That's very exciting news!! yay for you!!!
I have my surgery tomorrow (scary) But wanted to update you re the linguals thing. I had to have 8 brackets put on as my surgeon wasn't happy. Apparently leaving the linguals on means plastic button things getting attached to your teeth as hooks, which sometimes break during surgery. So they put the brackets on (not on all teeth) just for the surgery and untul I no longer need the elastics. The ortho said maybe 4 weeks, the surgeon's nurse said 6 weeks. They really weren't happy I had the linguals on at all. Oh well.
I'll give you an update after the surgery!
My story, initial situation, with pics.
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
I'm home!! I have an ice pack around my head and am sooo swollen, but doing ok. Can't smile much and have a numb lip and chin on the left side. But doing ok. Counting down the days til I feel better. Each hour is better than the last. It's not so much painful as it is uncomfortable, lying on a bed upright to sleep with an ice pack round your head and drainage tubes & containers dangling from your chin! Then compression badages in your legs pumping your circulation round, and drip in the arm and oxygen from the nose.. The 1st night was rough trying to sleep, but last night was much better. I got about 5 hours I think!! Anyway, I came out the other side ok. I'm, sure you will too. I'll look forward to reading about your story!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi thongs!! So glad to hear you're home, and that you're doing okay. Glad to hear that it's getting better by the hours 
. I'm so happy to someone go through this right ahead of me!
Right now I'm trying not to think too much about braces, surgery etc, as it's quite hectic at university these days. However, even though I still feel pretty relaxed about it, I'm sure I'll get nerveous once it's getting closer.
How is your swelling? I think I read somewhere that it peaks around day three? How long were you in hospital? I have no idea how long I'll be in hospital for.
Keep posting, means a lot to me! Hope the progress will continue, and that you'll feel better day by day.
. I'm so happy to someone go through this right ahead of me! Right now I'm trying not to think too much about braces, surgery etc, as it's quite hectic at university these days. However, even though I still feel pretty relaxed about it, I'm sure I'll get nerveous once it's getting closer.
How is your swelling? I think I read somewhere that it peaks around day three? How long were you in hospital? I have no idea how long I'll be in hospital for.
Keep posting, means a lot to me! Hope the progress will continue, and that you'll feel better day by day.
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Update treatment progress.
11.12.2008:
I finally took the plunge and saw an ortho. He took x-rays and made a moel of my teeth, and roughly described my treatment plan and gave me a treatment estimate of 18 months.
09.02.2009:
I had brackets and arcwire (lingual) "installed" in my upper jaw.
04.03.2009:
Extractions of four teeth, number 14, 24, 35 and 45.
06.03.2009:
"fake" teeth glued on in my upper jaw.
20.03.2009:
Installation of linguals in lower jaw.He also took digital pictures of my profile and front.
18.05.2009:
Adjustment, repositioning of one of the lower brackets.
20.06.2009:
Adjustment, working on aligning the teeth.
20.08.2009:
Changing the archwire in my upper jaw, did not work on lower jaw.
23.09.2009:
Changing the archwire in upper jaw and lower jaw, wires with closing-loops.
07.11.2009:
"Activation" of archwire in both upper and lower jaw, to start closing extraction-sites.
12.12.2009:
Glued on 2 surgical hooks on tooth number 36 and 46, used to attach elastics which I from now on wear 12 hours a day.
04.01.2010:
Deep cleaning and x-rays to check for cavities. Everything looking good.
27.01.2010:
Short visit, some quick bending of wire (or something done)
15.02.2010:
Visit with the OS to discuss surgery.
There must be at least two appointments that I've missed here, will check my invoices more closely.
08.05.2010:
New wire in both upper and lower jaw.
21.06.2010:
Quick appintment. All extraction sites closed. Was told I could stop wearing elastics.
28.07.2010:
Changed wire in both jaws, Also attached my back molars with brackets and wire, they had been unbraced up to then.
11.09.2010:
Reglued three brackets in lower jaw, and got a new wire in lower jaw.
Next appointment:
06.10.2010:
Appointment to take new impressions to send to the hospital for surgery.
23.10.2010:
New appointment with my ortho to do the final adjustments before surgery.
11.12.2008:
I finally took the plunge and saw an ortho. He took x-rays and made a moel of my teeth, and roughly described my treatment plan and gave me a treatment estimate of 18 months.
09.02.2009:
I had brackets and arcwire (lingual) "installed" in my upper jaw.
04.03.2009:
Extractions of four teeth, number 14, 24, 35 and 45.
06.03.2009:
"fake" teeth glued on in my upper jaw.
