Hello

I’m Spanish; sorry if my English isn’t very good. I’ve created this story using artificial intelligence. I’m sharing a few chapters with you, hoping you like them. Suggestions for continuing the story are welcome.

Chapter 2: First Consultation

The sun was just beginning to light up the city when Juan woke up. His daily routine, which usually went smoothly, felt burdened with anxiety that morning. Today was the day he would finally confront one of his greatest fears: a visit to the orthodontist. As he prepared for his usual CrossFit session, he couldn’t stop thinking about the appointment scheduled for later.

During his workout, his thoughts kept drifting to the dental clinic. What would the doctor be like? Would she be kind or stern? What kind of treatment would he need? Questions crowded his mind, and for the first time in a long while, Juan couldn’t concentrate on his exercise.

After his session, he headed home to shower and get ready for work. The day at the school felt slower than usual. The classes, which were usually his refuge and source of confidence, seemed endless. His students noticed his distraction, and although no one dared to mention it, the atmosphere in the classroom was different.

Afternoon arrived, and with it, the dreaded appointment. Juan left the school and headed to the orthodontic clinic. It was known as the best in the city, not only for its advanced technology but also for its director, Dr. María Gómez, a professional renowned for her excellence and rigor.

The building was modern and sleek, with a glass facade that reflected the sunlight. Juan approached the reception with hesitant steps. The receptionist, a young woman with a perfect smile, asked him to take a seat in the waiting room.

As he waited, Juan couldn’t help but observe the other patients. There was a mother with her young child, who looked nervous and was fiddling with his fingers. On the other side, a teenager with braces was listening to music through his earbuds. Suddenly, the teenager looked up, and their eyes met.

“Professor Pérez?” the boy said, removing one earbud.

Juan felt momentarily startled. It was one of his students, Andrés, known for being a diligent but very observant kid. “Hi, Andrés,” Juan replied, trying to sound casual. “Are you here to see Dr. Gómez too?”

Andrés nodded with a shy smile. “Yes, I’ve been coming here for a year. She’s very good, but also very strict.”

Juan tried to return the smile, but the anxiety remained. “That’s what I’ve heard. Well, I hope everything goes well with your treatment.”

“Thanks, professor. Good luck with your appointment,” Andrés said before going back to his music.

Juan felt a mix of embarrassment and relief seeing one of his students in the same place. The thought of Andrés telling others about their encounter at the clinic didn’t help calm his nerves.

“Juan Pérez,” called a firm voice from the waiting room door. Juan stood up, feeling as if his legs were weighed down by a ton. He followed Dr. Gómez down a long, well-lit hallway adorned with pictures of perfect smiles and framed diplomas.

Upon entering the consulting room, Juan sat in the dental chair. The doctor wasted no time, starting with basic questions about his dental health and daily habits. Her voice was professional, almost impersonal, and her movements precise and meticulous.

“Please open your mouth,” Dr. Gómez said as she turned on the dental light. Juan complied, feeling his heart pounding. The doctor examined his teeth carefully, using a small mirror and a dental probe.

The silence in the room was almost unbearable. Juan could hear the faint hum of the equipment and the sound of his own breathing. Dr. Gómez did not speak, but her focused expression indicated that she was analyzing every detail of Juan’s mouth.

After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor stepped back and turned off the dental light. She removed her gloves and sat down across from Juan, with a more serious expression than usual.

“Juan, your case is quite complex,” began Dr. Gómez. “You have severe crowding in both arches, class 2 division 1 with a large overjet and deep bite. I also notice signs of a lip-sucking habit. These issues not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but can also cause long-term functional problems.”

Juan felt a knot in his stomach hearing the diagnosis. He knew his dental issues were serious, but hearing the medical terms and the gravity of his situation made him realize how much he had postponed this decision.

Dr. Gómez continued, “I’ll prepare a detailed treatment plan for you. I’ll schedule an appointment in a week to discuss it and start the process. I hope you understand that this will require your full commitment. It won’t be easy or quick, and you’ll need to follow my instructions to the letter.”

The coldness and severity in Dr. Gómez’s voice were palpable. There was no room for negotiation or doubt. Juan nodded, still processing all the information. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he also knew he couldn’t continue living with this insecurity that had accompanied him all his life. It was time to face his fears and take control of his destiny.

