Keep up the good work!
Jenn's Braces Saga: THEY'RE OFF! Cavity issues. :(
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Blonde_Metal04
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:09 am
- Location: Ventura, Ca
lol: no way- it just means that we can marvel on the different ways braces work on different mouths/teeth 
...or we can race!
...or we can race! Braces off- 12 months 1 week in braces- estimate 18-21 months!
First time in braces- Damon 3's- 01-30-06 - 02-09-2007 hawley clear retainer on top, permenant retainer on bottom
First time in braces- Damon 3's- 01-30-06 - 02-09-2007 hawley clear retainer on top, permenant retainer on bottom
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
haha belmikry, I like your idea better.
Today was my ninth adjustment (maybe I should stop counting!), and for once they concentrated on my top teeth!
Today I had to do an X-ray, my first since having the braces on. I think they called it my 'progress x-ray' or something like that. Usually they use this very uncomfortable headpiece that goes inside the ears and makes them ache, but this time they used this x-ray with an uncomfortable mouthpiece I had to bite on. It made my teeth hurt! Suffice it to say I am not a fan of x-rays!
One of the assistants took out my ligs, my wire ties, and my archwire and then Dr. Greer came in and retied all the wires, fiddled with the archwire here and there, and commented that I've had good progress--even though I told her I haven't noticed much this time around!
She said 'but what do I know?' She's joking, of course, she's been a practicing orthodontist since the late 70s.
I have noticed that my top left gap has decreased quite a bit, creating a big gap between the lateral and the canine, but that's all I've noticed.
Anyhow, they redid my top powerchains (I don't see a difference in the configuration, though), and I picked out some purple metallic ligs this time.
Without further ado, here are the pictures.
A front view:
left side (see that big gap between the lateral and canine?):
right side:
Top view, this is where you can REALLY see changes.
Bottom view--not much here, though there isn't much in the way of gaps anymore.
Today was my ninth adjustment (maybe I should stop counting!), and for once they concentrated on my top teeth!
Today I had to do an X-ray, my first since having the braces on. I think they called it my 'progress x-ray' or something like that. Usually they use this very uncomfortable headpiece that goes inside the ears and makes them ache, but this time they used this x-ray with an uncomfortable mouthpiece I had to bite on. It made my teeth hurt! Suffice it to say I am not a fan of x-rays!
One of the assistants took out my ligs, my wire ties, and my archwire and then Dr. Greer came in and retied all the wires, fiddled with the archwire here and there, and commented that I've had good progress--even though I told her I haven't noticed much this time around!
She said 'but what do I know?' She's joking, of course, she's been a practicing orthodontist since the late 70s.
I have noticed that my top left gap has decreased quite a bit, creating a big gap between the lateral and the canine, but that's all I've noticed.
Anyhow, they redid my top powerchains (I don't see a difference in the configuration, though), and I picked out some purple metallic ligs this time.
Without further ado, here are the pictures.
A front view:
left side (see that big gap between the lateral and canine?):
right side:
Top view, this is where you can REALLY see changes.
Bottom view--not much here, though there isn't much in the way of gaps anymore.
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
KK said:
Thank you! Next time I think I'll get a bright purple just for you, hahaha.
I've noticed that I smile more without thinking about how my front teeth look. Before braces, my teeth didn't hinder my smiling, exactly, but I was always aware of how my teeth looked and didn't like it. Now that my front teeth are pretty straight, I'm smiling twice as much and I'm not thinking about how it must look anymore. Very freeing!
Linda21 said:
Thank you Kiwi and Linda for your nice comments.
I have sensitive ears too, and they seem to jam those ear pieces in as far as they can. Ouch.Great your adjustment went ok jennandtonic ... although that x-ray doesn't sound all that nice. I really didn't like the one with the things in my ears ... as my ears are very sensitive and that really set me on edge!
Fantastic that Dr Greer made great comments even if you can't see the changes. It must be at a point, where she knows what she's looking for ... and best of all, your teeth are doing their job!