20.03.2009:
Installation of linguals in lower jaw.He also took digital pictures of my profile and front.
18.05.2009:
Adjustment, repositioning of one of the lower brackets.
20.06.2009:
Adjustment, working on aligning the teeth.
20.08.2009:
Changing the archwire in my upper jaw, did not work on lower jaw.
23.09.2009:
Changing the archwire in upper jaw and lower jaw, wires with closing-loops.
07.11.2009:
"Activation" of archwire in both upper and lower jaw, to start closing extraction-sites.
12.12.2009:
Glued on 2 surgical hooks on tooth number 36 and 46, used to attach elastics which I from now on wear 12 hours a day.
04.01.2010:
Deep cleaning and x-rays to check for cavities. Everything looking good.
27.01.2010:
Short visit, some quick bending of wire (or something
done)15.02.2010:
Visit with the OS to discuss surgery.
There must be at least two appointments that I've missed here, will check my invoices more closely.
08.05.2010:
New wire in both upper and lower jaw.
21.06.2010:
Quick appintment. All extraction sites closed. Was told I could stop wearing elastics.
28.07.2010:
Changed wire in both jaws, Also attached my back molars with brackets and wire, they had been unbraced up to then.
11.09.2010:
Reglued three brackets in lower jaw, and got a new wire in lower jaw.
Next appointment:
06.10.2010:
Appointment to take new impressions to send to the hospital for surgery.
23.10.2010:
New appointment with my ortho to do the final adjustments before surgery.
I didn’t want to take over your thread but if it helps you I’m happy to give you an update 
My update:
The swelling is terrible. I still have an ice pack around my head for the swelling (hoping to minimise it). The bruising has mostly come up in the last 12 hours. The worst is the horrid taste in your mouth. The ice pack wraps around my head and seems to take some of the weight off my jaw. It feels heavy, almost like it’s hanging. It’s really stiff today and I’m not talking as well as those people I have watched in youtube videos. It’s hard to know if its normal or not. I have to assume it is. Just remember that you may have read day 3, but use it as a guide only. I’m day 5 now, and still VERY swollen.
My Tips:
Before I forget to mention it, make sure you take a small mirror to the hospital with you. I took my daughters 'princess' mirror and used it to eat, as well as to check out what they’d done. It was too hard to get up and look in the mirror to eat! I was in hospital for 2 nights which is quite normal. I was admitted that morning, was nil by mouth from midnight the night before and my surgery was at midday. I didn’t sleep much the first night and now sleep sitting upright, so get as much sleep as you can beforehand as it’s really hard to sleep being so uncomfortable. The one thing I wasn’t expecting was to feel so weak afterwards, and still now. It’s hard to lift anything, I really want to give my little girl a cuddle and a kiss but she’s only 2 and doesn’t understand she needs to be gentle. So anyway, with the weakness, pre-make your soups before you have your op. I thought I’d have energy to cook because its only my jaw that’s sore, but honestly its like being hit by a truck. Just drained and moving too much stimulates circulation, which brings on the pain. I stocked up on soluble Panadol, and also stick heaps of ice cubes in your fridge and see if you can get an ice pack to take home from hospital (one that you wrap around your head). Ice has been imperative. And lip balm/Vaseline. I’ve been peeling my lips away like you wouldn’t believe! Can’t even lick them. I can’t even see my tongue!! Also, I don’t think you’re meant to blow your nose for 2 weeks afterwards, so check with your surgeon before you have the op. He/She might suggest a nasal spray which is good to use. I'm not using one as I didn't check in advance. I actually feel like I'm about to burst, thats how swollen I am, even swollen up to my ears and it was only my lower jaw that was done.
I’ll add to this if there is anything else I can think of!! That’s all for now! Will keep you posted how it all goes. But I can assure you it gets easier every day, and every hour in fact.
My update:
The swelling is terrible. I still have an ice pack around my head for the swelling (hoping to minimise it). The bruising has mostly come up in the last 12 hours. The worst is the horrid taste in your mouth. The ice pack wraps around my head and seems to take some of the weight off my jaw. It feels heavy, almost like it’s hanging. It’s really stiff today and I’m not talking as well as those people I have watched in youtube videos. It’s hard to know if its normal or not. I have to assume it is. Just remember that you may have read day 3, but use it as a guide only. I’m day 5 now, and still VERY swollen.
