Erin
I'm glad you are feeling better. The anti-b/x must be attacking that darned infection. If you feel better believe that you are.

Having 2 teeth fused together sounds painful. I hope it also was part of the problem and has been resolved.

I don't grind my teeth but I clench them. So much so my gums bleed and my jaw aches. I just had a nightguard made for my bottom teeth last week. It certainly has helped a bit. Although I've very tense due to my ankle saga.

$5k+ for braces. How do parents pay for them? Maybe kids are cheaper? Have you looked into veneers, they just cover the front of the tooth and would hide the crookedness. Just thinking aloud.

Keep drinking liquids and flush that infection out of your system.