Chapter 4: The Day of Revelations

The alarm rang at 6:00 a.m., and Juan got out of bed with a fatigue that was more than just physical. He had spent the night turning over the upcoming appointment with the orthodontist, and his sleep had been unrefreshing. He quickly dressed and headed to the CrossFit box, where the workout that day was particularly grueling. Each set of weightlifting and each round of functional exercises offered him a brief respite from his anxiety, though thoughts of the treatment continued to lurk in the back of his mind.

During the session, Juan focused on each repetition, each movement. However, despite his efforts, he couldn’t avoid the doubts that filled his mind. CrossFit helped him disconnect, but the fear of the next step remained.

After the CrossFit session, Juan showered and got ready for school. In the classroom, he tried to channel his worry into his work, but the atmosphere was unhelpful. The class environment was charged with a mix of fearful respect and curious comments about his situation.

At school, the impact of the news about his treatment was quickly felt. While teaching, one of the students, Luis, raised his hand and asked with a mischievous smile, “Professor, when are you going to start with the braces?”

Laughter spread through the classroom, and Juan felt his face heat up. Despite his discomfort, he tried to remain calm. “Luis, what’s happening to me is not a subject for mockery. Please show it the respect it deserves and let’s continue with the class.”

Another student, Marta, added sarcastically, “Don’t you think your mouth needs more braces than mine, Professor?”

Juan, trying not to lose his composure, addressed the class firmly. “Marta, disrespect towards others is not allowed in this classroom. If you can’t focus on the lesson, you’ll have to leave.”

The murmurs quieted, and the class continued in a tense atmosphere. Although Juan managed to control the situation, he couldn’t help feeling hurt by the comments. The day became a mix of anxiety and discomfort, and the students’ remarks constantly reminded him of the unease and insecurity he felt.

At the time of the appointment, Juan arrived at the clinic, feeling as though each step toward the building was heavier than the last. The reception was courteous and professional, but it did nothing to ease his tension. He went to the waiting room, where he found several patients. He sat in a corner, trying to stay calm while anxiety consumed him.

Around him, the clinic was filled with that characteristic silence occasionally interrupted by the sound of soft music. The wait seemed endless. Juan observed other patients and their families, trying to distract himself with fashion and health magazines, but each page seemed to revolve around the imminent change about to happen in his life.

At one point, he noticed that one of the patients was one of his students, Miguel, who was also wearing braces. Miguel recognized him and, although he tried to hide it, couldn’t avoid smiling nervously. Juan felt even more exposed and vulnerable, thinking about how this encounter would be discussed at school.

Finally, Dr. Gómez appeared at the door of the office, calling Juan with a firm but professional tone. Juan stood up and followed her into the office, his mind filled with unease.

Once seated, Dr. Gómez began to explain the treatment plan in detail. “To address the dental issues you’ve presented, we need to gain space in both the upper jaw and the lower jaw. First, we will place a MARPE, which is an expander fixed to the palate with micro-screws. This device will help expand the upper jaw and will be paired with a bite plate to lift your bite and correct the deep bite.”

Juan nodded, though his mind struggled to process all the information. The doctor continued, showing detailed diagrams of the MARPE and the bite plate.

“Expanding the upper jaw is crucial for correcting the severe crowding. The MARPE will be fixed to your palate and may cause some discomfort at first, especially when eating or speaking. The bite plate, on the other hand, will be used to lift your bite and prevent the deep bite, which may require a significant adjustment period.”

Dr. Gómez paused to ensure Juan understood before continuing. “For the lower jaw, we will use an additional expander along with a lip bumper. This device will be placed on the inside of your lower lips and will help create space in the lower jaw. It may be uncomfortable and affect your speech at first, but it’s necessary to correct the crowding.”

The orthodontist explained each device in detail, emphasizing the importance of following the treatment precisely. “This treatment will last a minimum of three months. During this period, we will assess how your mouth is responding before placing the brackets. We may need to add more devices or make additional adjustments throughout the process. You will likely also need to use elastics at some point to adjust the bite.”

Then, Dr. Gómez addressed the total duration of the treatment. “We estimate that the entire treatment will last about three years, but it’s hard to predict exactly due to your age and how your mouth responds to the devices.”

Finally, it was time to discuss the costs. “The total cost of the treatment is significant, but we offer payment plans to facilitate the process. Orthodontics in adults is complex and requires a lot of time and detailed attention.”

