Faerydust's braces story - 6/04/08 *progress pics*

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#31 Post by **Kara** » Fri May 02, 2008 11:19 am

Hi Faerydust. I've been MIA for a bit so I just got caught up on your story! Sounds like you've had a time! Glad the extractions went smoothly. I had the same teeth extracted on top. I have little metal springs going from my canines to the molars to close the gaps now. I cant wait to get them off! I think I have pics in my story showing what they look like. They really do the job of closing that gap but it takes some time. I'm glad you're healing well. I hope that the pain subsides soon. Keep the advil handy. That's what works the best for me.

Your teeth are looking great. Hang in there!

Kara

#32 Post by **Faerydust** » Fri May 02, 2008 11:02 pm

Thanks Kara! The extractions went smoothly, but I developed a dry socket about a week after. It was very painful. Went to the dentist for a medicated gauze packing and that relieved the pain immediately!

I'm still taking pain killers for my braces pain. The right side feels fine, but on my left the premolars/molars are sensitive and my left canine bites down on the bracket below which hurts really bad. I'm still eating soft foods. Can't wait for my teeth to feel normal again. All I can think about is the foods I miss eating. For now I've been living on soup, yogurt smoothies, and mac and cheese!

#33 Post by **Faerydust** » Sat May 03, 2008 3:21 am

Thanks Ken! My dentist said to leave the gauze dressing in the socket for 4 days, so I'm hoping that it will have started healing by then and I won't need another dressing. I haven't had any problems with that socket since it was packed!

I'd say the dry socket hurt less than braces pain, but it was pretty intense.

Since reading up more on dry socket, I found that females on hormonal contraceptives have a much higher chance of developing a dry socket. That might've been a factor in my case.

Sat May 03, 2008 3:35 am

Faerydust wrote: Since reading up more on dry socket, I found that females on hormonal contraceptives have a much higher chance of developing a dry socket. That might've been a factor in my case.

i read that too, and it happens more frequently on the lower jaw

#35 Post by **Faerydust** » Sat May 03, 2008 3:36 am

Yup, born and raised! I live on the island of Maui which is the second largest. We have nice weather and the atmosphere here is pretty slow and relaxed, but the cost of living is really high. I'm planning to move once I finish college. Not too sure where though.

#36 Post by **Faerydust** » Sat May 03, 2008 3:41 am

Â¤sabrinaÂ¤ wrote:
Faerydust wrote: Since reading up more on dry socket, I found that females on hormonal contraceptives have a much higher chance of developing a dry socket. That might've been a factor in my case.
i read that too, and it happens more frequently on the lower jaw

And that's where mine was! I guess I had a textbook case!

#37 Post by **Faerydust** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:21 am

Ken - I'm planning on going into the nursing program and becoming an R.N.. I know what you mean about paying for the weather, but after being on Maui for 25 years I feel the need to experience life somewhere else for a change. I can always come back to Maui when I'm older and more financially stable!

#38 Post by **jenny101101** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:37 am

Hi Faerydust,

Just stopping in to wish you a Happy 2 months today!!

How's the braces treating ya'?

#39 Post by **Faerydust** » Sat May 24, 2008 6:13 pm

jenny - Thanks!

I had my second adjustment yesterday and my wires were replaced with new ones, but they seemed to be the same thickness. The assistant tried to add in my wayward bottom incisor, but I couldn't handle the pain so she said we could wait and add it in another time.

My ortho said he's going to wait another few months until my front teeth straighten out a bit before working on closing the gaps, then he'll install springs.

A few of my teeth are a little sore, but I can still eat pretty well. I didn't take pics because my teeth really haven't moved much since the last adjustment.

I took my son to the mall today and I couldn't believe how many other people I saw with braces! Interestingly enough I saw more adults than teens or young kids in braces.

That's it for now!

#40 Post by **Faerydust** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:15 am

Here's some progress pics:

Nicely healed holes:

Bottom:

Open:

Left:

Right:

#41 Post by **laineyloo** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 5:56 am

Wow Faerydust!!! Great progress and so fast too. You must be delighted

#42 Post by **jenny101101** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:29 am

Hi Faerydust,

Your teeth are looking terrific!!

I love your braces....they're so discreet. Glad to see your extraction sites are healed up nicely. Woot to progress!!

#43 Post by **Faerydust** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:46 pm

Yikes, I've been MIA for quite awhile!

I've been busy with work and school, plus I lost my digital camera. Had to borrow one to take today's pics.

Since my braces are coming off soon, I thought I should post some new progress pics. Overall, I'm very pleased with the alignment of my teeth and can't wait to see how my new smile looks when the braces come off!

Now that I work in the dental field (dental assistant and taking pre-hygiene courses at school) I'm more self-conscious of the appearance of my teeth. I am so glad that I decided to go ahead with orthodontic treatment and I'm already planning on having some gum contouring and whitening done after my braces come off to improve my smile even more.

I remember coming to the forums when my treatment started and thinking this time would never come. The cost, braces pain, extractions, and dealing with food getting stuck in braces are all worth it! For those of you just beginning your braces journey, believe me, you'll be thanking yourself in the end!

Pics:

#44 Post by **Emms** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 10:20 am

Wow I just read your story, it was great to look back on all your progress pics. You must so thrilled to be counting down the days to getting your braces off, lucky you. You've done the hard work, now it's time to reap the benefits

Keep us posted please

#45 Post by **Miranda86** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:41 pm

Great story!!! Your October pics look great!! your teeth are perfect now!!

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Faerydust's braces story - 6/04/08 progress pics