Bye Bye Braces

It happened! My braces finally came off yesterday, August 13th, after 22 months of treatment. Check out the results!

In the end my midline isn't totally aligned, but otherwise things turned out beautifully! The slightly off midline is normal and due to tooth-size mismatch and/or bone asymmetry (says the internet). I'm happy with the results! And also glad that Dr. Smith didn't end up doing any interproximal reduction (shaving enamel between teeth). Now I just have to wear my clear retainers full time for 4 months to keep things in place. 

With the retainers on

Here are pictures from my big appointment. Emily and Jessi had checkups and a tightening as well, so we were together for the main event. What a fun experience to share with the girls! And Jessi is next: her braces come off at the end of September.

All 3 of us in chairs at the same time

It was actually a shock to see such big, white, straight teeth after two years with braces! It's taking time getting used to it for sure, with many selfies and glances in the mirror to 'get to know' my new smile. At the start I barely recognized myself! The retainers also make my teeth look shiny and fake in a way, which is jarring. But I'm enjoying my retainer-less smile!

Funny retainer mouth

Working out & smiling

My first bite post braces

Much better (without retainer)!

Flossing is a breeze again!! ♥

Thanks for all the work you accomplished, braces. You weren't so bad!

Anniversary #18

We celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary over the course of four days with fun activities like brunch, a hike at Rock Dunder, a movie, family badminton, chocolate lava cakes, and thoughtful messages from family. And lots of pictures of course! 

Here's to a wonderful 18 years!

21 Months of Braces + Shopping Ban Over!

Today is a big day! July 15th marks 21 months since I got my braces and is the estimated date of completion for my treatment!! While I'm not quite done, the end is in sight: I had my last tightening in June, my next appointment will be a scan of my teeth for removable retainers, and then a couple of weeks later the braces will come off. Very exciting!

Last tightening ♥

Since my last update, the final gap between my back molars closed and my midline adjusted, thanks to elastics. Over the course of my treatment, there were four different configurations of elastics that each played a part in fixing my bite. The most recent configuration (two triangles on each side) helped to close any openings on the sides. My bite feels and looks great now!

The 4 ways I wore my elastics

Midline: 18 Months vs. 21 Months

After nearly two years of wearing braces, I can't wait to once again have a pearly-white smile and to eat and floss with ease!

In other news, while I was having my last tightening, Jessi was having her second-to-last one! She's progressing well too and should be done about a month after me.

And if you've been keeping track, as of today my 1-year shopping ban is over!!! I successfully avoided buying anything on my Nonessentials List, and only purchased Essentials and Approved items for one year. The hardest part was actually this final month -- as the end approached I felt my patience waning! But I survived by browsing and getting my shopping list ready. Today I got the ball rolling and bought a few items on Amazon.

Have I learned anything from this experience? The questions I had for myself were: 

How hard would it be? Other than the last couple of weeks, I didn't find it too hard, probably due to the fact that I already have everything I need (and then some) and received a few treats and items as gifts on special occasions. That being said, I wouldn't be willing to continue the ban for another year. ;)

Would it change my habits and outlook on shopping/consumption/life? I don't feel like I have an answer to this question yet; perhaps once I start shopping again I'll notice a change or lack thereof. TBD!

Would I better appreciate and use the things I already have? I certainly did! And I hope this feeling lasts.

Would I set a good example for my kids? While the girls thought it was interesting and funny to see me on a 1-year shopping ban, I don't think they were inspired or impacted by it much. Maybe when they're older?

Would I have more time to explore other activities? I didn't pick up any new hobbies, but I think I did more around the house and spent more time with friends/family.

Can I even do this? Yep! It turns out that I can. 

Thanks for following me along on my journey. For future reference, here were my lists:

The Essentials List:

• Groceries
• Toiletries
• Cleaning products
• Lightbulbs
• Batteries
• Gas
• Home maintenance items

The Nonessentials (No-Buy) List:

• Clothing
• Footwear
• Accessories
• Housewares/décor/furniture
• Books/movies/games
• Crafting/sewing/art supplies
• Exercise equipment
• Electronics
• Treats

The Approved List:

• Restaurant meals with friends/family
• Plays/musicals/concerts with friends/family
• Travel costs (accommodations, transportation, tickets, etc.)
• Physiotherapy equipment
• Phone (incl. case and screen protector)
• Headphones
• Kobo
• Gifts for family
• One item each per month for kids
• Yearly photo prints and calendar
• Courses and course materials