Juan swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the financial commitment adding to his worries. However, he nodded, understanding the importance of the treatment.

“Now, we will place separators between your teeth to prepare space for the bands of the devices. You will need to return in ten days to start with the first devices,” concluded Dr. Gómez.

Leaving the office, Juan felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. The complexity of the treatment plan, the cost, and the possibility of additional adjustments filled his mind with doubts. He imagined dealing with the devices, the discomfort, and the changes in his daily life.

As he walked toward the parking lot, he couldn’t stop thinking about how this would affect his everyday life: speaking with students, eating in public, and even his CrossFit routine. The fear of change and potential discomfort took hold of him. However, there was also a spark of determination. He knew he had waited too long to address these issues and that the treatment was an opportunity to finally confront his insecurities.

Juan got into his car with a mix of anxiety and hope. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to proceed. The treatment promised to be a considerable challenge, but he was willing to face it with the hope that, in the end, he would find the freedom of a healthy and confident smile.

Chapter 6: Today’s the Day

Juan felt like a lamb heading to the slaughter as he made his way to the treatment room. The anxiety was palpable, and each step toward the clinic seemed to carry more weight on his shoulders. Dr. García was waiting for him with her usual air of professionalism and seriousness.

"Good morning, Juan. Today we'll start your treatment," the doctor said without preamble. Her tone was firm but professional, leaving no room for doubt. "We'll work on expanding your upper jaw and placing the lower appliance. It will be a long process and somewhat uncomfortable, but it's necessary to correct your dental issues."

Juan nodded, trying to maintain his composure. He lay back in the chair, closing his eyes as the doctor prepared.

The doctor's assistant began with a thorough cleaning of his mouth. Juan felt the cold water and the scraping of dental instruments, but he knew this was just the beginning.

"First, we'll remove the separators we placed ten days ago," explained the doctor. "They’ve created space for the bands that will hold the expander and the bite plate."

With precise movements, the doctor removed the separators. Juan felt a mix of relief and nervousness as he watched the small rubber bands being extracted from between his teeth.

Dr. García took out the upper expander and bite plate and showed them to Juan. They were large and complicated devices, full of metal and acrylic parts. Juan felt a knot in his stomach as he saw them.

"This is the expander for your upper jaw," the doctor explained, pointing to the different parts. "This central screw is where you’ll insert the key to turn it twice a day, always before bed. This acrylic piece is the bite plate. It will hit your incisors to correct the deep bite, so your molars won’t make contact for quite some time."

Juan nodded, feeling a shiver down his spine. The thought of having this appliance in his mouth terrified him, but he knew it was necessary.

The doctor continued, "We'll numb the palate for the placement of the micro-screws. This might be a bit uncomfortable."

Juan swallowed and closed his eyes as he felt the needle penetrate his palate. The sensation was unpleasant but not painful. Gradually, the area began to numb.

The doctor placed a mouth opener to facilitate access and began to cement the expander in place. "I’m going to fix the appliance now," she said as she applied the dental cement. "This will keep the expander in place."

With quick and precise movements, the doctor inserted the four micro-screws into the upper jaw. Juan felt an acute pressure, but the anesthesia prevented the pain. However, the sound of the drill and the pressure on his palate were unsettling.

"Now we’ll move on to the lower appliance," the doctor continued. "This is the lower expander, accompanied by a lip bumper. This screw here is where you’ll turn it each night. The acrylic of the lip bumper will be between your lip and teeth to correct the lip-sucking habit and help create space for your teeth."

The doctor adjusted the lower expander, trying it in Juan’s mouth before proceeding with cementing it. The sensation of the cold metal in his mouth and the tension of the appliances began to build up.

Finally, after what seemed like an endless process, the doctor finished adjusting and cementing the appliances. With an efficient gesture, she began to remove the mouth opener.

"All set, Juan. We’ll take out the mouth opener, and I’ll give you some final instructions," said the doctor as she made the last adjustments. Juan felt a mix of relief and anxiety as he thought about closing his mouth and experiencing the full sensation of the appliances for the first time.

The doctor paused before proceeding, making sure everything was in place and ready for the next step.

Hello i am spanish too! But i got braces too. Fascinated story! Pv?