Your teeth are looking really great from front on! Bet that makes smiling even more enjoyable!
Take care!
PS ... love your ligs!
Thank you! Next time I think I'll get a bright purple just for you, hahaha.
I've noticed that I smile more without thinking about how my front teeth look. Before braces, my teeth didn't hinder my smiling, exactly, but I was always aware of how my teeth looked and didn't like it. Now that my front teeth are pretty straight, I'm smiling twice as much and I'm not thinking about how it must look anymore. Very freeing!
Linda21 said:
Actually, the ortho assistant just gave them a good brushing while I was in the chair. They always do that once they take the wire out, and they floss, too. It's actually kind of nice, sort of like going to the dentist to get a tooth cleaning.Our ortho's always know exactly what's going on even if half the time we think nothing or little is happening Laughing ....
Glad to hear you're making progress jennandtonnic ThumbsUp . Did you happen to give your teeth a good brush while the ligs, wire ties and archwires were out? How I long to scrub without brackets, wires and a powerchain getting in the way of a thorough brush!
Your pics are great, and I can see the gap that your refer to. Isn't that always the case: where a gap is on the close, a new gap appears elsewhere!
Anyway, luv the metallic purple ligs - look nice! - and here's too hoping you see real changes between now and your next adjustment.
Thank you Kiwi and Linda for your nice comments.
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
There isn't much to report, I just wanted to update because today I had my first dental appointment since getting my braces on.
The dental hygenist, who I've seen since I was seven, immediately commented on how gorgeous my teeth look and how she is really glad I got the braces (I got them at her recommendation AND was referred by her to Dr. Greer).
She asked how I've been taking care of my teeth and I said I thought I'd done pretty good, I'm a stickler for clean teeth and so is Dr. Greer.
When I actually got in the chair she commented again how much my teeth had changed and also complimented me on my oral hygiene. Then came the typical cleaning with the chalk-like cleaner (yuck!).
Dr. Brooks came in and said no cavities, my teeth look great, as usual!
Uneventful, but I thought I would update anyway for my future recollections.
Also, in three days it will be my SEVEN MONTH braces anniversary. Isn't that weird, I thought just yesterday I was celebrating the six month milestone?
The dental hygenist, who I've seen since I was seven, immediately commented on how gorgeous my teeth look and how she is really glad I got the braces (I got them at her recommendation AND was referred by her to Dr. Greer).
She asked how I've been taking care of my teeth and I said I thought I'd done pretty good, I'm a stickler for clean teeth and so is Dr. Greer.
When I actually got in the chair she commented again how much my teeth had changed and also complimented me on my oral hygiene. Then came the typical cleaning with the chalk-like cleaner (yuck!).
Dr. Brooks came in and said no cavities, my teeth look great, as usual!
Uneventful, but I thought I would update anyway for my future recollections.
Also, in three days it will be my SEVEN MONTH braces anniversary. Isn't that weird, I thought just yesterday I was celebrating the six month milestone?
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
Leslie022 Said:
Not much to update other than at my family reunion, my mother's cousin, Sheryl, was talking to me about how one of her daughters are starting on 'phase 2' of their braces. I was confused, asked her about what she meant, and she was telling me about how both of her daughters had to have surgery on their upper palates because of their prominent overbites--thanks to genetics! She said for each of them phase 1 costs about $5000, and phase 2 costs about the same as phase 1. On top of that, they have to wear headgear 14 hours a day. Wow! I am grateful I will never have to do anything like that!
And I had several relatives make me show them my teeth, asking how much the braces and wisdom teeth extraction had cost me. That's okay, they're family, they're allowed to ask how much things cost me.
Thank you Leslie! I wish I'd seen this earlier, but I was at a family reunion all weekend.HAPPY 7 MONTHS!!
