Personal Narrative: My Orthodontist

I sit perfectly still in my chair as some stranger appls a sticky-sweet glue to my teeth. I can tell it isn’t something natural that should be there, but I want to be the perfect patient. I want to impress them with my obedience. After I get my braces on, I cannot yet feel the pain. It will come eventually, though, says my orthodontist. I am free to go.
First off, you have to get over any fears you have of getting braces. It isn't a very scary process, and doesn't even hurt much at all when you get them put on. It is simply a process that takes about a year, to straighten your teeth and bring out your beautiful smile.
Another precaution recommended by archwire.com is that you don't get fluoride, which is “sodium fluoride or another fluorine-containing salt added to water supplies or toothpaste in order to reduce tooth decay” According to wikepedia, put on your teeth for about 2 weeks before you get your braces on. There is no substantial proof, but some orthodontists say that it prevents the braces from sticking to your teeth, and getting a good hold.
Then, you have to make sure you stock up on plenty of soft foods.
Apple sauce, pudding, jello, ice cream, and smoothies always work well. Some more things you may want to buy to make your life easier with braces are: mints (they will help give your mouth something to do), an ortho pick (a flosser with a thin side, so it can fit under the wire), wax to put over anything scraping against your cheek or gums, and orajel which is a blue paste you spread over an area of your mouth to cause numbing and pain relief. Orajel is something i used as much as air when I got my braces, but is not crucial. Also, do not feel the need to challenge yourself with hard foods. Go easy on your teeth, and wait a few days before shifting off of soft
foods.
Next, make sure food/products you are using aren’t harmful to your braces. According to sesamecommunications.com you will want to get rid of any tooth whitening toothpaste when you get your braces, because when you get them removed, the whitening may be uneven, and no one wants little yellow squares on their teeth! Also, if you get white braces, be careful with pasta, as you could end up staining your braces yellowish. After eating pasta, make sure you brush thoroughly, and immediately.
Finally, just be yourself. Changes to one’s appearance affect everyone differently. For some, braces may boost their confidence, and for some it may plummet. All in all just be yourself, and don’t be discouraged by your braces. Nearly everyone has to get them at some point in their life. So, braces are tough to deal with, trust me, I understand. However, I hope these few guidelines will help you through it, and make a tough time just a little bit easier.