At my dental visit on the 19th, the hygienist recommended a sonic toothbrush. While I love using power tools in my DIY projects, I was not keen on the idea of a power tool for my teeth. But I'm willing to do just about anything to keep my teeth healthy, so I did some research online and dropped $120 on a Sonicare Flexcare Plus from Amazon.
It arrived on Tuesday the 23rd in an innocuous-looking brown box. I carefully read all the instructions and then reluctantly carried the Terrifying Teeth Trembler Tool down the hall to the bathroom.
I added a small dab of toothpaste, pressed the power button... and sonically dispersed toothpaste in my face and all over the mirror. Wow, that was stupid. :P Note to self: Put the Terrifying Teeth Trembler Tool in your mouth before pressing the power button.
I tried again. Figuratively and literally gritting my teeth, I managed to get through the two-minute cycle of brushing. IT WAS REALLY UNPLEASANT. Not pain, but an intense vibration as if my skull were a tuning fork.
Now four days later, I am happy to report that the experience does improve. I'm still working to master the technique, but the vibration is much more tolerable and the two-minute cycle no longer feels like an eternity. I think it might even be worth the tolerance curve because my teeth feel super-duper squeaky clean and are even a little bit whiter.
During the rest of the week, I took additional steps in my quest for better self-care. I made an appointment for a haircut. I arranged a consultation with a dermatologist. And most importantly, I made an appointment with the orthodontist.
I've been wanting to correct my overbite for ages. But it was only for cosmetic reasons, and there were always other things to spend my money on (such as the house, the house, the house, and the house). Now, however, the dentist thinks that my imperfect bite might be a contributing factor to my receding gums. So orthodontia just got pushed to the top of the priority list.
My plan is to go with Invisalign. I can take the aligners out to brush my teeth, ensuring there are no sneaky cavity makers hiding behind a piece of metal. This is a hugely important factor for me. I've never had orthodontia, so I don't really know what to expect. Nonetheless, I'm almost looking forward to it. I've always been self-conscious about my large front teeth.
Anyone had Invisalign? How did it go?
I can't stand vibrations in my head and I'm extremely ticklish with my gums. That's why I will never buy an electric toothbrush, even if they are much better than brushing per hand...
ReplyDeleteI also think about getting my teeth done, but my dentist said that Invisalign will not be possible for me. And the other procedure costs 5000 EUros, which I would have to ave up for. My teeth are not that bad, right? *sigh*
It stinks you're not a candidate for Invisalign. :( Orthodontia is expensive! Mine will likely be around $4,500 (about 4000 Euros). I guess the new driveway and landscaping is going to have to wait another year.
DeleteI've tried electric toothbrushes in the past. But they always crapped out on me. Hope yours doesn't.
ReplyDeleteI hope the same.
DeleteI call those "Eyeball Jigglers." And I have to Invisi my ligns, too- I've got one tooth that spun funny and it's making me bite the hell out of the inside of my lower lip. Weird that dental isn't covered with medical, innit? I mean, they're part of our skull....
ReplyDeleteNot only is dental not covered with medical, but adult orthodontia is often not covered with dental. Makes no sense.
DeleteYes, electric toothbrushes get better, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI think the things I have at the moment are invasalign, I wear them at night and it also helps me not wear my teeth away when I grind them although I am wearing my aligners away.
I don't think I'll ever consider the sonic toothbrush fun, but I will be able to drop the "terrifying." :)
DeleteInvisalign is worn 24/7, except when eating. Yours sounds like what is called a retainer here; an appliance worn at night to keep teeth from shifting back to their previous positions. I'll probably get one after my Invisalign treatment is completed. Orthodontia fun is never ending. ;)
my mom had invisalign. she didn't tell my sister and i that she'd gotten it for a couple weeks and we never even noticed! she's happy with the results. i just had plain ol' wire braces.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know. Invisalign does look truly invisible in brochure photos, but one never knows how much those have been edited. I'm curious if I'll have any trouble talking.
DeleteSuper funny post, loved it! "The Terrifying Teeth Trembler Tool" is now the name I will use on motorized toothbrushes. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! Of course, we'll never see it on toothbrush packaging because it's a little too much truth in advertising. ;)
DeleteGood for you sticking with it! They do clean more thoroughly, certainly. I used to have one of these weird electric vibrating toothbrushy things, but I couldn't get past the weird vibrating feeling and went back to regular ones :/
ReplyDeleteI'd tried an electric toothbrush some time ago, but that was before I had any issues with my gums, so I didn't have much incentive to continue using it.
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