Chapter 9: Facing the First Day

The first night was a torment for Juan. He couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep in. Every time he closed his mouth, he felt the metal and acrylic filling every possible space. Saliva continued to accumulate, and more than once he had to get up to spit it out in the bathroom. His mind, full of worry and anxiety, wouldn’t let him rest.

How am I going to deal with all this? he thought over and over.

At 7:30 in the morning, the sound of his alarm pulled him from a light and fragmented sleep. He got up with a heavy feeling throughout his body, beyond just physical discomfort.

Juan went to the kitchen, determined to stick to his morning routine despite everything. He made his black coffee and a bowl of oatmeal with protein and creatine, just as he did every morning before his CrossFit session. However, eating turned out to be a monumental challenge.

He took the first spoonful of oatmeal, trying to swallow it carefully. The texture felt strange in his appliance-filled mouth. He tried to chew, but the lack of contact between his molars and the discomfort of the bite plate made it nearly impossible. He struggled to swallow, but saliva accumulated faster than he could manage it.

After several failed attempts, he put down the spoon and looked at himself in the kitchen mirror. The image staring back at him made him tremble. His lower lip protruded, and the appliances were visible every time he tried to move his mouth. Desperation and embarrassment overtook him.

How am I going to face people today?

Despite his fears, he decided not to cancel his CrossFit session. He arrived at the box a few minutes late, trying to avoid his teammates in the locker room. He changed quickly, wishing no one would see him. The familiarity of the place, which had always been a refuge for him, now seemed intimidating.

When he walked out to the training area, Fernando was already there, waiting. "Hey, Juan! Everything okay? You're late, that’s not like you," he greeted with his usual enthusiasm.

Juan forced a smile, knowing he couldn’t hide his appliances. "Sorry... I... was... delayed," he said, trying to speak with as little difficulty as possible.

Fernando frowned slightly. "What do you have in your mouth?"

Juan sighed, unable to avoid the conversation. "Orthod... orthodontics... new," he replied, the words coming out distorted by the metal in his mouth.

Fernando looked at Juan with a mix of surprise and concern. "Wow, that sounds complicated. Are you okay to train?"

"Yes... I'll try," Juan replied, though he wasn’t entirely sure.

The class began, and Juan quickly realized that breathing was more difficult than usual. The appliances in his mouth made it hard to take in air, and he felt he was getting fatigued faster. Every time he tried to speak or give instructions to Fernando, the words came out clumsy and distorted, which made him feel even more embarrassed.

As the class progressed, other members of the group started to notice something different about Juan. His silence and the strange gestures he made while trying to close his mouth did not go unnoticed. The metal and acrylic gleamed every time he opened his mouth to breathe or speak.

"Juan, what’s going on with you?" asked one of the teammates, with a tone of curiosity.

"Ortho... doncia," Juan explained, feeling the embarrassment burning inside him.

Reactions were mixed. Some showed indifference, others understanding, but there were also those who mocked his new appearance. One of the younger members of the group, Carlos, couldn’t resist making a sarcastic comment.

"Wow, Juan, you look like a robot with all that stuff in your mouth," he said, causing some laughter.

Fernando quickly intervened. "Come on, Carlos, leave him alone. It’s not easy for him."

Juan appreciated his friend’s gesture but couldn’t avoid feeling humiliated. Each exercise was a battle not only against physical fatigue but also against humiliation and fear. How am I going to keep this up? he wondered, as sweat dripped down his forehead and his mouth felt fuller and more painful with each passing minute.

After the class, it was traditional for the group to head to a nearby bar for a beer and to relax after the effort. Juan headed to the locker room, still lost in his thoughts and struggling to manage the saliva in his mouth. Fernando accompanied him, noticing his friend’s evident discomfort.

"Are you coming to the beer?" Fernando asked, trying to cheer him up.

Juan hesitated, feeling a mix of fear and resignation. "Yes... but... not... for long," he replied, aware that talking and eating in public was going to be an even bigger challenge.

After showering, they headed to the bar. Juan tried to stay silent, fearing that each word that came out of his mouth would attract more unwanted attention. Sitting at an outdoor table, they began to relax a bit. Laura, a classmate, joined them.

"Hi guys, how was the workout?" Laura asked with a smile.

"Good, tough as always," Fernando replied, while Juan tried not to draw attention.

Laura looked at Juan and noticed his discomfort. "Are you okay, Juan? You look a bit different," she commented.

