My story, initial situation, with pics.
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Today I'm having one of those I hate my braces day! It feels like the progress has slowed down, and I haven't seen changes in quite a bit. On the other hand, I'm really excited about the fact that I'll be seeing an oral surgeon in just a week and two days. The more I think about it, even though my teeth have really straightened out and gotten a lot better, my main issues are still there. The issues of a classical "long face", cannot close my lips properly, weak jaw, really gummy smile, lots of teeth exposure etc. I'm trying to think that a surgery will not be too important, but to be honest, I'm really hoping I can get the surgery. It will really mean a lot to me. When I was younger I was teased about my looks, called horseface was the most "popular" one, and to have the opportunity to not be constantly worried about my looks...
Hi,
I'm having a bit of a 'wobble' about the whole brace treatment at the moment too!
It's hard to see from your photos all the issues you describe as we can only post teeth shots...from that point of view your photos show gorgeous healthy looking teeth and arches that are aligning beatifully.
I hope the OS surgeon can come up with a realistic plan to help with those issues that concern you...now you have committed to brace treatment it will be worthwhile to go all the way if the option is there. What I've learnt over the years is these worries/insecuities never really leave you and you keep revisiting them over the years...why I look so long to eventually get mine sorted.
Sorry for the long ramble...good luck with the appointment
I'm having a bit of a 'wobble' about the whole brace treatment at the moment too!
It's hard to see from your photos all the issues you describe as we can only post teeth shots...from that point of view your photos show gorgeous healthy looking teeth and arches that are aligning beatifully.
I hope the OS surgeon can come up with a realistic plan to help with those issues that concern you...now you have committed to brace treatment it will be worthwhile to go all the way if the option is there. What I've learnt over the years is these worries/insecuities never really leave you and you keep revisiting them over the years...why I look so long to eventually get mine sorted.
Sorry for the long ramble...good luck with the appointment
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Thanks Lynne, as always 
. You always seem to know what to say, don't you?
The fact is that, although my teeth are aligning beautifully, and have already made a huge impact on my self-confidence, I also have an underlying jaw-problem which I would be very happy to get sorted. That's why I'm so anxious/excited about the meeting with the OS next week.
How is your treatment going? Still feelling everything's going slowly?
Hi Luzmila!
Thanks for reading my thread. Yeah, I'm very satisfied with the changes I've seen so far! There are periods when I feel nothing's happening, but once I look back on my first pics I can see what a great change they've made.
When it comes to extraction gaps, they've been closed a little by little. I've had the braces for a year (tomorrow), and I still have gaps left, especially in my lower jaw. That being said, my ortho forcused on straightening my teeth before starting to close the gaps, which I've understood is a quite common approach. Good luck with your treatment, how do you find it so far?
. You always seem to know what to say, don't you? The fact is that, although my teeth are aligning beautifully, and have already made a huge impact on my self-confidence, I also have an underlying jaw-problem which I would be very happy to get sorted. That's why I'm so anxious/excited about the meeting with the OS next week.
How is your treatment going? Still feelling everything's going slowly?
Hi Luzmila!
Thanks for reading my thread. Yeah, I'm very satisfied with the changes I've seen so far! There are periods when I feel nothing's happening, but once I look back on my first pics I can see what a great change they've made.
When it comes to extraction gaps, they've been closed a little by little. I've had the braces for a year (tomorrow), and I still have gaps left, especially in my lower jaw. That being said, my ortho forcused on straightening my teeth before starting to close the gaps, which I've understood is a quite common approach. Good luck with your treatment, how do you find it so far?
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Just wanted to say that today I've been braced for exactly one year. I can still recall it as it was yesterday. I was so nerveous about it. I remember being extremely nerveous entering the orthos chair, the strange sensation of finally having the braces on, the awkardness regards my slight lisp the first days, and the excitement to finally resolving a long-lasting issue of mine.
I have to say that it's definately been the best the best decision I've ever made. My self-esteem has already increased so much, and I would encourage everyone who's thinking about getting them, do it!
Happy 1-years braceaversary to me
I have to say that it's definately been the best the best decision I've ever made. My self-esteem has already increased so much, and I would encourage everyone who's thinking about getting them, do it!
Happy 1-years braceaversary to me
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi folks. Now I've just returned from my meeting with the OS.
I went in at 09.30. Then I was first called in to take photos. They took photos of my front, my profile, my teeth, the inside of my mouth etc. After that I was called into another place to take x-rays.
