I am finally complete with the braces part of treatment. It only took me about an hour to complete the whole process of bracket removal (~2 minutes), polishing off cement (~15 minutes), fitted for permanent lower retainer (~15 minutes), fitting for impressions of Essix retainers top and bottom (~20 minutes), and final impressions for records (~10 minutes). Overall an excellent experience. I would not change anything about the way my teeth have turned out. I love my results. So far two people who have seen me post braces have considered getting braces
. I was instructed to wear my upper Essix 24/7 minus eating and brushing time for the first week and then only at night afterwards. If the retainer. start to feel extra tight I should up the time that I wear it. If the top gap that I had previously tries to return I can be fitted for an upper permanent retainer. I do not have to wear my lower Essix during the day because I do have the lower permanent one. I only need to wear that at night. However, I asked if I can wear either retainer longer and the ortho assistant said it does not hurt to wear them longer. They do not bother me so of course I will probably wear them longer because its a comfort thing. I need some type of device in my mouth
. So far flossing is a breeze even with the permanent retainer and I eat way faster without the braces. Clean up post meal is so simple. A good swish or two with water and I am done
. If you are considering getting braces or are in a rough spot during treatment I have to say that braces is worth every dollar spent and every achey tooth, and all the brushing and flossing. . So many people have told me how wonderful my new smile is to the point of embarrassment. While looks is not everything when you put your best foot forward it makes a different on how you feel about your life experiences. And knowing that my teeth, jaw alignment, and gums are healthy will always be something worth smilling about.
I also would like to thank all who responded to my posts, questions, and comments. It is reassuring knowing that you are not the only one with some oral reconstruction being done
. Here are some before and after pics for those who can't help themselves.
Before:
After With Retainers
After No Retainer
