Chicago AAO 2011

I’m on day 19 with Incognito Hidden Braces, and I can’t believe I’m in Chicago right now! The last time I was here, it must have been the late ’80s/very early ’90s, and I don’t remember very much about the city (I was quite young and on a family camping vacation…I still have no clue how my dad pulled a trailer through the traffic here).

Here I am hangin' out with Bill Cruise, 3M Unitek's president, at the AAO. We're both wearing Incognito Hidden Braces!!

I’m loving Chicago in 2011. It’s very clean and people have been so nice! I’m here with some colleagues for the American Association of Orthodontists’ trade show (AAO).  I’ve met doctors from all over the world and have been showing off my braces to anyone who wants to take a look. Most were shocked I was wearing braces as I was speaking so clearly, and they were even more shocked they’ve only been on for about two weeks.

Speaking all day, every day, for the past three days has taken its toll, though.  Not only have I lost my voice (it’s quite raspy), but I’ve also re-learned what it’s like speaking with my braces.  After I adjusted, I thought my lisp would be gone for good!  However, I noticed it’s back with a vengeance.  My tongue feels tired and a bit raw on the edges.

If you’re expecting to speak a lot with Incognito Hidden Braces, at least in the first three weeks, make sure you:

Use Your Wax

I know I’ve said this before, but I wish I took my own advice.  I thought I could tough it out, but my speech became so sloppy by the end of the day.  USE THE WAX.  I found that if I put it on my back four brackets on the bottom teeth (two per side), and the two brackets at the very back of my top teeth (one per side), I spoke much, much better.

Showing off my awesome fashion statement in the 3M booth at the AAO. No crutches and no visible braces – very liberating!

Speak Early in the Day

It’s much better to speak first thing in the morning than at night.  If you’re going to speak to a large audience, try to go first.  If you work on the phone all day, try to get the early shift.  If you’re at a trade show, just tough it out as you have to speak all day.

Slow Down

When you speak fast, it just sounds like a slurred mess.  Admittedly, I am not very good at this, but if you can, you’ll notice you sound a lot better (clearer) when you slow down.

Say it, Don’t Spray it

I’ve been salivating a lot more with my braces, at least I notice it more.  Be sure to swallow before speaking, or you may just shower someone with saliva.

I know those aren’t new tips, but they’re seriously so important to take to heart if you want to sound like yourself. 

Beyond speaking, I’ve noticed snacking has become a hassle! I no longer want pizza at 4 a.m. because I just don’t want to suck the crust out of my brackets before bed.  Similarly, I skip the cookies and other conference break goodies so I don’t have to rush to brush all the time.  I still have to skip the salad as I can’t chew the lettuce enough before swallowing (trust me, I tried). 

By the way, while at the AAO, I tried out this really neat air flosser from Philips.  I loved it!  Flossing takes forever with lingual braces.  I am going to see if I can get one and I’ll show you how it works.  I wish I had taken a picture in the booth!  It basically blasts water (or mouthwash) in between your teeth to clean them.  Genius!