Thankfully, my daughter is quite diligent about doing exactly what the orthodontist told her to do, in regards to her braces. She doesn't chew gum, she doesn't eat popcorn, she doesn't eat candy that is sticky. She knows what happens if she does because she had a bracket come loose when she put a popsicle (not one of the forbidden foods) in her mouth and a bracket and wire were poking her in the side of her mouth. We have agreed that if she can just do what he instructs, then she'll get those braces off even sooner. Hope you will do the same!

Don't forget that braces are a HUGE investment for your family. My daughter's braces are estimated at about $5,000 by the time she is finished. The insurance pays $1000 and the rest is up to us! So I think I can understand exactly why your mother is as concerned as she is!!! Just try to understand her feelings a little more.