After that I was told to wait for my x-rays and to see the oral surgeon. I waited for 10 minutes I guess, for my xrays, and then I waited for another 15 minutes or so to see the oral surgeon. When I was called in there were two men there, one in his 30s and one in his 50s, I would guess. The guy in his 50s was the one with the name in the letter I got. His name tag was labelled professor. The other one was a surgeon from the hospital who I guess is the one who'll perform the actual surgery.
They took a look at my jaw and teeth and asked me to tell briefly what I was unhappy with. I explained them that my main concerns is my high maxilla, difficulties closing my lips, dimpling on the chin when closing my mouth etc. I felt i was a ble to explain myself in a clear and relaxed manner.
They talked/discussed with eachother, and just confirmed what my ortho has said he thinks is the right procedure. They said that a lefort 1 will be what will be performed. And they said that they thought thay would get away by only doing the upper jaw. They said that I would probably have a fairly large impact, he suggested 5-6 mm, and that my lower jaw will then rotate after the upper jaw.
They said that they will send a letter to my ortho saying that I'm a candidate, and that he will finish his work on me before surgery, such that my teeth are totally straight before surgery. They asked how much time I had left in braces, and I said what I was told, initially 18 months, and it has now been a year. They said that when he says I'm ready for surgery he'll refer me back to them again, and the process of the surgery will begin. They said I would probably have to wait a couple of months after that as well, and perhaps longer, as it is not a prioritized surgery, and that people from accidents etc are taken in first. So we're probably not talking surgery until late fall/winter at the earliest.
They also described briefly what the surgery involves, and said that I'll be having to stay away from work/school for 3-4- weeks post surgery. They also emphasized that this is a purely cosmetic surgery, as there is nothing right with my bite and fuctioning of the teeth.
They also told me that I woould have to switch to regular braces (in front of the teeth) ahead of surgery, but that was something that could be done right ahead of surgery, and that I'll proceed with my lingual treatment as usual.
I'm satisfied with my appointment, and I was told what I was expected to hear. Now, lets hope my ortho keeps moving those teets fast, so I can be surgery ready sonner rather than later. One thing that's for sure, I'll wear those elastics exactly as I'm being told!
My next appointment with my ortho is on the 12th of march. As usual; can't wait!
I went in at 09.30. Then I was first called in to take photos. They took photos of my front, my profile, my teeth, the inside of my mouth etc. After that I was called into another place to take x-rays.
After that I was told to wait for my x-rays and to see the oral surgeon. I waited for 10 minutes I guess, for my xrays, and then I waited for another 15 minutes or so to see the oral surgeon. When I was called in there were two men there, one in his 30s and one in his 50s, I would guess. The guy in his 50s was the one with the name in the letter I got. His name tag was labelled professor. The other one was a surgeon from the hospital who I guess is the one who'll perform the actual surgery.
They took a look at my jaw and teeth and asked me to tell briefly what I was unhappy with. I explained them that my main concerns is my high maxilla, difficulties closing my lips, dimpling on the chin when closing my mouth etc. I felt i was a ble to explain myself in a clear and relaxed manner.
They talked/discussed with eachother, and just confirmed what my ortho has said he thinks is the right procedure. They said that a lefort 1 will be what will be performed. And they said that they thought thay would get away by only doing the upper jaw. They said that I would probably have a fairly large impact, he suggested 5-6 mm, and that my lower jaw will then rotate after the upper jaw.
They said that they will send a letter to my ortho saying that I'm a candidate, and that he will finish his work on me before surgery, such that my teeth are totally straight before surgery. They asked how much time I had left in braces, and I said what I was told, initially 18 months, and it has now been a year. They said that when he says I'm ready for surgery he'll refer me back to them again, and the process of the surgery will begin. They said I would probably have to wait a couple of months after that as well, and perhaps longer, as it is not a prioritized surgery, and that people from accidents etc are taken in first. So we're probably not talking surgery until late fall/winter at the earliest.
They also described briefly what the surgery involves, and said that I'll be having to stay away from work/school for 3-4- weeks post surgery. They also emphasized that this is a purely cosmetic surgery, as there is nothing right with my bite and fuctioning of the teeth.
They also told me that I woould have to switch to regular braces (in front of the teeth) ahead of surgery, but that was something that could be done right ahead of surgery, and that I'll proceed with my lingual treatment as usual.
I'm satisfied with my appointment, and I was told what I was expected to hear. Now, lets hope my ortho keeps moving those teets fast, so I can be surgery ready sonner rather than later. One thing that's for sure, I'll wear those elastics exactly as I'm being told!
