So Friday, Nov 17th was my LAST adjustment. Woohoo!
And this is how it went….
The Hellos
I actually worked from home that day to make sure I could make the appointment with minimal hassle. Walking to the appointment I bumped into a neighbor I hadn’t seen in a while. I got the low down on her retirement, operations, grandchildren, etc. I nicely had to get her to stop talking so that I could make the appointment on time.
When I got into the office I said my hellos to everyone - the receptionist (his mom), the assistant and the ortho. Since I was the only patient at that hour they all were a bit chatty. Ortho told me about his plans to redo his office, he wants to make it less grandiose and give the receptionist more space than the little closet that she currently occupies. The receptionist caught me up on her grandchildren and Thanksgiving plans. The assistant and I talked about lunch, the weather and just general stuff.
Funny enough, when I left the office I bumped into my godmother’s granddaughter at Dunkin Donuts. (Ice coffee is a post-ortho visit ritual for me). She also has braces and we planned our debanding parties out loud while the coffee and muffins were coming. Her debanding date will be sometime in April.
I bumped into more people that afternoon and learned an important lesson – don’t leave the house if you expect to get work done.
The Molds
The ortho took off my top wire and was called away for a phone call (he got into an argument with someone, but I couldn’t make out with whom or why based on the one sided conversation) The assistant made a mold of my top teeth. The green mold tray looked like it was over flowing with tapioca pudding. The molding material was yellow, smelled of vanilla, but had no taste. Wow, did I want pudding for the rest of the day!
It’s an interesting feeling to have molds made with braces on. The ortho was still on the phone when the assistanct went to make a mold of the bottom teeth. One problem, the bottom wire was still on. She panicked when she realized this and called the ortho back in. They had to pull the mold out in pieces as the wire sliced it in two. That was no fun. The second attempt wasn’t any fun or successful either. The mold stuck to the bottom braces and wouldn’t let go. Third time is the charm. They added a coating to the mold that made it come out smoothly.
By the end I had so much yellow mold gunk that had dripped and dried on my face, chin and throat – it was ugly. I peeled everything off as best as I could and shouted to the room that they should warm patients to have facials scheduled after molds appointments.
The Ligs
Now, I'm not entirely sure my ortho really even looked at my teeth.
The wires went back in. The bottom wire was really stubborn. The ortho excerted so much force he actually paused to assure me that we was not trying to break my jaw. I still wasn’t assured. A fresh white powerchain went across the top and new ligs on the bottom. I chose Metallic Purple bottom ligs in honor of KK and her purple fun on archwired. And that was it, until……
I called the ortho back. Not so fast buddy.
What retainer am I getting?
He said the “traditionalâ€
A Stubborn Canine
Moderator: bbsadmin
My oh my, what an experience !
I kinda recognize this situation where the patient seems to have planned better
than the ortho what to do. That is what is happening during the last days in braces.
A situation where it is not obvious who the patient is and who the ortho is. The
ortho is handling the instruments, but the patient is doing the master organization.
So, who is above who ?
Anyway, it is just awesome you can end this journey. I hope you keep visiting
us here from time to time. Know I will really miss reading your posts and enjoying
your presence here. That is what is happening when my "classmates" graduate,
and I need to "redo my course".
I kinda recognize this situation where the patient seems to have planned better
than the ortho what to do. That is what is happening during the last days in braces.
A situation where it is not obvious who the patient is and who the ortho is. The
ortho is handling the instruments, but the patient is doing the master organization.
So, who is above who ?
Anyway, it is just awesome you can end this journey. I hope you keep visiting
us here from time to time. Know I will really miss reading your posts and enjoying
your presence here. That is what is happening when my "classmates" graduate,
and I need to "redo my course".
Thanks linda21, KK and Clo for you kind words and well wishes!!!
linda21, and everyone, you'll get there. And I'll admit, there are moments when I miss the elastics. Yes, I said "miss". After hours of continued wear, where the elastics had moved everything and the teeth felt aligned and tight - great feeling. Or the times when I would fall asleep on the subway coming home, and my elastics would ensure my mouth did not hang open like everyone else's...good times. But I won't sugar coat it, the last six months just dragged on and on and on.
KK, I promise to take pictures. Though they are "metallic" they just look like dark purple to me - which is still good. I used to have this fantastic metallic purple lipstick from Yves Saint Laurent. It was the closest, truest purple lipstick of any of the good makeup brands. Which reminds me that I ran out of it ages ago and need to save up for it again.
