April 25, 2006 (Tuesday)

After several days of wearing the trays, the tenderness has centralized in the back teeth, mainly on the left side (molars) – even when the trays are out. For the first time, it hurts to chew in the back on that side. On the upside, removing the trays is becoming a little easier. My bite is still not fitting together. When I remove the trays, it feels like my front teeth don’t match up anymore. The bottom teeth feel like they are tipping out slightly. The trays definitely have cut out my snacking - and now, I don't waste any time when I eat. I finish my meal and go straight to brush my teeth AND the trays, and then I pop them right back in. I've had to get used to brushing after lunch at work. I'm a former braces wearer (had them in high school), and compared to those, the trays are definitely inconvenient. I miss gum and mints - I only drink water while the trays are in.

April 21, 2006 (Friday)

At work today, while talking to a friend, she said, "you got bite trays." I explained what they were, and she said that they reminded her of some trays that she once wore for her TMJ. Anyway, it was not a surprise to me that she noticed them...at least now I know that my concerns about the visibility of the trays is valid.

Fortunately, my ortho projects that I'll only have to wear my trays for six months. I hope it doesn't last longer. I'm counting down the days!

April 20, 2006 (Thursday)

I started this OrthoClear blog a few days after I started my treatment, so I'm including the correct dates above my posts until I get caught up.

Day one of the OrthoClear trays – no real pain, just slight pressure. Trays are extremely difficult to remove – especially the ones on the bottom. Talking is awkward, but not as bad as I thought. My bite feels really weird - my front teeth don't fit together at all when I have the trays in. There is at least a centimeter of space between my top and bottom row of teeth.

I was very disappointed since the trays are noticable due to fact that there is a good bit of tray space which extends beyond the tips of my front teeth. Also, I have buttons on several of my front teeth, which are hard to miss, if you are up close and personal having a conversation with someone.

My husband and a longtime friend did not notice them, but I was never really up close while talking to them, and it is usually dimly lit in our house.