Worst appointment ever!

[Snowglobe32]

Hello all,

I went in today, got my wires removed, went to get my teeth cleaned then went back to the ortho for new wires. The assistant, who has only been there about 6 weeks, couldn't get the bottom wire in properly. I have SureSmile wires so the kinks are already in....it was the worst adjustment ever. Another girl came over, couldn't get the wire past one point either so the Dr. had to come over. A simple wire change took 1 1/2 hours. I was supposed to go to work after, but the appointment took too long.

With the new assistant, she puts all of her strength into her whole body when she is doing stuff. Her movements were quick and forceful. So the simpliest thing, like opening up the gates on my SL brackets, were painful because it seemed as though every time she yanked, she yanked with her whole body. If I was a child sitting in the chair, I would have been in tears. I told her that she was very strong and that she uses her whole body, so every time she does something it is uncomfortable. Then I tried to explain how the strength should just be in her hands. Do you know what I mean? I have never had an assistant who uses her whole body strength. I was nice about giving her my critique...the ortho gave her a hard time because she didn't blow air on my brackets after the wires were out. Does you ortho do this?

After the wire comes out, you brush and rinse, then he wants them to blow air on the open brackets incase anything is lodged in there. I told her that no one else had ever done that before. I also asked if I was the worst wire change she had so far and she said yes. Luckily for me and her, I have a high threshold for pain.

I ended up getting new wires and a powerchain on the top and bottom. Needless to say, I will be in pain for at least the next two days. I go back on Halloween for new powerchains.

I did like how my ortho took his time teaching and explaining to the new girls (there were 3 total) what was happening. As I was waiting (in between breaks) I could hear them as he was working on other patients.

This Friday (9/30) is my two year mark. I am pretty sure we have another 4-5 months. I didn't ask how much longer but I am okay with going over. I paid too much money to not get as close to perfect as possible. Oh and the best part ever- I made my last payment today!

[MisAligned]

Hello

It's nice to see someone else doing SureSmile. I am curious, how many SS wires have you been through? Does your ortho ever add his own kinks? Do you ever get frustrated waiting for new wires?

I have had two SS wires so far. I am due to have my third this week. But because my ortho did his own tweaking at the last visit and because things seemed to have overcorrected, I am thinking a whole new one will need to be ordered. Just a little bummed at this setback so close to the end of treatment!

I have been curious about others experiences with SS...

[Snowglobe32]

I started SS at around 17 months in (Feb. 2nd)...my ortho thought we would get a better result if we finished with SS.

I was told that I needed 5 wires and today I got wire #4 (19/25's). For the last 8 months I have only worn 3 wires, that is frustrating because we thought we would be done by now.

About 8 weeks ago, I went in for wire #4 and it turned out they sent the wrong type of wire, it was too thick and made of a different type of material. So that held me back...then I went back 6 weeks later, but instead of getting the new wire I got cross-elastics. He wanted to wait for my stubborn cross bite to fix before I went onto new wires.

I don't have to wait for new wires because they already have all of my wires. Today, when they went to get my new wires, it turned out I had duplicate wires and no on really knew why.

My ortho hasn't added his own kinks but because the wires are kinked already, I think in one trouble spot I have, it makes installing the wires difficult. I wonder why your ortho would add his own kinks if they should already be there...have you asked him? I also wonder if he will scan you again.

At my last appointment, my ortho said that I will be scanned again before I get my final wire. I couldn't be happier with SS. I paid $580 extra to have it but it has been so worth it! With the bite issues I had and a couple of previously extracted teeth, I don't think regular wires would have given me as great of a result.

I think it I started with SS from the start, I would be done now...but back then, I didn't want to pay the extra money. I would definitely recommend SS to anyone considering braces.

Good luck with your appointment this week- keep me posted.

[Kristyar0]

MisAligned,
I'm using sure smile too. I had 4 wires total and am currently on my last one. My ortho put his own bend in the last one I had, but when he put this one in it was all good! Or he might have put one in himself again without me noticing!

[ArchWired28]

Snowglobe32

I don't know what the Sure Smile is, but I am definitely excited for you and for your progress! Is that stubborn crossbite resolving or resolved on both sides already? Congratulations on being so patient and goal oriented, we all know that this always pays off in the end.

Great about the last payment too! Although money is nothing compared to the value of our health, it is good to know that you have fulfilled your financial commitment and is now ready for debanding (at least financially if not dentally LOL ).

I do know what you mean with an assistant. I have had one like that - the one that pushed with her whole body - but she's very experienced I am assuming, since other assistants call her for help. It also happened with me, after an assistant could not get the spacer in she called her and that spacer was inserted in no time. Of course it was a little rough, but whatever works.

Please keep us informed on your progress and especially on your deband date that I am sure is not so long ahead