My Tips:
Before I forget to mention it, make sure you take a small mirror to the hospital with you. I took my daughters 'princess' mirror and used it to eat, as well as to check out what they’d done. It was too hard to get up and look in the mirror to eat! I was in hospital for 2 nights which is quite normal. I was admitted that morning, was nil by mouth from midnight the night before and my surgery was at midday. I didn’t sleep much the first night and now sleep sitting upright, so get as much sleep as you can beforehand as it’s really hard to sleep being so uncomfortable. The one thing I wasn’t expecting was to feel so weak afterwards, and still now. It’s hard to lift anything, I really want to give my little girl a cuddle and a kiss but she’s only 2 and doesn’t understand she needs to be gentle. So anyway, with the weakness, pre-make your soups before you have your op. I thought I’d have energy to cook because its only my jaw that’s sore, but honestly its like being hit by a truck. Just drained and moving too much stimulates circulation, which brings on the pain. I stocked up on soluble Panadol, and also stick heaps of ice cubes in your fridge and see if you can get an ice pack to take home from hospital (one that you wrap around your head). Ice has been imperative. And lip balm/Vaseline. I’ve been peeling my lips away like you wouldn’t believe! Can’t even lick them. I can’t even see my tongue!! Also, I don’t think you’re meant to blow your nose for 2 weeks afterwards, so check with your surgeon before you have the op. He/She might suggest a nasal spray which is good to use. I'm not using one as I didn't check in advance. I actually feel like I'm about to burst, thats how swollen I am, even swollen up to my ears and it was only my lower jaw that was done.
I’ll add to this if there is anything else I can think of!! That’s all for now! Will keep you posted how it all goes. But I can assure you it gets easier every day, and every hour in fact.
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi thongs, thank you so much for updating.
How long has it been since your surgery now? About a week, fight? From your update, its seems one can definately expect the firsts days/weeks to be rough. How is your swelling doing now? And how about bruising?
Haha, funna thhat you compare yourself to youtube.videos. I haven't dared to watch those yet, and I'm not sure I will either.
Thanks for the tips as well. I'll try to get as much sleep as possible beforehand, but when I get nerveous I sometime struggle with sleep, and I suspect I'll be pretty scared the days before surgery!
Are you still feeling weak, or is your energy level coming back?
Overalll it seems I should expect some really rough days after surgery. I can't say I'm looking forward to that, but I'm just so ready to get over with all of this.
Please keep posting, it helps me tons!
How long has it been since your surgery now? About a week, fight? From your update, its seems one can definately expect the firsts days/weeks to be rough. How is your swelling doing now? And how about bruising?
Haha, funna thhat you compare yourself to youtube.videos. I haven't dared to watch those yet, and I'm not sure I will either.
Thanks for the tips as well. I'll try to get as much sleep as possible beforehand, but when I get nerveous I sometime struggle with sleep, and I suspect I'll be pretty scared the days before surgery!
Are you still feeling weak, or is your energy level coming back?
Overalll it seems I should expect some really rough days after surgery. I can't say I'm looking forward to that, but I'm just so ready to get over with all of this.
Please keep posting, it helps me tons!
It was a week ago today, and the difference is amazing. I imagine within the week I'll be back out shopping and taking my little girl to the park again. Yes, the first week is the definite peak of swelling and bruising. Energy levels aren't yet back to my normal, but they are good enough to work from home, good enough to function, cook, clean up a little bit. My adventure to the shops today was tiring, but I walked slowly. It was probably only about 800 mtrs return trip, but still pretty tiring, so don't expect to get back into exercise anytime soon. I've also lost a few kilos! (see it's not all bad!).
It looks as though you are expecting your surgery in October/November? If you're having the impressions done on 6th, and final adjustments would be the surgical hooks on 23rd, its not far off!! I imagine you'll be looking very different for Christmas!
It looks as though you are expecting your surgery in October/November? If you're having the impressions done on 6th, and final adjustments would be the surgical hooks on 23rd, its not far off!! I imagine you'll be looking very different for Christmas!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi thongs, how are you doing? Been almost three weeks for you now, huh? Excitid to find out how you're doing. Are you aut and about by now? How is your swelling? And how are you coping with eating, energy levels, sleeping etc.
I'm having my moulds done this wednesday, I feel really excited! And then I'm having an adjustment the 23rd, but I'm pretty sure that's an "usual" adjustment, and not to attach surgical hooks. So I'm still not sure when I'll have surgery. I'm supposed to hand in my master thesis in november, and have my finishing oral exam in January, so I might want to postpone until after that, I'll have to consult with my surgeron. But at least I'm getting closer, to something that used to seem like it would take forever to reach.