Clo, if I really wanted to tell him his job, I would continue to point out the angles that are wrong on a few teeth that should have been adjusted months ago. But at this point, I want these braces to be removed more than I want an aligned arch. I also know when to quit the battle. He won't do it. And there are many layers of why - our old friendship is at the heart of it. There is a struggle of trying to prove something to me and no longer viewing me as a patient. There is also more to this, that I won't go into detail here.
SIDE NOTE:
I just wish there was a checklist that orthos would consult at every adjustment with adult patients. It would be pretty simple actually:
Questions:
1. How are you today?
2. Any pain or problems since your last office visit?
3. Anything that is giving you concern that you would like me to look at or discuss further?
Statements:
1. This is what I did today
2. This is what I plan to do on your next visit in xx weeks
3. This is where I think you are in your treatment plan
It's too simple and practical, which means it would never be adopted.
Anyway, you can't get rid of me that easily. After the braces are off, and my early adventures in retainers gets document for everyone’s entertainment, I still have to get gum graft surgery on some bottom roots which are now very exposed after all the moving around.
And Clo, you are not "redoing a course". You are enrolled in the PhD program. Yeah, its the longer study program but you get the cooler robes at graduation.
linda21, and everyone, you'll get there. And I'll admit, there are moments when I miss the elastics. Yes, I said "miss". After hours of continued wear, where the elastics had moved everything and the teeth felt aligned and tight - great feeling. Or the times when I would fall asleep on the subway coming home, and my elastics would ensure my mouth did not hang open like everyone else's...good times. But I won't sugar coat it, the last six months just dragged on and on and on.
KK, I promise to take pictures. Though they are "metallic" they just look like dark purple to me - which is still good. I used to have this fantastic metallic purple lipstick from Yves Saint Laurent. It was the closest, truest purple lipstick of any of the good makeup brands. Which reminds me that I ran out of it ages ago and need to save up for it again.
Clo, if I really wanted to tell him his job, I would continue to point out the angles that are wrong on a few teeth that should have been adjusted months ago. But at this point, I want these braces to be removed more than I want an aligned arch. I also know when to quit the battle. He won't do it. And there are many layers of why - our old friendship is at the heart of it. There is a struggle of trying to prove something to me and no longer viewing me as a patient. There is also more to this, that I won't go into detail here.
SIDE NOTE:
I just wish there was a checklist that orthos would consult at every adjustment with adult patients. It would be pretty simple actually:
Questions:
1. How are you today?
2. Any pain or problems since your last office visit?
3. Anything that is giving you concern that you would like me to look at or discuss further?
Statements:
1. This is what I did today
2. This is what I plan to do on your next visit in xx weeks
3. This is where I think you are in your treatment plan
It's too simple and practical, which means it would never be adopted.
Anyway, you can't get rid of me that easily. After the braces are off, and my early adventures in retainers gets document for everyone’s entertainment, I still have to get gum graft surgery on some bottom roots which are now very exposed after all the moving around.
And Clo, you are not "redoing a course". You are enrolled in the PhD program. Yeah, its the longer study program but you get the cooler robes at graduation.
Top Ceramic Braces: July 2004 - Self-Eruption of an Impacted Upper Right Canine
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Last week I had a dream. In the dream, I went to the ortho's office to have my braces removed. The ortho and the assistant tried to remove them, kept pulling and pulling with no success. After a bit, they turned to me and said they weren’t coming off so the braces would have to stay on ………..forever. 
Luckily reality was quite different and as of this afternoon, the braces are off!!!!!!
Popping the brackets
I was a bit unprepared for it. No lip stretcher was involved. He just came at my mouth with what look like pliers and clip clip clip, they started coming off. It was quicker than I expected too. They were off in 5 minutes. The bottoms went first, and surprisingly there was a lot of pressure put to remove the metal. The ceramic tops came off much easier and with seemingly less effort. There goes that myth. The removal of the glue was only uncomfortable on the lower front four teeth as they were very sensitive. Then a quick p.o.l.i.s.h and viola, done in 20 minutes! No teeth shaping, no photos taken. Aren't post-braces photos needed to close up the records?
Retainers
Since impressions were done last month, my Hawley retainers were ready. I was shown how to put them on – push and lock into place via the center plastic part, only touch the wire on the side to pop them out. One snag was that the lower retainer doesn’t fit well. So another mold was taken (4th) and my ortho is ordering an Essex for the bottom this time. I pick that up in 2 weeks and wear the one I have for the time being. I picked a purple retainer case.