"Yes... ortho... orthodontics," Juan replied, embarrassed.

Laura nodded understandingly. "It must be tough at first, but you’ll get used to it."

Carlos, who had also joined the group, couldn’t resist another comment. "I just hope you don’t start sounding like a robot all the time," he said, laughing.

Juan felt a knot in his stomach, but Fernando intervened again. "Come on, Carlos, that’s enough."

Despite Fernando and Laura’s support, Juan felt increasingly uncomfortable. The beer helped a bit, but the constant presence of the appliances and the difficulties in speaking reminded him of his new reality.

At the end of the gathering, Fernando turned to Juan. "Do you want to come to dinner with us? María is making something and would love to see you."

Juan hesitated, feeling tears welling up in his eyes. "No... thank... you. I need... to go... home."

Fernando looked at him with concern. "Are you sure? We can help you."

"No... really... thank you," Juan replied, feeling on the verge of breaking down.

Fernando nodded, respecting his decision. "Okay, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me."

As Juan walked away from the group, he encountered Laura, who had stayed behind for a moment.

"Juan, are you okay?" she asked, noticing the anguish on his face.

Juan tried to speak, but the words came out clumsy and full of saliva. "I... find... it very... hard," he managed to say.

Laura looked at him with compassion. "What exactly did they put in? If you don’t mind sharing..."

Juan sighed, overwhelmed, but decided to show her. He opened his mouth and pointed to the different appliances. "This... expander... with... screws... and... this... is... bite plate. Down... expander... and... lip bumper," he explained, his words coming out with difficulty.

Laura nodded, trying to understand. "It must be very hard for you. But I’m sure you’ll get used to it. If you need to talk or anything, I’m here."

Juan felt a bit relieved seeing the understanding in Laura’s eyes. "Thank you," he said, feeling that at least someone understood him.

"By the way, I’m a dentist and I’m studying orthodontics. If you want, I can help you understand what you’re wearing and how to take care of it. We could meet tonight to talk more calmly," Laura offered.

Juan, surprised, replied timidly: "Y... you know I can... hardly... eat."

"Don’t worry," Laura said with a smile. "We’ll just talk and have something. The important thing is that you don’t feel alone in this."

Feeling a bit more encouraged by Laura’s kindness, Juan accepted her offer. "Okay... thank you."

Juan walked towards his home, feeling the weight of his new reality. Each step brought him closer to the solitude of his house, where he could finally let out all the emotions he had been holding back.

Chapter 11: A Sunday of Reflection

Sunday dawned under a gray sky, and Juan woke up at 8:00 AM, feeling a heaviness that seemed to go beyond physical fatigue. The discomfort of the appliances and the persistent pressure in his mouth were the first reminders of the day. He got up slowly, aware that the day was going to be long and challenging.

As he headed to the bathroom, he looked at himself in the mirror and noticed that his lower lip was visibly chapped. The dryness and pain in his lips were more intense than he had anticipated. He decided to use Vaseline to hydrate them, applying a generous layer that temporarily relieved the burning sensation. Despite this, the feeling of his cut lips persisted, and he wondered if he would ever get used to the new reality of his mouth full of metal and acrylic.

With his lips feeling relieved, Juan prepared breakfast. He opted for an oatmeal smoothie with protein and creatine, and black coffee. As he prepared the meal, he tried to maintain a positive attitude, but soon realized that the amount of saliva accumulating in his mouth remained a problem. The smoothie was more difficult to manage than he had anticipated; the oatmeal slid around and the liquid seeped between the appliances, complicating the situation further.

While eating, Juan found himself taking frequent pauses to clean the saliva escaping from his mouth, ruining his attempts to enjoy breakfast. The discomfort increased, and the difficulty swallowing made him feel even more frustrated. After breakfast, he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth; the process was exhaustive and meticulous. He used his toothbrush carefully to clean between the appliances, feeling that the time spent maintaining hygiene was endless.

After finishing his oral hygiene routine, Juan decided to use the remaining time to prepare and grade exams. He had been putting off this task and now needed to face it. He sat at his desk, surrounded by papers and pending tasks, and began to review his students' work. However, his mind was elsewhere. Whenever he tried to concentrate, the worry about the next day distracted him.