I have to admit that I get really nervous sometimes. I still haven't told all of my friends about the surgery. I'm scared of the surgery itself, worried about the recovery, anxious about peoples reactions etc. But still I'm really eager to get it done, and I would do it tomorrow if I could.
Will keep you posted, next otho appointment in three days!
I'm having my moulds done this wednesday, I feel really excited! And then I'm having an adjustment the 23rd, but I'm pretty sure that's an "usual" adjustment, and not to attach surgical hooks. So I'm still not sure when I'll have surgery. I'm supposed to hand in my master thesis in november, and have my finishing oral exam in January, so I might want to postpone until after that, I'll have to consult with my surgeron. But at least I'm getting closer, to something that used to seem like it would take forever to reach.
I have to admit that I get really nervous sometimes. I still haven't told all of my friends about the surgery. I'm scared of the surgery itself, worried about the recovery, anxious about peoples reactions etc. But still I'm really eager to get it done, and I would do it tomorrow if I could.
Will keep you posted, next otho appointment in three days!
Hi! Yes, 3 weeks today in fact! Its got to be a good thing when you don't even realise it's been 3 weeks, right?! I've been out and about for a while, although still avoiding talking to people due to having the brackets/braces on. I was really spoilt with the linguals. Energy is back to what it was, I'm getting back into work, all while looking after my 2 year old. I really miss giving and getting kisses from her. I'm just so scared she'll bump me. 2 year olds aren't the most coordinated so cuddles can be a bit rough at times. I was back at the surgeons office last week and the elastics were adjusted, so I can now clean my teeth a little bit better. I still can't get behind my bottom teeth though, so I am gagging to give them a good clean. i change the elastics each night. With the elastics adjustment (looser) I no longer needed the 2 bottom brackets, so they came off when I saw my ortho the next day. So now I just have 2 visible brackets. I see the surgeon next week and am anticipating (based on what she said last time) that we might be able to ditch the elastics completely. I am really hoping! I have a partially black tooth in front but before gettign braces I was told to hold off until the end of treatment before getting it cleached as it damages the tooth, so I can't wait for it all to be over (the orthodontics) so I can have a nice smile. Its definitely better than it was but I know I'm stillnot happy with it yet. Its nice that my teeth meet at the back though! Thats why we all go through this right? Well actually it was vanity for me!
Ihave also discovered I can dunk biscuits in hot chocolate and coffee and get a different taste and texture! This liquid diet has become really tiresome!
I was under the impression that moulds were done before the surgery, and no further orthodontic adjustments would be made after that, apart from the surgical hooks. Make sure you ask your ortho about this! Surgery might be closer than you think!! The moulds are tomorrow, right?
What are you studying? Are you worried about your energy levels being affected? Mine are back to normal. You will definitely feel semi normal again after a few weeks.
I still haven't told all my friends either! And I've had the surgery! i told my close friends but I haven't put it on my facebook page and have asked friends who know of the surgery to avoide posting anything about it. Its a personal thing, probably because we have always had 'issues' about our smile. being nervous is a very natural reaction. I admit I told my partner to look after our girl if anythign happened to me. but it didn't People have surgery every day. You will feel pretty bad for a week, but things improve. And yes, the nerves, the countdown, willing the day to be sooner.. I went through it too. I'm excited for you!! Good luck at your appointment. Hope it all goes well!
Ihave also discovered I can dunk biscuits in hot chocolate and coffee and get a different taste and texture! This liquid diet has become really tiresome!
I was under the impression that moulds were done before the surgery, and no further orthodontic adjustments would be made after that, apart from the surgical hooks. Make sure you ask your ortho about this! Surgery might be closer than you think!! The moulds are tomorrow, right?
What are you studying? Are you worried about your energy levels being affected? Mine are back to normal. You will definitely feel semi normal again after a few weeks.
I still haven't told all my friends either! And I've had the surgery! i told my close friends but I haven't put it on my facebook page and have asked friends who know of the surgery to avoide posting anything about it. Its a personal thing, probably because we have always had 'issues' about our smile. being nervous is a very natural reaction. I admit I told my partner to look after our girl if anythign happened to me. but it didn't People have surgery every day. You will feel pretty bad for a week, but things improve. And yes, the nerves, the countdown, willing the day to be sooner.. I went through it too. I'm excited for you!! Good luck at your appointment. Hope it all goes well!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Hi, thanks for updating . Seems like a lot is happening the weeks after surgery, right?
Yes, the moulds are tomorrow morning, will update immediately after that. And I'll make sure to ask him whether he plans on putting on surgery brackets the 23rd. I was under the impression that it would be one last adjustment before surgery, but I may be wrong. Have to admit that I'm really excited/worried at the same time, it's such a spectrum of feelings, ranging from excitiment to horror. I guess that's normal.