Immediately After
It all went by so fast. I was given a mirror to remove the mold compound that had dribbled along my cheek and quickly flashed a grin to see my teeth. It didn’t register really that they were off. There was no Ta Da moment. My gums were very soar and teeth a bit sensitive. The thought that raced through my mind the most was that the insides of my cheeks and lips were finally at ease!
When I got home and looked in the mirror, I though my teeth were HUGE! Someone had secretly replaced my teeth with Veneers one size too big. I was Hilary Duff! I also though my teeth looked too perfect. I know they are not, a few teeth here and there are hitting each other, one canine is slightly higher and its gum line is off, one bottom tooth shifted in my last month in braces, etc…. but having typed all that, at first glance or from afar they look perfect, its creepy.
My mom really didn’t say anything other than “finally, they are offâ€
Luckily reality was quite different and as of this afternoon, the braces are off!!!!!!
Popping the brackets
I was a bit unprepared for it. No lip stretcher was involved. He just came at my mouth with what look like pliers and clip clip clip, they started coming off. It was quicker than I expected too. They were off in 5 minutes. The bottoms went first, and surprisingly there was a lot of pressure put to remove the metal. The ceramic tops came off much easier and with seemingly less effort. There goes that myth. The removal of the glue was only uncomfortable on the lower front four teeth as they were very sensitive. Then a quick p.o.l.i.s.h and viola, done in 20 minutes! No teeth shaping, no photos taken. Aren't post-braces photos needed to close up the records?
Retainers
Since impressions were done last month, my Hawley retainers were ready. I was shown how to put them on – push and lock into place via the center plastic part, only touch the wire on the side to pop them out. One snag was that the lower retainer doesn’t fit well. So another mold was taken (4th) and my ortho is ordering an Essex for the bottom this time. I pick that up in 2 weeks and wear the one I have for the time being. I picked a purple retainer case.
Immediately After
It all went by so fast. I was given a mirror to remove the mold compound that had dribbled along my cheek and quickly flashed a grin to see my teeth. It didn’t register really that they were off. There was no Ta Da moment. My gums were very soar and teeth a bit sensitive. The thought that raced through my mind the most was that the insides of my cheeks and lips were finally at ease!
When I got home and looked in the mirror, I though my teeth were HUGE! Someone had secretly replaced my teeth with Veneers one size too big. I was Hilary Duff! I also though my teeth looked too perfect. I know they are not, a few teeth here and there are hitting each other, one canine is slightly higher and its gum line is off, one bottom tooth shifted in my last month in braces, etc…. but having typed all that, at first glance or from afar they look perfect, its creepy.
My mom really didn’t say anything other than “finally, they are offâ€
Top Ceramic Braces: July 2004 - Self-Eruption of an Impacted Upper Right Canine
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Hi,
great read once more Eleni. Congratulations !
Oh my :
couldn't resist. I experienced there is some settling during the weeks after the
braces are removed. So this is not yet the final thing I think.
I really felt the same way once mine were removed about my teeth looking huge.
I admit I was not very pleased with that. Strangely enough, after some weeks now,
I don't think this way anymore. Or I got used to it, or some settling of my teeth and
gums happened.
I really look forward to see your pics !
great read once more Eleni. Congratulations !
Oh my :
I don't know, but have you considered having braces to correct that all ? Sorry,a few teeth here and there are hitting each other, one canine is slightly higher and its gum line is off, one bottom tooth shifted in my last month in braces, etc...
couldn't resist. I experienced there is some settling during the weeks after the
braces are removed. So this is not yet the final thing I think.
I really felt the same way once mine were removed about my teeth looking huge.
I admit I was not very pleased with that. Strangely enough, after some weeks now,
I don't think this way anymore. Or I got used to it, or some settling of my teeth and
gums happened.
I really look forward to see your pics !
Hmmmm, Clo, now that you mention it, it has crossed my mind a time or two.I don't know, but have you considered having braces to correct that all ?
Thank you so much Meryaten, linda21 and Clo. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot!!!!
So, without further ago TA DA.....
I have quite a few white patches here and there, and I'm concerned. They may just be the dreaded white spots.
Some BEFORE and AFTER shots.
Besides bringing the canine into its proper home and straightening out the bottom teeth, my arch has definitely widened from an oval arch to more of a rounded rectangle arch. The after shots are me in braces last month, the pictures were just clearer.
