First thing off is the head piece. Then she takes out the lip spreader. The second she does so, my tongue darts to inspect the new appliance. It’s weird. The rods on the side feel slick, the connecting points pushing out against my lips.
Lauren is still busy undoing my restraints. First my arms, then my legs. She guides my out of the chair and takes me back towards where the sinks are. There’s a younger girl there, 14 or so, watching me with wide eyes. Her mouth hangs a little bit open, and I notice with envy that SHE doesn’t seem to have any appliances.
Lauren points out the new additions to my mouth. The rods of the telescope appliance are gleaming, covered in spit. You can tell I have them, even when my mouth is closed. There’s two little bumps at each corner of my mouth.
Tilting my head back, I try to see what’s different with the expanders. It’s difficult because the arms of my appliance don’t allow me to open my mouth all the way. But I try.
Nothing seems to be different. Nothing there accounts for the splitting pain going through my jaws.
I go through much the same process as last time, with Lauren showing me how to care for my new additions. Only this time, there’s no baggie of rubber bands, no trying to reach for that hook in the back of my mouth. Now it’s just metal, metal, and more metal.
After showing me how to care for everything, I’m led to the front desk and an appointment is made for two (TWO!) days.
Can’t wait.