As time passed, the anxiety increased. The thought of facing his students with appliances in his mouth and the difficulty of speaking was overwhelming. He tried to practice how he would explain the lessons, but realized that his tongue tired quickly and the amount of saliva he had to swallow became increasingly uncomfortable. The strange gesture he made while trying to swallow was a constant reminder of his new reality.

At 6:00 PM, he received a message from Laura asking if he wanted to go out for a drink. Although Juan was hesitant, he decided that a change of scenery would help him distract himself and relieve accumulated stress. At 7:00 PM, he met Laura at a nearby café. The conversation started on a light note, but soon delved into deeper topics.

Laura noticed Juan's discomfort and reminded him to continue hydrating his lips. "Don’t forget to keep using Vaseline to keep your lips hydrated. It’s important to prevent them from chapping further."

Juan opened up to Laura about his fears and concerns. He told her about his difficult childhood in foster care and how he had never been taken to the dentist. The recent diagnosis from his dentist and the need for orthodontic appliances had been a hard blow for him. "I always knew my teeth needed attention, but I never imagined it would be so complicated. My childhood wasn’t easy, and now facing all this is just another test."

Laura explained how the bite plate's bite opening could improve his facial profile. "The fact that the bite plate is working on your bite opening will help improve your facial profile. It will increase your third facial third, which could make you look more attractive."

The comment made Juan blush and gave him a shy smile, but it also reminded him of the discomfort of his situation. His lip got caught in the lip bumper, and he tried to correct it quickly while feeling even more embarrassed.

Dinner arrived at the table, and Juan began to eat, following Laura's advice. The meal was a bit easier to manage, although there were still difficulties. The need to use the lower incisors with the bite plate for chewing was a new challenge that Juan was learning to face. Laura's comment about how the treatment would improve his facial profile kept running through his mind, and Laura's kindness provided unexpected support.

Juan decided to go for a soft meal, avoiding the rice that had been a disaster the day before. He chose mashed potatoes with small pieces of chicken, following Laura's suggestion. She explained that eating in small pieces and using the lower incisors with the bite plate would help him get used to chewing with the appliances.

"The chicken will help you practice chewing," Laura said while observing Juan trying to manage the food in his mouth. "But remember to take it in small pieces and use the contact of your lower incisors with the bite plate."

Juan nodded, grateful for the advice. Although chewing was still difficult, the small pieces of chicken were more manageable than other foods. However, each bite required a conscious effort and pauses to swallow the saliva that constantly accumulated.

After dinner, Laura and Juan continued talking. Juan confessed his fears about the next day, especially about how his students would react to seeing him with the appliances. "They can be cruel," he said, recalling some confrontations with students and the embarrassment he felt when meeting them at the clinic. "I’ve had some issues with them in the past, and now this only heightens my insecurities."

Laura tried to reassure him. "Remember, anything new requires adaptation, and in this case, your mouth is undergoing a big change. Over time, you’ll get used to it."

Juan also mentioned his fears about how his students might react to seeing his appliances. "They can be cruel," he said, recalling some confrontations with students and the embarrassment he felt when meeting them at the clinic. "I’ve had some issues with them in the past, and now this only heightens my insecurities."

Laura explained how the bite plate’s bite opening could improve his facial profile. "The fact that the bite plate is working on your bite opening will help improve your facial profile. It will increase your third facial third, which could make you look more attractive."

The comment made Juan blush and gave him a shy smile, but it also reminded him of the discomfort of his situation. His lip got caught in the lip bumper, and he tried to correct it quickly while feeling even more embarrassed.

As the night progressed, Juan realized there was still a difficult part of the day left: activating the expanders. He confessed to Laura that it was the first time he would have to do it alone and that it had been very painful at the clinic. Laura offered to accompany him and guide him through the process. Although Juan was reluctant, he eventually agreed.

They returned to Juan’s home, and Laura helped him prepare for the activation. First, he meticulously brushed his teeth, following Laura’s advice on how to use interdental brushes to clean the area between the expander and the palate, and behind the bite plate. The embarrassment of seeing himself in the mirror with all the appliances mixed with a special sense of connection with Laura, who was being very supportive.

Laura guided him through the activation process, making sure Juan did it correctly. "Remember, you need to turn the screw carefully. It will be painful, but it’s important for your treatment."

Juan felt intense pain as he turned the screw of the upper expander. The second turn was even more painful, and a tear escaped involuntarily. Laura offered comfort, placing a hand on his shoulder and telling him he was doing a great job.

