Saturday, October 2, 2010

Just Like Sarah Jessica Parker

That's me. Just like Sarah Jessica Parker.

Not Sex in the City Sarah Jessica Parker.

Go further back.

Way, way back.

When I was a kid I watched Square Pegs. I though Sarah Jessica Parker, and her braces, were really cool.

Then, I had to get braces. Not so cool.

But here's the scoop.

They are even LESS cool when you get them at age 36.
I've been uncomfortable with my smile for a while now, and actually decided to bite the bullet, so to speak, last winter. I figured I'd rather be embarrassed about my braces for a little over a year than with my smile for the rest of my life. I looked into braces then, but decided to wait until we moved to start treatment.

So... on September 20th I got braces. Again.

And oh. my. word. did they ever hurt. I basically took painkillers for 5 days straight. The second night I had them my husband reported that I was crying in my sleep.

They are only a little bit tender now, but I still have to be really careful what I eat. If I eat anything too firm they will ache for HOURS. I don't remember being this miserable last time around. And I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance (I was in labor for 36 hours before I let them give me any drugs).

So right about now I'm second guessing this whole braces thing.

But in 14-16 months when they are off and I can smile confidently? I'm pretty sure I'll say it was all worth it.

And that will be my mantra. Until 2012.

At least alcohol is a soft food.

(ok... as I tried to find an image of SJP in braces to put in this post, I realize it was the OTHER GIRL (aka Amy Linker) in Square Pegs who had braces. Well, then, I guess I'm just like Tom Cruise. He even had his braces as an adult. But if Oprah invites me on to her show (she has this last season. It could happen) I promise not to jump on her couch)

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ouch! Sorry it has to be painful. Sending you a virtual vat of minestrone.

Rima said...

At least you got the good (clear) kind! I'm sure it will be worth it. I had braces in high school and, yeah, I should have kept wearing my retainer because I could probably benefit from them again myself.

Kyla said...

I had braces twice, too. Once in second grade, once in high school. I remember them being VERY hurty at first, and then again after tightening!

Creative-Type Dad said...

I had those Invisalign's for about two years. It was weird...

Magpie said...

Ouch. But it'll be worth it, right?

Kat said...

Ugh. I hate braces. I had them growing up. And then as an adult I decided to get this invisible mouthpiece thing. Kind of like a retainer but it looks more like a mouthguard. I wore it at home and it really helped. I don't know if I could do braces a second time around. Ugh.
Hang in there! It will be worth it in the end. :)

kayerj said...

LOL! . . . "alchol is a soft food". Just don't take it with your painkillers ;) can't wait to see your smile.

Kelly @ Student of the Year said...

Brave, brave woman. Especially because mouth pain? Totally sucks.

imbeingheldhostage said...

SO SO jealous. I have been trying for the last 10 years to get braces and keep running into walls. Good for you PM!!!