Not much to update other than at my family reunion, my mother's cousin, Sheryl, was talking to me about how one of her daughters are starting on 'phase 2' of their braces. I was confused, asked her about what she meant, and she was telling me about how both of her daughters had to have surgery on their upper palates because of their prominent overbites--thanks to genetics! She said for each of them phase 1 costs about $5000, and phase 2 costs about the same as phase 1. On top of that, they have to wear headgear 14 hours a day. Wow! I am grateful I will never have to do anything like that!
And I had several relatives make me show them my teeth, asking how much the braces and wisdom teeth extraction had cost me. That's okay, they're family, they're allowed to ask how much things cost me.
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
Garrett said:
But anyway, thank you for the compliment on my braces, I haven't seen them anywhere else either! And thank you for commenting on my braces story.
Okay, here's an appointment update. I had one today, where I went daring and chose PINK ligs (I can't find a pink color for the font!). I REALLY like how they look!
It was an EVENTFUL appointment.
She started out by going to a more rigid bottom arch wire that is definitely tighter. I now have a powerchain going across NINE of my bottom teeth so that my bottom teeth midline can straighten up with the top midline. I didn't even notice the difference, but when she had me look in the mirror I realized my midlines really ARE off! Anyway, I can already feel the pressure from those powerchains and I must say it's not fun. And I have a tighter powerchain on one side on the top, though I can't feel which side because neither side feels any different than before.
Pics soon to follow...including one of how OFF my midline is.
I'm amazed I even had time to post this, you would not believe the amount of homework they are piling on. Oh well, I'm paying for college too, so I better keep those grades up.
Anyway, if I have not commented on your braces story lately I am sorry! I will get to you one of these days I promise!
Lord I'm so sorry I didn't see this post before! I've been so busy, I've only been able to come on this site, dash a post off, then am off to do homework again. College woes!Jennandtonic, this is the first time i have read your story and i must say it looks promising. I am mostly leaving this message to just say that i love your braces. They are so unique, i haven't seen these braces anywhere else
--Garrett
But anyway, thank you for the compliment on my braces, I haven't seen them anywhere else either! And thank you for commenting on my braces story.
Okay, here's an appointment update. I had one today, where I went daring and chose PINK ligs (I can't find a pink color for the font!). I REALLY like how they look!
It was an EVENTFUL appointment.
She started out by going to a more rigid bottom arch wire that is definitely tighter. I now have a powerchain going across NINE of my bottom teeth so that my bottom teeth midline can straighten up with the top midline. I didn't even notice the difference, but when she had me look in the mirror I realized my midlines really ARE off! Anyway, I can already feel the pressure from those powerchains and I must say it's not fun. And I have a tighter powerchain on one side on the top, though I can't feel which side because neither side feels any different than before.
Pics soon to follow...including one of how OFF my midline is.
I'm amazed I even had time to post this, you would not believe the amount of homework they are piling on. Oh well, I'm paying for college too, so I better keep those grades up.
Anyway, if I have not commented on your braces story lately I am sorry! I will get to you one of these days I promise!
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
Thank you Linda21, I will certainly try not to stress out. It may mean cutting things here and there, like not getting to see you guys' updates for a bit, but I will get to them...somehow!
She hasn't told me exactly how off my midline is, but I wager it's at least 2-3 mm's.
Good luck on that gap closing, I can certainly empathize with you on the wait for that to happen!
Okay, here are the pictures.
First, of course, my midline. The circle may be a bit hard to see because I had to do this with Paint and it always blurs a bit for some reason, but I circled the midline of my bottom teeth, and you can definitely see it has to shift to the left quite a bit.
Here's a view of the top, nice gap closing there!
This view of the bottom shows the 9 powerchain set up quite nicely (am I finally getting the hang of a digital camera, or was I just lucky?! lol!).
Here's the right side:
Left side (with my ugly jack-o-lantern gap grin!):
Here's a front view. It shows my powerchain configuration a little better than the other picture.
And a smile:
I am LOVING these pink ligs!
She hasn't told me exactly how off my midline is, but I wager it's at least 2-3 mm's.
Good luck on that gap closing, I can certainly empathize with you on the wait for that to happen!
Okay, here are the pictures.
