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Expanders Are Out After 14 Months! Before and After Pics!
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:40 pm
by jaws
Hi Everyone,
My ortho finally took out my expanders today, since I am scheduled to get my braces off in around 2 weeks and they needed to take molds for my retainers. I thought I would post some before and after pics.
I had these expanders for
14 months, so it was GREAT to get them off!
My mouth feels huge and my tongue finally has a place to rest--it's great!!
TOP BEFORE:
TOP AFTER:
BOTTOM BEFORE:
BOTTOM AFTER:
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:57 pm
by eaglesoaring
Jaws (great name by the way)-
Congrats!!!!! Wohoooo! I haven't needed expanders (wonder if I will), but what a difference! It really shows in your pics. Plus, congrats on getting your braces off! And, further...your teeth look AWESOME!!! I'm happy for you!
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:09 pm
by Traffic
Wow! What a difference! They look great.
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:21 pm
by saycheese
Awesome!
I just brushed my teeth and was feeling sorry for myself because I'm not seeing much progression.
Your pics give me hope.
Congrats!
Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:51 pm
by bracesmom
Wow, that looks so great! Do you know the name of your expander? Mine was like that only squared at the arch and it was called an E-Arch.
Mine was removed after only 4 mo then I was moved to cross elastics. I hope my palate looks that good when I'm done.
QUESTION, do your teeth fit together with your new bit comfortably? My bite has been awkward for so long, I wonder if it will ever feel normal.
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:36 am
by Dark_angel
Congratulations you must be so pleased. I wish my teeth were as great. And i know when i get rid of my headgear i will be as happy as you are today
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:58 am
by CLAmom
Wow, congratulations! I bet that feels a lot better. You're arches look amazing!
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:26 pm
by Jeneva
Jaws - your teeth look beautiful! 14 months well spent
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:41 pm
by MuleNag
I didn't know about expanders...I'm a complete newbie to this ortho stuff, but your pics are amazing and give so much hope! Congrats on your progress!
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:09 pm
by alexa
That's so awesome! Glad you're expander-free!
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:26 pm
by fitchick
WOW!
What a difference? Amazing! Seeing pictures like this make you realise its all worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Julie
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:02 pm
by jaws
Thanks everyone for your replies! It feels amazing to not have the expanders anymore, I can eat and speak, and nothing is digging into the top of my mouth!
bracesmom--my bite still doesn't feel totally normal, but my ortho plans to do a bit of retainer work on my back molars. Hopefully that will make things feel better. My teeth all line up, some of my molars just feel a little 'off'. Although you never know, maybe my teeth are now in the 'correct' positions, and I'm just not used to having a normal bite!
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:23 pm
by McGinley
saycheese wrote:
I just brushed my teeth and was feeling sorry for myself because I'm not seeing much progression.
Your pics give me hope.
Aww, that almost made me cry!
Braces with Expander at the same time
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:30 pm
by jbjalways
Ok, now Ortho #4 says he would do the expander at the same time with the braces. Has anyone heard of that? But braces 24-30 months.
Ortho #1 says expander 8-12 weeks before braces. He also says I will have a wide beautiful smile. Braces 24 months
They are about the same price, but Ortho#4's office is much friendlier and patient with all the questions I bombarded him with. He said he could get them straight and widen the arch a bit, but didn't sell the "Hollywood" wide smile like #1 did.
I'm so confused. I'm 33 and want this all over with as soon as possible. Not sure which one to pick. Help!!!
Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:25 pm
by ren
congrats!! That's such excellent news
I'm still waiting for mine to come out (almost 21 months)...is that a world record? lol
ren