Me in RETAINER Land
The top one is super tight and the bottom one doesn't fit.
That's it for now. Gum grafts, treating those white spots and general retainer wear are up ahead.
Again, best of luck to you all on your journey to a healthier life and optimal tooth alignment!
Top Ceramic Braces: July 2004 - Self-Eruption of an Impacted Upper Right Canine
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
-
PrincessMelody
- Posts: 346
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:57 pm
- Location: Orange County, California
- Contact:
Hi,
I always am amazed how orthodontics can achieve such nice results. When I
compare the first before and after pics, it is just awesome how nicely your canine
was brought into the place where it was meant to be. Like it was there all the time.
Your gum and palate there accepted this moving completely and now it looks like
nothing has happened. Awesome. Oh, BTW, your smile is just gorgeous too !
Again, congratulations !!!
And do remember not to hide your smile anymore with your hand !!!
But use your hand to point at your smile and sing "yipee yipee yae, I have great teeth
and you don't, yipee yipee yae !"
I always am amazed how orthodontics can achieve such nice results. When I
compare the first before and after pics, it is just awesome how nicely your canine
was brought into the place where it was meant to be. Like it was there all the time.
Your gum and palate there accepted this moving completely and now it looks like
nothing has happened. Awesome. Oh, BTW, your smile is just gorgeous too !
Again, congratulations !!!
And do remember not to hide your smile anymore with your hand !!!
But use your hand to point at your smile and sing "yipee yipee yae, I have great teeth
and you don't, yipee yipee yae !"
-
jennielee81
- Posts: 2144
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:31 pm
- Location: The Old Line State
BREATHTAKING!!!!! 
Your smile is absolutely to die for!
I can't even imagine that my teeth will look half as good as yours do. WELL DONE!!!
Your smile is absolutely to die for!
I can't even imagine that my teeth will look half as good as yours do. WELL DONE!!!
"Life is an occasion; RISE TO IT!" --Mr. Magorium
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm
Your teeth look just beautiful Eleni! Your canine looks like it has been there the whole time, perfectly in place.
Were you the one who had too much gum above the canine? If you were it sure doesn't look like it now. Since I'm going through this same thing with two impacted canines I was wondering how this issue was resolved?
Thanks and take care, enjoy your naked teeth and eat a caramel apple with chocolate and nuts for me!
Shawnie
Were you the one who had too much gum above the canine? If you were it sure doesn't look like it now. Since I'm going through this same thing with two impacted canines I was wondering how this issue was resolved?
Thanks and take care, enjoy your naked teeth and eat a caramel apple with chocolate and nuts for me!
Shawnie
Braced - 10/04/05
Treatment - 30 to 36 months
Ceramic uppers, Metal lowers
Impacted canines-Crowding-Crossbite
6 baby teeth!
Canine exposure surgery of two teeth 3/29/06
2nd canine exposure of one tooth 11/15/06
Treatment - 30 to 36 months
Ceramic uppers, Metal lowers
Impacted canines-Crowding-Crossbite
6 baby teeth!
Canine exposure surgery of two teeth 3/29/06
2nd canine exposure of one tooth 11/15/06
Hello all, 
I had my 3 months post-braces appointment this morning.
I can't believe its been a little over 3 months since the braces were removed. Time flies!
For those interested in life after braces, here is a quick update:
Settling has been….interesting.
Since my tops were straight to begin with they haven’t shifted, except for one tooth that has tilted out due to the position of the tooth below it. The bottom teeth are another story. They are fine in the morning from having worn the Essix retainer all night, but then they subtly shift all afternoon as I talk, eat, etc. I now understand why retainer wear is so important and why I will wear them nightly for as long as I can! My bite also changes periodically. Not an issue some days, awkward on others. So, all in all they are doing well.
Canine Address
Thankfully the canine has stayed in place. I had a fear, way at the back of my mind, that it may go back up into the pallet similar to Firelight’s canines. But, nope it seems happy in its new permanent address.
Retainer Wear
It’s nice to learn that sleeping with retainers are not an issue. I think sleeping with braces was harder. Also, other than a small adjustment to my upper Hawley retainer this morning to make it more snug, my ortho was happy with the results and will see me again in 6 months. His only concern is if the bottom Essix retainer cracks within that time frame. His belief is that they are not as sturdy as the Hawleys and are prone to quicker wear and tear. I promised not to torture or abuse it.
Remnants of the past...
