I'm starting to wonder if I can get through a visit to the orthodontist without crying. 

I went in for my second visit last week, where they removed the vexing spacers and put in the band that anchors the space-age NASA-inspired wire.  The girl working on my teeth began with accidentally hitting my front teeth, sending a nice pain through my mouth.  Sigh.  After removing my pink bands, I was instructed to go brush my teeth.  I had difficulty opening the disposable toothbrush packet and then the bristles were hard as a rock.  The brush is pre-loaded with toothpaste (made in China, of course) and I couldn't figure out what to do - am I stupid?  (Yes, at that moment, I thought so).  No amount of water would soften the bristles.  A nice older teenage boy walked past me and, taking a toothbrush, he said, "It's o.k., I'll use the other sink."  I apologized (for taking so much time) but was thankful for his kindness.  I finally got my teeth brushed and sat back down.  Now, this is a communal room with a row of 5 or so dental chairs and regular chairs situated at the foot of each chair (for your support team).  After I sat down, a teenage girl sat down in one of the regular chairs at my feet.  She was holding a two-month old baby.  I asked if it was hers, she said yes, and I said to the baby, "Are you here to watch me get braces?"  She was close enough to me to shake hands, if I had asked.  Her sister sat down in the dental chair next to me.  Cosy, but I really didn't like this arrangement.  When my assistant finally got the Dr.'s attention, he came over to work on my teeth.  Just before he sat down, I looked to my left and saw a younger kid in another chair, staring at me.  The girls and the baby to my right were also staring at me.  I looked at the doc and said, "You know, I'm not used to having an audience.  I'm normally alone for these situations.  Could everyone just kind of turn around for a few minutes?"  Needless to say, I was feeling paranoid, stupid and old.  The doc put the band on (ouch!) and the assistant hanked the wire around my mouth (more ouch).  I gave in to my emotions and the tears came.  Just tears, no sobbing, thankfully.  I told her (when I could speak again) that I felt humilated and she said she was sorry and that I could have a private room from now on.  I'm glad to hear that.  I hate to be such a baby but, darn it, this is so hard for me!  I'm really trying to be a good sport about this (really, Todd, I'm trying) but I think that will take time.  Maybe next month I won't be such a basket case.  Hormones are also putting a huge drain on my emotions right now.

Oh, and to make my day even more interesting, while I was waiting for the orthodontist, this woman comes into the room with a toddler and a dog!  And she handed the dog to a girl sitting in a dental chair.  I looked at the assistant and asked if this was allowed.  She said, (not convincingly) "I guess."   I'm not a animal lover but I really don't understand anyone bringing an animal into a medical office of any kind.  It was a puppy the size of my hand but, still!  I just don't get it.  In my opinion, "Ick!"

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get out of there.

Ah, but fate had another idea.  Just as I hopped into my Prius, I felt something like a spring hit me inside my mouth.  Sigh.  A pink band came loose.  I had to go back upstairs and ask for help.  They were already busy but I had no choice.  They fixed it and I left but I can't help thinking they were just as glad to see me leave as I was to leave them.  If you think about it, pray that my next visit will go better.  I don't want to be the patient everyone dreads to see.  And I don't want to dread going. 

My teeth still hurt but it gets better each day.  This will be worth it, I have to keep saying that to myself.