After completing the activation, Laura noticed a small space starting to open between Juan’s palate. "It’s a sign that the treatment is working," she said, trying to keep Juan’s spirits up.

Juan asked how long the activation would last. "From what they told me, you’ll need to do this twice a day for a few weeks," Laura replied, understanding better the pain Juan was experiencing.

With Laura saying goodbye and promising to see him again on Monday at the box, Juan felt a bit lighter, but the anxiety remained. He lay in bed, immersed in thoughts about the day ahead. The conversation with Laura and the support she had provided were comforting, but the reality of facing a class full of teenagers with his orthodontic appliances was still frightening.

As the night went on, Juan realized that despite the efforts and support received, he couldn’t escape the anxiety he felt about the next day. The fear of how his students would receive him and the challenge of adapting to his new situation remained major concerns. The night became a time for reflection, and Juan wondered if he was truly prepared to face what awaited him

Chapter 13: The Ten Days of Transition

Tuesday
Tuesday started similarly to Monday, with Juan waking up with pain in his mouth. This time, however, the space between his incisors was more noticeable and the discomfort in his palate persisted. He got out of bed carefully and headed to the bathroom for his morning routine. After brushing his teeth and applying petroleum jelly to his cut lips, he prepared to face another day at school.

The commute to work was less anxious than the previous day. Although he still felt people’s stares on the street, his confidence had improved slightly thanks to Laura and Fernando’s support. Upon arriving at the school, he encountered more comments and laughter from some students, but he tried to ignore them and focus on his work.

The classes went through ups and downs. During one of the lessons, a particularly mocking student kept making sarcastic remarks.

—Teacher, are you having trouble speaking? —he said with a restrained laugh.

Juan, trying to stay calm, responded:

—A little. Focus on the class.

Although some students laughed, others seemed to understand and showed more empathy. Throughout the day, Juan noticed that his ability to handle the discomfort was improving, albeit slowly.

In the afternoon, he decided to send a message to Laura to thank her for her support.

—Hi, Laura. I just wanted to thank you for being there. Today was a bit better than yesterday.

Laura responded quickly.

—I’m glad to hear that, Juan! Remember, each day will be a little easier. Hang in there!

Wednesday
Wednesday brought a new routine for Juan. Besides his usual pain and discomfort, he began to notice small improvements in his ability to speak more clearly. He decided to make a conscious effort to speak more slowly and enunciate each word carefully.

During CrossFit, he pushed himself to the limit, trying not to let the comments from others affect him. Fernando continued to be a great support, encouraging him in every exercise.

—Come on, Juan. You can handle this and more —Fernando said, giving him a pat on the back.

Juan felt a renewed energy thanks to his friend's motivation. After the class, they met up with Laura, who had also finished her workout.

—I see you’re doing better today, Juan. How are you feeling? —Laura asked.

—A little better, thanks. The exercises and advice are helping —Juan replied, smiling despite the discomfort.

Thursday
On Thursday, Juan noticed that his lips were less chapped thanks to the constant application of petroleum jelly and Laura’s advice. Although the pain was still present, he was starting to get used to the daily routine of cleaning and activating the expanders.

At school, things weren’t as difficult as he had expected. The students seemed to be getting used to his new appearance, and although the teasing hadn’t disappeared completely, it was less frequent. During one of the classes, a student asked him with genuine curiosity about his treatment.

—Teacher, how long will you have to wear those braces? —the student asked.

—About three years. Take advantage of now to get braces; it’s easier while you’re growing —Juan replied.

Some students seemed to understand and showed more empathy, which was a small but significant relief for Juan.

Friday
Friday was a particularly tough day for Juan. The pain in his mouth seemed to have intensified, and the accumulated fatigue of the week was taking its toll. Despite this, he got up and continued with his routine, remembering Laura’s encouraging words.

At CrossFit, he decided to take it a bit easier. Fernando noticed his exhaustion and suggested that he not push himself too hard.

—Juan, it’s okay to slow down a bit. You’re doing a great job, but don’t overexert yourself —Fernando said.

Juan nodded, grateful for his friend's understanding.

The day at school was similar to the previous ones, with occasional comments and laughter, but also with moments of empathy and support from some students and colleagues. During the faculty meeting, a colleague, Marta, approached him.