Funny enough, I had a braces dream last night. I haven’t had one in ages and it took me by surprise. I guess the appointment this morning was more on my mind that I thought. In the dream I had a weird elastic configuration that put too much pressure and broke my canine off completely. It was just hanging there, still attached to the arch by the bracket. I tried pushing the tooth back into the gum to no avail.
Yes, I’m happy my braces journey is over. It was painful and inconvenient, but worth it.
Continued luck and success with your orthodontic treatments!
I had my 3 months post-braces appointment this morning.
I can't believe its been a little over 3 months since the braces were removed. Time flies!
For those interested in life after braces, here is a quick update:
Settling has been….interesting.
Since my tops were straight to begin with they haven’t shifted, except for one tooth that has tilted out due to the position of the tooth below it. The bottom teeth are another story. They are fine in the morning from having worn the Essix retainer all night, but then they subtly shift all afternoon as I talk, eat, etc. I now understand why retainer wear is so important and why I will wear them nightly for as long as I can! My bite also changes periodically. Not an issue some days, awkward on others. So, all in all they are doing well.
Canine Address
Thankfully the canine has stayed in place. I had a fear, way at the back of my mind, that it may go back up into the pallet similar to Firelight’s canines. But, nope it seems happy in its new permanent address.
Retainer Wear
It’s nice to learn that sleeping with retainers are not an issue. I think sleeping with braces was harder. Also, other than a small adjustment to my upper Hawley retainer this morning to make it more snug, my ortho was happy with the results and will see me again in 6 months. His only concern is if the bottom Essix retainer cracks within that time frame. His belief is that they are not as sturdy as the Hawleys and are prone to quicker wear and tear. I promised not to torture or abuse it.
Remnants of the past...
Funny enough, I had a braces dream last night. I haven’t had one in ages and it took me by surprise. I guess the appointment this morning was more on my mind that I thought. In the dream I had a weird elastic configuration that put too much pressure and broke my canine off completely. It was just hanging there, still attached to the arch by the bracket. I tried pushing the tooth back into the gum to no avail.
Yes, I’m happy my braces journey is over. It was painful and inconvenient, but worth it.
Continued luck and success with your orthodontic treatments!
Top Ceramic Braces: July 2004 - Self-Eruption of an Impacted Upper Right Canine
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
-
Pixel Witch
- Posts: 263
- Joined: Fri May 04, 2007 11:23 pm
- Location: So Cal
- Contact:
Wow, Eleni how impressive and wonderful.
Can I ask - do you know where your canine was located before it started poking through your palate?
Where in the palate did it first peek out?
I have a completely undescended canine (it appears to be somewhere under my nose and above my front teeth) so I'm curious. I was told it would be best to not drag it down, but now I'm curious if it will randomly make its way down someday!
Can I ask - do you know where your canine was located before it started poking through your palate?
Where in the palate did it first peek out?
I have a completely undescended canine (it appears to be somewhere under my nose and above my front teeth) so I'm curious. I was told it would be best to not drag it down, but now I'm curious if it will randomly make its way down someday!
First, to do a quick catch up, its KK! Hi. Love the progress on your teeth.
And Ken, thanks for the kind words. And hey, cool engine!
Hi Pixel Witch!
As long as I’ve been on this board, I think I may be the only one whose canine came down on its own (without surgery). But others on the board could correct me on that. Both orthos I went to for consults scratched their heads over it a bit. Truthfully, I don’t know exactly where my canine was located. Based on where it poked through it was on the inside, way in back of where it should have been (see the arrow pointing to the top and the baby across from it?)
Through out my youth, all my dentists were shocked to see it on the x-rays and would ask “Do you know you still have a baby tooth, and its adult is still up there?â€
And Ken, thanks for the kind words. And hey, cool engine!
Can I ask - do you know where your canine was located before it started poking through your palate?
Where in the palate did it first peek out?
Hi Pixel Witch!
As long as I’ve been on this board, I think I may be the only one whose canine came down on its own (without surgery). But others on the board could correct me on that. Both orthos I went to for consults scratched their heads over it a bit. Truthfully, I don’t know exactly where my canine was located. Based on where it poked through it was on the inside, way in back of where it should have been (see the arrow pointing to the top and the baby across from it?)
Through out my youth, all my dentists were shocked to see it on the x-rays and would ask “Do you know you still have a baby tooth, and its adult is still up there?â€
Top Ceramic Braces: July 2004 - Self-Eruption of an Impacted Upper Right Canine
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006
The story