my 25th high school reunion. Neato.
One friend commented that braces would give me plenty of blog fodder. But there wasn't much to say about them after the initial post introducing my new accessory. I carried Ortho Wax and knew which neighborhood kids to call when I ran out. My teeth ached occasionally and Mother asked, "When do you get those off?" EVERY time she saw me.
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I met a little boy named Albert in an Anaheim laundromat last March. We were in California for a family vacation and I needed to wash clothes. Four-year-old Albert asked me for money and mints that night while his mother and I did our laundry next to one another. I gave him both as his mom said, "Albert! Eso no es amable." That's not polite.
He was round and dimpled. The plump kind of child that I was certain would pop if I stuck a pin in him. But I fell in love with Albert after he took one look at my smile and said, "Nice grill."
*****
My braces finally came off in November. I apologize to my Facebook friends who have already seen the following photo, but I promised Gabi With An Eye a sans braces shot in this post.
So there you go. It took me a few weeks to get used to my new teeth. I felt like I looked strange and radically different. Like when someone Photoshops big teeth on an animal or small child.
Recently, I purchased two new pairs of glasses. One pair has progressive lenses. I get motion sick easily and I'd heard that adjusting to no-line bifocals can make a person nauseous. I figured the larger the lens, the smoother the adjustment.
My theory worked. A little vertigo for the first few hours, but the bifocal sweet spot is small compared to the large distance lens. I adapted quickly. Only now it doesn't matter that I'm not wearing braces, because I look like the smart turtle in children's books.
Reader Comments (25)
Love,
Claire
I always remind people that I *chose* to get braces, but I'm glad they're off, too. I was nervous having them removed because I got so used to hiding behind them. Does that make sense?& My glasses look a little costume-y, but thank you, Claire. xo
You made me laugh. I like turtles, too, especially illustrated ones. :)
Oh stop. But, thank you. : ) I hadn't been to your blog in a while so I was happy to see you're back at it again on a more regular basis. Go you!
I need to take a picture of the back of my t-shirt and email it to you. It has the dog's rear end. There's a cute story behind the shirt... I'll include that in the email, too. The dog's name is Frenchie. And I would LOVE to meet you and Kate in Vegas. Thanks for all the compliments... have you been nipping? ... or on your dental meds? xoxo
You look so very studious in those glasses my dear.
Your teeth look amazing.
And how come you never mentioned your eyes are such an AMAZING blue!??
Cute glasses, the large lenses look great!
Nice skin too! What's your regime? Mines' been dry lately and I've not been treating it as well as I should.
xox
Your teeth look gorgeous! I'm considering getting braces from the orthodontist in Oakville that my kids go to. I feel like moms having braces isn't a big deal anymore, especially with the clear ones or invisalign. Seeing girls like you do it makes me want to do it. Thanks for sharing!