—Juan, how’s it going with the braces? My nine-year-old daughter also got an expander and she’s having a hard time —Marta said.

—It’s tough, Marta. But at least it’s progressing. I hope your daughter handles it as best as possible —Juan replied, feeling a bit embarrassed sharing his experience as an adult with such unusual braces.

By the end of the day, Juan felt relieved that the workweek was over.

Saturday
On Saturday morning, Juan headed to CrossFit for partner training. He knew it would be a challenge, but having Fernando’s support gave him the confidence he needed. They paired up and began the routine, working together on each exercise.

—Come on, Juan. Just a little more —Fernando said, encouraging him.

After the workout, they went to a nearby bar for a couple of beers. The conversation flowed easily, with laughter and sharing stories from the week. Fernando was great company, and his constant support made the difficulties seem more manageable.

Later, Juan met up with Laura for lunch. They sat at a table on the restaurant’s terrace, enjoying the sun and good weather. Juan opted for a vegetable soup, while Laura chose a salad.

—Thanks for inviting me, Laura. This week has been very tough, but your advice has really helped —Juan said.

—I’m glad to hear that. How are you feeling today? —Laura asked.

—A little better. I’m starting to get used to it, but it’s still hard. The workouts help distract me —Juan replied.

Sunday
On Sunday, Juan decided to spend time preparing his lessons for the following week. He spent the morning grading exams and planning lessons. Although the work helped distract him from the pain and discomfort, he also felt a growing anxiety about facing another week of teasing and comments.

In the afternoon, he received a message from Fernando.

—Do you want to watch the soccer game tonight? We can order some food and relax.

Juan accepted the invitation, grateful for the company and distraction. They spent the evening watching the game, chatting, and laughing. However, when the pizza arrived, Juan found it difficult to eat. He struggled to bite into a slice as his lower incisors only made contact with the bite plate, which embarrassed him in front of Fernando.

—Are you okay, Juan? —Fernando asked, noticing his discomfort.

—Yes, it’s just hard to eat with these braces —Juan replied, feeling a bit down.

Fernando gave him a pat on the back and encouraged him to keep going.

Monday
Monday marked the start of a new week and, with it, new challenges for Juan. The pain in his teeth and gums was still present, but he noticed that his resilience was improving. The routine of expanding activations became a bit more bearable each day, though the pain remained considerable.

At school, things were similar to the previous week. However, he noticed that some students seemed more understanding and less inclined to make malicious comments. During one of his classes, a student approached him after the lesson.

—Teacher, I talked to my older brother about your treatment. He also had to use expanders and says it’s very painful. I hope you get better soon —the student said with a shy smile.

Juan felt a wave of gratitude for the empathy shown. Small gestures like that gave him encouragement to keep going.

Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, Juan woke up with a slight decrease in the pain in his mouth. Although the discomfort was still present, he felt more capable of facing the day. At CrossFit, Fernando greeted him with his usual enthusiasm.

—Good morning, champion! Ready for another round of exercises? —Fernando said.

—Sure, let’s go for it —Juan replied with a smile, even though his lower lip got caught in the lip bumper once again.

After the workout, he met with Laura, who noticed his progress.

—I see you’re doing better today, Juan. How are things going? —Laura asked.

—A little better, thanks to you and Fernando. I’m starting to get used to the braces, although it’s still difficult —Juan replied.

Wednesday
On Wednesday, Juan found himself thinking about the upcoming check-up with his orthodontist. As the date approached, he felt a mix of anxiety and hope. He hoped to receive good news and some indication that his treatment was progressing correctly.

At school, the classes went normally, although there were still some awkward moments. During a break, Miguel, a colleague, asked:

—Hey, Juan, why so worried about your teeth? Is it something recent?

—Yes, I’ve started with orthodontics recently. It’s more complicated than I thought —Juan replied.

Miguel, interested in the topic, showed empathy and shared his own experience with dental problems. The conversation made Juan feel a bit better.

Thursday
On Thursday, Juan continued with his routine of classes and CrossFit, feeling that the pain in his teeth and gums had decreased a bit. Laura sent him a message to check how he was doing.

—Hi, Juan. How are you feeling today? I hope you’re feeling better —Laura said.

—A bit better. Thanks for asking. I’m trying to stay positive —Juan replied.

Laura reminded him to keep up with his oral hygiene and diet to maximize the benefits of his treatment.