Braces put on today (May 14)

[elektro]

Aaaaah I'm getting a slight lisp! It's weird, my speech was fine when I got the braces put on, but now my "s" sounds a bit funny. It's not like a "th" or "sh" sound, more of a whistling "s".

Is this because my two front teeth (with the diastema) are starting to move (it's been a month now since braces went on), causing me to have to subconsciously "re-learn" where to put my tongue for the "s" sound" Because I am guessing that the two front teeth are important in making the "s".

[elektro]

Thanks guys.

Also I have a question regarding my frenulum. Will it need to be cut out? Or will the teeth be able to close even with it there? The orthodontist said they aren't usually cut out these days because it doesn't matter if it stays there, but I just wondered if it would cause problems down the track.

[elektro]

Hey again guys.

Had my first adjustment two days ago, and got a thicker archwire put on + elastics. The elastics run from my first upper canines to my second back molars on the bottom.

I may be crazy, but I think I am defintiely seeing some more movement and gap closure with the new archwire in, even though it's only been on about 48 hours. The discomfort I had when I first got the braces has returned, though not as severe as it was the first time. I can also feel the elastics constantly putting pressure on my teeth.

Anyway, the braces have been on 62 days total now...it's a long journey but I'm slowly getting there...

[elektro]

How often should I change my elastics? Right now I'm changing them in the morning before work, and in the evening before bed.

[Bellita]

elektro! i am so excited to find someone like me! i also have a gap in my two front teeth, I will be getting braces in a few weeks. My major concern is how long will it take to close or significantly minimize the gap? Mine is a bit smaller than yours. How long did it take you?

As for the frenectomy my ortho told me that after treatment was done I could choose wether i wanted it or not. and she said it is not a big deal at all. either you want it nipped or you dont, and after all the pain braces cause, a frenectomy is a piece of cake.

[elektro]

An update...

Here are my teeth as of Tuesday July 31 (78 days with braces). The central gap has closed a bit compared to my first photo (I think):



As you can see I have my elastics on, too. Overall I'm happy with my progress.

[MegoLego]

Looking good Elektro!
I had a gap inbetween my two front teeth but now im in retainers.

[elektro]

New update: got a powerchain and thicker wire put on today, and the elastics came off. Here's what my teeth look like now (about an hour after the appointment):



My ortho said the powerchain will close up the gaps before too long, so I can't wait until I see it doing so!

[elektro]

New update: got a powerchain and thicker wire put on today, and the elastics came off. Here's what my teeth look like now (about an hour after the appointment):



My ortho said the powerchain will close up the gaps before too long, so I can't wait until I see it doing so!

Just a quick update:



As you can see, the past two months (nearly) have done a whole lot of work in closing my gaps. I got a new blue powerchain put on last week, and I got the bottom archwire taken out for a little while because my gum was growing up into my bottom teeth So it was taken out so I can clean my bottom teeth better, and I'll get the archwire put back in next week.

Anyway, I've just hit five months in braces, and it's flown by!

[elektro]

Today marks six months since I was braced. Feels good to know that I'm at least a quarter of my estimated treatment time (if I have them on for 24 months) or a third (18 months) of the way through!

[elektro]

Just another update. Current time in braces: 7 months 25 days.

Yesterday I had my first appointment in about 8 weeks. I had a new silver powerchain put on and I can really feel it working already. My teeth have that tight feeling I'm used to after an appointment. My ortho said there's about 4mm of space total to close (There's about 1.5mm between my two upper central incisors, plus about 1mm between the each central and lateral incisor).

Now for the new part - my ortho wants to see me again in another 6 weeks to put another powerchain on, and again 4 weeks after that (I made both future appointments at once yesterday). So I've gone from up until now seeing him once every 8 weeks, to now having two appointments in the space of the next 10 weeks. Just wondered how usual this is or if there's anyone else here who has begun having their appointments spaced closer together at some point?

Either way, I'm excited because he said he's going to "get that gap closed up for me now." I mean, it's been closing up anyway up until this point, but we've also been correcting my bite and teeth alignment. But now it seems that everything else is pretty good, so the gap can finally be nailed.

I might take a photo this afternoon if I get time and post it.

-Jed

[elektro]

Quick update: Just hit 11 months in braces. Had another adjusment this morning, and got a "6" powerchain put on top and a "12" on the bottom. When I asked my orthodontist what the numbers meant, he told me the top chain is just across the front 6 teeth, and this it's stronger than a "12" (which is what I've had on the top up until now).

Needless to say I'm excited at my progress, and the front gap is now nearly closed - only about 1mm wide now if that. Hopefully by the time I have my next appointment on May 19, it will be closed (or very close to it). I will also have passed a year in braces at that appointment!

[elektro]

The adjustment this morning went well. Got a new powerchain and can already feel it pulling. The gap is almost closed! Will take pics soon and post them up.

[elektro]

Update: Here's my teeth, 12 months and 26 days into treatment.

[OhNicole]

Wow, that gap is nearly gone now! I bet you're more than happy to look in the mirror now, huh? Great progress!