Chapter 15: Two Weeks of Adjustment

The two weeks following Juan's dental review became a series of ongoing challenges and adjustments. From the persistent pain in his teeth to the difficulty of adapting to the new routine with his braces, each day brought new trials. Juan woke up every morning with a feeling of pressure and pain in his incisors, exacerbated by the recent adjustment. Despite his efforts to stay positive, the pain and discomfort often exceeded his tolerance.

During the first week, Juan focused on establishing a routine to help manage his new treatment. He got up early, applied petroleum jelly to his chapped lips, and prepared a soft breakfast. He often opted for yogurt, fruit puree, and oatmeal, trying to avoid foods that could cause discomfort or complicate the cleaning of his braces. Each meal became a battle against saliva buildup, a constant problem that led him to swallow frequently and deal with an uncomfortable sensation in his mouth.

At the CrossFit box, things remained challenging. Although Fernando and Laura were back at training, Juan couldn’t help but feel that his performance was limited by his braces. The discomfort in his mouth and the need to adjust his breathing due to the braces affected his ability to focus and perform at his best.

Fernando and Laura, though understanding, couldn’t help but make some friendly comments that sometimes felt like criticism. During one particularly tough session, Fernando remarked:

—Wow, teacher! It seems like the braces are making your abs work harder than you.

Fernando's laughter and the chuckles from the other trainees made Juan feel even more uncomfortable. Despite the camaraderie, the situation was a constant reminder of his personal struggle with the braces.

Classes continued to be a constant challenge for Juan. Although his students were mostly understanding, some couldn’t resist making inappropriate comments about his appearance. The situation worsened when a group of students began to laugh at him during a lesson.

—Why do you talk like that, teacher? —asked a student with a mocking smile.

Juan tried to maintain calm and authority, but his difficulty speaking and the constant buildup of saliva made his response less effective than he would have liked. The situation became even more uncomfortable when his attempt to reprimand the students only resulted in more laughter and derisive comments.

Despite these challenges, Juan worked hard to maintain control and continue with his lessons, trying not to let the teasing affect his teaching.

During free time in the faculty room, Juan had some conversations with colleagues. Overall, the reception from his peers was mixed. Some colleagues were understanding and offered words of encouragement, while others seemed indifferent to his situation.

Marta, who had previously talked about her daughter’s expander, showed genuine support. During one conversation, she said to Juan:

—I know it’s tough and can be uncomfortable, but believe me, it will all pass. My daughter went through this and now she’s much better.

Juan felt relieved by Marta’s support, but most conversations with other colleagues remained brief and sometimes superficial. Time in the faculty room was often filled with trivial chatter that didn’t offer much comfort.

As the second week progressed, Juan began to notice some positive changes in his adjustment to the braces. Although pain and discomfort were still present, he started finding ways to better manage the situation. Laura’s advice on chewing and eating proved helpful; he discovered that chewing slowly and in small bites helped reduce pain and improve his ability to eat.

However, saliva buildup remained a constant problem. Whenever Juan tried to speak or focus on a task, saliva would accumulate and he had to swallow frequently. This uncomfortable feeling kept him constantly aware of his braces and prevented him from feeling completely at ease.

In his daily interactions with students, Juan tried to maintain a professional attitude despite the comments and difficulty speaking. Some students, though curious, showed a degree of understanding. However, others couldn’t resist making cruel comments. During one class, a student asked:

—Why don’t you just take that off? It must hurt a lot.

Juan, struggling to keep his composure, responded:

—I can’t take it off. It’s necessary for my treatment. I ask that you show respect and understanding.

Despite his efforts to maintain a positive environment, teasing and comments remained a constant challenge. Support from some students and colleagues was reassuring, but the daily struggle to adapt to his new situation remained exhausting.

Throughout the two weeks, Juan maintained regular contact with Laura, who continued to offer support and encouragement. Although Juan’s situation wasn’t improving rapidly, Laura’s presence in his life provided a sense of normalcy and support.

Laura and Juan continued to go out for dinner occasionally. During one of these dinners, Laura asked about how he was handling the situation. Juan, though grateful for the support, felt frustrated by the slow progress.

—It’s not easy, Laura. I feel like every day is a battle. Although the advice on chewing has helped, there are still days when I feel like I can’t fully adapt —Juan said, with a mix of relief and frustration.

Laura offered words of encouragement and practical advice for better managing the braces and the situation in general. While her words were comforting, Juan couldn’t avoid feeling that he was on a long and arduous road.

Interactions with his colleagues remained a mix of support and indifference. While some offered encouraging words, others seemed distracted or indifferent. During a conversation with Miguel, another colleague, Juan was approached about his situation.

—Hey, Juan, how’s it going with those braces? —Miguel asked with a genuinely concerned expression.

Juan, though grateful for the question, explained that he was still adjusting to the treatment and dealing with constant discomfort. The conversation with Miguel was one of the few times he felt understood and supported, providing him with a brief respite from the daily struggles.

As the weekend approached, Juan prepared for his usual CrossFit training. Although Fernando and Laura were present, Juan couldn’t avoid feeling uncomfortable with his braces and the difficulty of fully participating in the training. Fernando, noticing Juan’s effort, tried to offer words of encouragement, although sometimes his comments were light-hearted and not always well-received.

—Come on, teacher! Don’t let the braces hold you back. Give it your all! —Fernando said, trying to cheer Juan up.

Despite Fernando’s effort, Juan still felt limited by his braces. The meal after training, though with friends, also turned out to be a challenge. Pizza, one of his favorite dishes, proved difficult to manage with the braces.

As the two weeks came to an end, Juan reflected on his progress and the challenges he still faced. Although he had experienced some advances in adjusting to his braces, the situation remained difficult. Persistent pain, saliva buildup, and uncomfortable interactions continued to be constant issues.

Laura’s support and the understanding of some colleagues and friends were reassuring, but Juan knew there was still a long way to go. The upcoming dental review and the ongoing adjustments remained a source of concern and anxiety.

As the next dental review approached, Juan mentally prepared himself for the challenge it would represent. Although he had experienced some progress, the possibility of new adjustments and the prospect of more pain remained concerning. He focused on following Dr. Martínez’s instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene to ensure that progress continued.