Summer's Clear Correct Journey, Days 1-4

When I was 12, I had braces for 2 years. Like every other tween and teen with braces, I hated every minute of it. As the years passed, the original gap between my front teeth began to show again and eventually got what I would call, fairly large. People that know me, of course, claim to never notice. When my husband was in dental school, he worked for an orthodontist and made me a retainer. I think I maybe wore it for a week and the first time I tried to bite into a hamburger, I cried real tears, right there in the restaurant and never wore that stupid thing again. Here we are, many years later. I was thrilled to learn that Chip would be offering Clear Correct tooth aligners at the office. I was excited that I could "finally" get that gap in my teeth closed and do it without the 'typical' braces look. We took impressions and a series of "before" photographs. I think I even encouraged my husband to speed the initial process along. Then they finally came and I got cold feet. 

Several weeks after my initial Clear Correct aligners arrived, here I am. They are a thin clear plastic shell that fit over the arch of teeth and each aligner gradually moves the teeth toward the final tooth position.  On day 5. I can't say I'm madly in love with my Clear Correct, but it's way better than hours 1-4. Last Thursday morning, it was clear I couldn't avoid my husband anymore.I had already finished my 2nd cup of coffee and had run out of excuses... and he cornered me in Op 3. I will admit, I wasn't pleased the first day. Like anything new, it was really different and just felt strange. It was a little uncomfortable getting them in and out for lunch (and for my Facebook photos, below) and later that night I tried to eat a granola bar that was not as easy as it was the day before. I meant to take an Aleve before bed,but I forgot. I woke up a little early with my teeth bothering me a little on Friday, but I honestly can't tell you if it was from actual pain or just the unfamiliar feeling of having the Clear Correct in. 

So here's the deal, as it's told to me: I have to wear these 22 hours a day and should only take them out to eat. For me, this process should take around 9 months. I can drink with them in but anything like coffee or tea is not recommended because it could cause staining (which is true all of the time, as you probably know). I will wear this one for about 3 weeks and move on to the next stage in my Clear Correct treatment plan. They will most likely be a little snug the first couple of days with each stage and then get better.

I am still speaking to my husband, I have not shed any tears yet, and I think I may actually lose a few pounds from having to rearrange my meals/snack routine. I spoke to a handful of people over the weekend who claim they never noticed I had them in. I think I'm talking a little funny but so far, no one has mentioned it. 

DAY 1 WITHOUT

DAY 1 WITH

 We had a little fun making our new No Cavity Club photo booth props. And then of course we took a with/without Clear Correct Photo (WITH is on the right). 

Till next time in the Clear Correct Diaries... 

Summer Webb

Office Manager

Chip E. Webb, DDS

Maryville, TN 

www.ChipWebbDDS.com