In late June 2007 a routine dental appointment became the stepping-stone to a life-changing event. This is the continuation of that story.

No one noticed at first. But I was very aware of the way I spoke. I had a lisp! My boss asked me what was wrong and I when I told her nothing her mouth fell open. Finally the response I wanted. It felt great and all but wasn’t the right time yet this was merely a temporary situation. The true test would be a two weeks later

During the course of two weeks eating became a pain. Normally I ate hard things with the side of my mouth, because of the gap hard things poked the gum and caused bleeding, but now I had to eat everything that way. From pudding (too cold) to pasta (too soft) soda was too sweet and water was too wet. Once I tried to eat an apple but could only scrape the surface.

Eating was not the only thing affected. My speech pattern changed. I avoided the “F,” “S,” and the “TH” sound. It was kind of embarrassing speaking the same was a toddler does. I noticed that my voice was a bit higher with the frontal blockage. I almost put my social life on hold, but I couldn’t miss out.

At the bar, drinking a beer became a lesson in bar acrobatics. I had to either use a straw or slurp it back while tipping the glass. After the first night or so I vowed to stick to cocktails for the duration. On Friday the 13th of July, a friend and I were walking from the bar and decided to stop and get pizza. As the English would say I was piss drunk. And stupidly forgot to that I couldn’t bite with my shield. During our four-block walk I managed to remember. But in the drunken haze I fiercely bit with my front teeth, the shield. I felt and heard a loud pop. And soon there was a cold excruciating pain

The shield had broken. Four days before my veneers were to be placed in. I had to work the two more days. Quickly I placed the pieces in my pocket and hurried home, cursing myself the entire time.

The next morning I inspected my masterful work. On piece still remained on one tooth. I rushed to the drug store and bought some denture cement. As suggest, in case of emergency, by the dentist. And frantically tried to replace the fragments. No success the cement just wouldn’t stick. I ran to the drug store and tried another brand. No luck there.

I continued my workday keeping my mouth shut the entire time. Barely stopping to eat. Frowning with anger and ignoring anything said to me. I let them think I was just grumpy. At home, I tried again. I had hometown friends coming to party, that night but nothing worked. So I cancelled with a family emergency. For the next three days I sulked. Sunday I stayed inside and Monday at work I just remained “pissed off.”