Second Braces Journey at 25

[nybizzle]

So, I had another adjustment today. I went with powder blue bands. I got new power chains and a stronger wire. I think he said .34? Might be wrong there.




It's almost 6 months now, and I'm really happy with the progress. Oh, if you're looking for stain-resistant bands, the purple ones from the previous post were really good.

Did you have curry with the purple ones on?

[atrixa]

Did you have curry with the purple ones on?

Yep, and some tofu with a lot of turmeric on. It stained the power chains, but not the bands, which was interesting!

[atrixa]

(Almost) 7 months update:



Biggest gap compared to last adjustment:

I can't see any difference there, which is really frustrating. My teeth have definitely moved back, which is great, but I'm not sure how this gap is going to close.
As you can see, the ligatures have dulled quite a bit. I had a curry a week ago and it stained quite badly, but most of it seems to have brushed out.

[atrixa]

So, another adjustment. Just got silver this time because I couldn't be bothered to choose a colour (bad day at work, might get navy next time). No wire change, but I have stronger power chains on. So strong in fact, that my ortho could barely get them on and pinged one against my lip. Twice.
Photos:




Still can't see much difference from the last adjustment. I suppose i'm in that frustrating part of the journey.

[atrixa]

(Almost) 8 month update:




Compared to day of adjustment:


Gap is doing a lot better!

[atrixa]

That gap is still closing and the overjet has decreased nicely:



Next adjustment is on Wednesday, so hopefully they'll do something for that gap to close all the way.

[atrixa]

Adjustment done! No new wire, and double power chains to close the gap all the way. I picked navy ligatures:

Best news ever, ortho says we're nearly done. Just some light adjustments to be made after the gap closure then that's it. He didn't give a date, but I reckon April might be a good shout. It would have been July/August otherwise

[atrixa]

9 month update! The stubborn gap has closed a bit more, but not all the way:



My teeth on day 1:

Really pleased with the changes!

[atrixa]

Had my adjustment- just new power chains to close that gap all the way (it's so nearly there) and I picked dark purple ligs. Apologies for the photo quality- no natural light atm.



The good news is... this is my last adjustment. These power chains will close that gap all the way and my debonding appointment is on the 17th Jan! That means I will have been in braces for exactly 11 months. My teeth moved much more quickly than my ortho expected and my posterior bite is looking fine. I'll get them off on that appointment and get my fixed retainer. I have another appointment on the 19th to get my removable retainer.

This has gone much quicker than I thought at my last appointment and I'm relieved I don't have a new wire right before Christmas.

[atrixa]

Last photo update before I get this thing off. Gaps are now completely closed, posterior bite is feeling good. Anterior bite is massively improved but obviously not perfect due to not getting the bottoms fixed. I have definitely noticed a change in the way I eat. I used to use my tongue and my upper central incisors to bite noodles and now I can use my front teeth like a normal person. I didn't realise I used to do that until about a week ago. It's the small things...




Weird angle on that last one, sorry. Just before I got braces for comparison:



The improvement in the overjet is possibly my favourite thing.

[atrixa]

And they're off!




THe fixed retainer is ON:

I'm soooo happy. The drill thing to get the glue off was a bit unpleasant, but I couldn't care less. The wire on the retainer doesn't feel weird but the composite definitely does. I'm sure I'll get used to it in a few days. I go back for my removable retainer on Friday.

[atrixa]

It was never going to be a completely smooth journey was it? I went in for my essix retainer earlier and it didn't fit.
Looks like they didn't account for the fixed retainer properly on the left side. They took new impressions (more putty, lovely) and I have to go back in on Wednesday to pick that one up. They cut down the dodgy retainer so I have at least a partial one til then and I can use it as an emergency spare in the future.

On the bright side I have had lots of lovely compliments about my new teeth from my colleagues at work. I'm so happy with the results. I have to wear my retainers full time for three months, then I get a check up to see whether I can go overnight only. It's going to be a pain in the bum, but I suppose people with Invisalign manage...

[SinkFullOfDinner]

Huge congratulations, atrixa! It's so obvious why you're happy. What a great, great result! Enjoy it. Forever!

[atrixa]

Huge congratulations, atrixa! It's so obvious why you're happy. What a great, great result! Enjoy it. Forever!

Thank you! I'll be making sure it's forever, too!

[atrixa]

So, last Friday I had my retainer check up. They signed me off for night time use only after 3 months of full time wear. I started wearing my retainer at night only, but leaving it out for that long means that it's really tight when I put it in when I go to bed My teeth are obviously unstable. I did a bit of research and it seems the consensus is teeth will be unstable for around a year after debonding. It's a surprise that even with a fixed retainer they are still moving.

I've decided to leave the retainer out after breakfast and go to work without it, but put it in after my evening meal when I get home, rather than leaving it til bedtime. When I have a day (like today) where I'm just lounging around the house i'll go back to full time wear to be on the safe side.