My next appointment with my ortho is on the 12th of march. As usual; can't wait!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi there. Now I haven't posted for ages. Really hasn't been happening anything either though. I'm getting more and more used to my braces. And I think about them less and less. However, they still make me a bit self-concious from time to time. I've started seeing this guy that I really like. And even though I'm certain he has noticed my braces, I really haven't said anything about them yet. I'm kinda waiting for him to ask about them, but since he hasn't done this by now, I suppose I'll have to have "the braces talk" with him some day soon. And tell him all about my coming surgery and all, even though it's probably not in another 9 months or so. The truth is that I'm a bit conscious about how he's going to react.
I have my next adjustment this coming thursday. Can't wait. Excited to find out what my ortho has in plans for my next adjustment. So long
I have my next adjustment this coming thursday. Can't wait. Excited to find out what my ortho has in plans for my next adjustment. So long
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Today it's been 14 months since i got my braces fitted. It feels like forever since I got them, at the same time, I can't believe that I've come so far. I was originally given an estimate of approximately 18 months, which I will not reach, since I'm having surgery, which is not going to be in another 6 months or so.
However, even though I sometimes feel like ripping these braces off, I would actually guess that I think less about my braces than I did about my teeth before I got them
My next adjustment is in exactly 4 weeks from today, cannot wait!
However, even though I sometimes feel like ripping these braces off, I would actually guess that I think less about my braces than I did about my teeth before I got them
My next adjustment is in exactly 4 weeks from today, cannot wait!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Just wanted to let you guys know that my extraction gaps in my lower jaw are finally closed. I Still have some extraction gaps in my upper jaw. I feel like this is such a slow process, but I feel I have to cherish the progress .
My next appointment is in 3 weeks. Will post pictures after that, it's been a while now!
.My next appointment is in 3 weeks. Will post pictures after that, it's been a while now!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
I'm having a low point today. I'm totally used to the braces by now, I don't even mind the elastics. However, I feel like the progress is soooo slow now, and I know that I still have surgery ahead and braces for a while after that, and I just want to get done now.
Sorry guys, just needed to vent. I have my next appointment in a week from now, can't wait. Hope he'll say something about when he think I can be ready for surgery, but I don't dare to wish for it
But will definately post pictures in a few days. Actually, I forgot my camera at my friends place almost a month ago, and it's been quite annoying, but on the other hand quite relaxing as well. I have to admit that I would take photos of my teeth/jaws quite often, and not having the opportunity to do that in almost a month has actually been great. Kinda like going to a cabin in the mountain without tv. You think you're gonna miss it, but it turns out to be great.
Sorry guys, just needed to vent. I have my next appointment in a week from now, can't wait. Hope he'll say something about when he think I can be ready for surgery, but I don't dare to wish for it
But will definately post pictures in a few days. Actually, I forgot my camera at my friends place almost a month ago, and it's been quite annoying, but on the other hand quite relaxing as well. I have to admit that I would take photos of my teeth/jaws quite often, and not having the opportunity to do that in almost a month has actually been great. Kinda like going to a cabin in the mountain without tv. You think you're gonna miss it, but it turns out to be great.
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi,
Today, I had an appointment with my ortho. He gave me two good news.
1. I can now quit wearing my elastics. hooray! I'm so excited about that. Even though it's kinda become a routine, and it in some really strange way it's a bit sad even though I'm really happy I'm done with it. I wonder if that's what it feels like once I'm done with my braces.
2. He said that my teeth are getting ready for surgery, and that he will at my next appointment (28th. of july) take molds and send them to my surgeon, so we can start preparing for surgery. He said that it depends on the surgeon's schedule, but that we might look at surgery around octobre. I cannot state how excited I am about this. I cannot wait for the surgery. That's mmight sound absurd, but I've been waiting for this so long, so I just want to get it over with.
Will post pictures next week, haven't posted pics forever, I get my camera back next week.
So long
Today, I had an appointment with my ortho. He gave me two good news.
1. I can now quit wearing my elastics. hooray! I'm so excited about that. Even though it's kinda become a routine, and it in some really strange way it's a bit sad even though I'm really happy I'm done with it. I wonder if that's what it feels like once I'm done with my braces.
2. He said that my teeth are getting ready for surgery, and that he will at my next appointment (28th. of july) take molds and send them to my surgeon, so we can start preparing for surgery. He said that it depends on the surgeon's schedule, but that we might look at surgery around octobre. I cannot state how excited I am about this. I cannot wait for the surgery. That's mmight sound absurd, but I've been waiting for this so long, so I just want to get it over with.
Will post pictures next week, haven't posted pics forever, I get my camera back next week.
So long
Can't wait to seeee!!! Good luck hun....gorgeous teeth!
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~Nothing is worth more than this day~
Shelby's Braces Story - http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=35311