Regular dentist visit today

Today I had my first regular dentist visit since getting my braces.

Now, a little strange background on this. When I was a youngster, I of course went to the dentist regularly, and regularly had cavities that would need filling. I think four or five altogether. But then as a young adult, I stopped going. You see, I missed an appointment (due to being a lazy teenager that refused to get out of bed), and somehow I was under the impression that when I did go in, I would have to pay for both appointments, which seemed unjust to me. Where I got this idea, if it was true, and why I was even concerned when I wasn't paying my own medical bills yet anyway is all a mystery. But rather than suffer this grave injustice, I didn't go back. For 20 years.

Time just got away from me I guess. And I've had zero issues with my teeth. I've been very lucky. But my family recently found a great dentist, and I knew I was way overdue. So finally, a little over a year ago, I went to the dentist. We did x-rays, cleaning, the whole deal. No issues. I was worried sick that they would tell me that I had to have my wisdom teeth removed, but no. Everything was fine. The hygienist said I had some plaque buildup, but no worse than anyone else that gets regular checkups. They were all just completely amazed that I really hadn't hadn't been to the dentist for 20 years, and had no complications.

When I checked out, she asked if I wanted to schedule an appointment for my next cleaning in six months, and I laughed and said, "No, I'll see you in twenty years."

But then the braces thing happened, and I know that I should get regular cleanings at least while I have Invisalign because the trays trap things in them and actually promote plaque forming. So only a little over one year later, I found myself back at the dentist.

They wanted to do x-rays, but I declined and she was very polite about not pressuring me. It's not that I mind doing them, it's just that it seems unnecessary at this point for any reason other than to help pay for their machine. That's not meant as a dig against dentists, or a suggestion for other people to follow. It's just how I feel about my particular situation. I don't get my car aligned unless it's pulling or shows unusual tire wear, either.

Anyway, the visit went very well. The hygienist scraped my teeth with the pokey thing, and ran that icky paste over them, and it was all done. She was shocked at how many "buttons" we're on my teeth, and I told her that it was indeed an office record. Then the dentist came in and was just as flabbergasted. "You've even got metal ones! That's very unusual." Yes, yes, I know office record-holder here.