First, of course, my midline. The circle may be a bit hard to see because I had to do this with Paint and it always blurs a bit for some reason, but I circled the midline of my bottom teeth, and you can definitely see it has to shift to the left quite a bit.
Here's a view of the top, nice gap closing there!
This view of the bottom shows the 9 powerchain set up quite nicely (am I finally getting the hang of a digital camera, or was I just lucky?! lol!).
Here's the right side:
Left side (with my ugly jack-o-lantern gap grin!):
Here's a front view. It shows my powerchain configuration a little better than the other picture.
And a smile:
I am LOVING these pink ligs!
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
juf_84 said:
Thank you for the compliments. Oh, and I love your avatar.
KK said:
Hey, we have the same name!Looking good, jennandtonic!
I love your pink ligs as well... I'm so jealous!!!!
Jennifer
Thank you for the compliments. Oh, and I love your avatar.
KK said:
Isn't it funny how even though we have braces on, we're still kind of unsure when we see imperfections? I still look at my overbite and overjet and expect it to be fixed now, hahahaha.Looking good jennandtonic! I have a seriously off midline, but Con said it will be as good as poss for my bite, when all is finished ... and that's all I needed to hear!
You did have an eventful adjustment ... and here's to loads of progress from it
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jennandtonic
- Posts: 551
- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:06 pm
Gosh, I'm so sorry that I haven't been on here much lately.
School work is crazy! I don't ever remember having this much homework, and I'm in my third year of college. So forgive me. I will get to reading all of your braces stories, it may end up being over christmas break, but I WILL get there!
For now, I have time to post on mine, maybe pop in on a few of yours.
Today is my EIGHT MONTH anniversary. I wanted to take more comparison pics, but was only able to get three before the batteries died on my digital camera, so I'll do 3 comparison shots.
On the left is a smile on day 4 of having braces, on the right is my 8 MONTH anniversary smile!
On the left is a picture of my top teeth as of June 13, 4 months ago. On the right, my top teeth today.
And lastly, on the left is a picture of the bottom teeth from May 8th, 5 months ago, and the right is a picture of my bottom teeth today.
Also, I had my ELEVENTH adjustment today. Note the pretty purple ligs.
On the top teeth, see those loops? Those are from a new archwire they put in (which I definitely feel! Ouch!) that will help move my front teeth backward. She termed it 'shorten the arch.' So I think they are trying to close the overbite/overjet a little more, as well as get rid of that jack-o-lantern smile of mine.
And I was trying to get a good picture of my midline and the improvements in that before my camera shut off, I will do that later. It looks better! And they took off the big powerchain, so it must have accomplished as much as the Dr. wanted to accomplish.[/i]
School work is crazy! I don't ever remember having this much homework, and I'm in my third year of college. So forgive me. I will get to reading all of your braces stories, it may end up being over christmas break, but I WILL get there!
For now, I have time to post on mine, maybe pop in on a few of yours.
Today is my EIGHT MONTH anniversary. I wanted to take more comparison pics, but was only able to get three before the batteries died on my digital camera, so I'll do 3 comparison shots.
On the left is a smile on day 4 of having braces, on the right is my 8 MONTH anniversary smile!
On the left is a picture of my top teeth as of June 13, 4 months ago. On the right, my top teeth today.
And lastly, on the left is a picture of the bottom teeth from May 8th, 5 months ago, and the right is a picture of my bottom teeth today.
Also, I had my ELEVENTH adjustment today. Note the pretty purple ligs.
On the top teeth, see those loops? Those are from a new archwire they put in (which I definitely feel! Ouch!) that will help move my front teeth backward. She termed it 'shorten the arch.' So I think they are trying to close the overbite/overjet a little more, as well as get rid of that jack-o-lantern smile of mine.
And I was trying to get a good picture of my midline and the improvements in that before my camera shut off, I will do that later. It looks better! And they took off the big powerchain, so it must have accomplished as much as the Dr. wanted to accomplish.[/i]
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Tin Indian
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- Location: Michigan