I study economics, and I'm going to hand in my thesis the 4th of november and I have an exam the 2nd of december. I guess the exam could be postponed, but I'd really prefer to be finished with my exam before the surgery. I have an oral exam in january, to defend my thesis, but this can be postponed until march. Since I want to get done with the srugery before I start applying for jobs etc., I would be really happy if I could have the surgery early december, and then my oral exam in march. I have to admit that this worries me quite a bit, and I'm really eager to find out what might be the potential surgery-dates.
Will keep you updated! Keep me updated as well, please
. Seems like a lot is happening the weeks after surgery, right? Yes, the moulds are tomorrow morning, will update immediately after that. And I'll make sure to ask him whether he plans on putting on surgery brackets the 23rd. I was under the impression that it would be one last adjustment before surgery, but I may be wrong. Have to admit that I'm really excited/worried at the same time, it's such a spectrum of feelings, ranging from excitiment to horror. I guess that's normal.
I study economics, and I'm going to hand in my thesis the 4th of november and I have an exam the 2nd of december. I guess the exam could be postponed, but I'd really prefer to be finished with my exam before the surgery. I have an oral exam in january, to defend my thesis, but this can be postponed until march. Since I want to get done with the srugery before I start applying for jobs etc., I would be really happy if I could have the surgery early december, and then my oral exam in march. I have to admit that this worries me quite a bit, and I'm really eager to find out what might be the potential surgery-dates.
Will keep you updated! Keep me updated as well, please
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
I was just at my ortho and took moulds of my teeth, which they'll send to the hospital for surgery. I have a regular appointment the 23rd, where he'll do the final adjustments before surgery.
So now I'll just have to wait for a letter from the hospital that states which date I'm up foor surgery. He said it probably wouldn't be before christmas, which suits me, as I', about to finish my thesis etc.
This is getting closer!! Scary and exciting at the same time!!
So now I'll just have to wait for a letter from the hospital that states which date I'm up foor surgery. He said it probably wouldn't be before christmas, which suits me, as I', about to finish my thesis etc.
This is getting closer!! Scary and exciting at the same time!!
That's exciting news! Another good reason for the surgery after Christmas is you don't want to miss out on eating a yummy christmas dinner. I can't wait to have a good meal and eat something solid. I'm going nuts on this liquid diet! I'm reading about others having had the surgery and eating mushy foods like soft pasta and rice, however I think its different with lingual braces. I'm conscious of not being able to brush food out of my braces because opening my mouth is limited, as is getting a toothbrush in there! I'm now seeing why they recommend braces on the outside following surgery! I have no idea how they'll do the adjustments!! I'm back at the ortho on 26th October when they'll start the adjustments again.
So now I'll just wait until you post about receiving your letter from the hospital!! I'm so excited for you!!
So now I'll just wait until you post about receiving your letter from the hospital!! I'm so excited for you!!
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
So youre still on a soft diet? It must be difficult not being able to eat so mcuh.. Have you lost a lot of weight? I wouldn't mind loosing a couple of pounds, but Id really not want to loose a lot of weight..
So now you currently have both linguals and surgical braces? A lot of hardware going on then My ortho says I'll get my linguals back once I can open my mouth enough to have them fitted, in other words, I hope I can open my mouth quickly after the surgery!!!
How has the reactions from your friends who have seen you been? Is your change major? I'm looking forward to my new look, but I have to admit Iæm a bit worried how people are going to react..
Will keep you posted.Next ortho appointment in two weeks from now. Have a great weekend
So now you currently have both linguals and surgical braces? A lot of hardware going on then
My ortho says I'll get my linguals back once I can open my mouth enough to have them fitted, in other words, I hope I can open my mouth quickly after the surgery!!! How has the reactions from your friends who have seen you been? Is your change major? I'm looking forward to my new look, but I have to admit Iæm a bit worried how people are going to react..
Will keep you posted.Next ortho appointment in two weeks from now. Have a great weekend
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Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
So I had an adjustment a couple of days ago. My ortho changed both of my wires, and twisted and bended them here and there. I was really sore for two-three days, but now I'm back to normal.
I am currently waiting for mail from the hospital with my surgery date. I'm really anxious and excited at the same time, and I guess those feelings will just increase once I get my surgery date.
So long
I am currently waiting for mail from the hospital with my surgery date. I'm really anxious and excited at the same time, and I guess those feelings will just increase once I get my surgery date.
So long