Hi Mia! Good to hear from you and see your new pics. I'm sure you must be discouraged with your gap not closing. Mine is/was pretty small and it was disheartening so I feel your pain. I'm not sure about the rubberband deal but hey, basically they just put a powerchain on them to pull them together so if it is not terribly painful then what is the worst that is going to happen. I do know that my doctor said they did not want to start moving stuff around with archwires etc for about 4 months after SARPE as that is how long it takes to really become fused and solid again. I'm surprised that you can stand it, but then again you are a bit further along then I. I'm 45 days post op as of today and I still have A LOT of sensitivy to pressure of any kind on my incisors as well as a lot of burny aching in them lately. I think rubberbands and powerchains on the front teeth are the DEVIL! LOL...
Why doesn't your ortho put a powerchain on them to close them? Is that something you could ask him for when you go in. Tell him you have been doing a lot of research on this and talking with several others on a forum who have had this surgery and their doctors have put powerchains on their front teeth to close the gap, some a lot sooner than you, and see what he says. If the bone is healed I don't see why he wouldn't start intentionally closing it anyway....that is sorta weird as from what my OD told me, most people are more concerned with the gap then any other part of this surgery!
K, I"m so surprised that you have no pain or sensitivity with the powerchain! OMG, even at 45 day post op, I think I might have to seriously hurt someone if they came too close to my front teeth. Mine are super sensitive still, and especially to pressure! If I take my fingers and apply pressure on each side of my brackets I feel like screaming! It is really really uncomfortable. Glad to hear the weather in Boston is getting nicer. It is pretty here also. Isn't it amazing how a little bit of sunshine can just totally brighten your day???
Well ladies, I need to run. I will check back later this afternoon. Have a wonderful Easter!
Brandy
SARPE Surgery
Moderator: bbsadmin
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Brandyleigh35
- Posts: 1018
- Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:25 pm
- Location: Alaska
- Contact:
brandy,
haven't heard from you in a couple of days, glad things are going well. i know, i think it is odd that i don't feel any pressure at all. of course, she did say that she is just loosening up the teeth right now, so as not to have any root reabsorption. but the powerchain doesn't seem to be doing anything. was yours just a sort of twisted rubberband type of thing? maybe mine is lighter or not a "real" powerchain.
i absolutely have to stop measuring my gap everyday. it is not healthy as it still isn't moving at all and i just get upset. i did realize today that i am only 33 days post op and 23 days since i stopped expanding. i guess it is helpful to remember that it hasn't been all that long. my braces will have been on for a mere 5 days. i am hoping that by mid-may i will be all set with the gap. that is my goal for now. i will be making my appt. for a little spa time in june to celebrate, so hopefully i will have alot to celebrate.
tomorrow i am officially back on my "healthy me" plan with the exercise and eating. maybe this will get me to focus on something besides the HUGE 10mm gap in my mouth.
mia, when will you get an archwire on? it seems they have had you in brackets for awhile without the top wire? it is so interesting to me how everyone seems to do these things differently.
oh, actually in that regard for those of you who are having your jaw moved around. i understand that i will only be banded, but does that mean i will have a splint in while i am banded? i don't want that. i also found out that i will have my hooks on for almost a whole month, that seems like a long long time, doesn't it? ughhhh.
okay, have a great night, everyone. thanks again for all of your support and awesome advice.
haven't heard from you in a couple of days, glad things are going well. i know, i think it is odd that i don't feel any pressure at all. of course, she did say that she is just loosening up the teeth right now, so as not to have any root reabsorption. but the powerchain doesn't seem to be doing anything. was yours just a sort of twisted rubberband type of thing? maybe mine is lighter or not a "real" powerchain.
i absolutely have to stop measuring my gap everyday. it is not healthy as it still isn't moving at all and i just get upset. i did realize today that i am only 33 days post op and 23 days since i stopped expanding. i guess it is helpful to remember that it hasn't been all that long. my braces will have been on for a mere 5 days. i am hoping that by mid-may i will be all set with the gap. that is my goal for now. i will be making my appt. for a little spa time in june to celebrate, so hopefully i will have alot to celebrate.
tomorrow i am officially back on my "healthy me" plan with the exercise and eating. maybe this will get me to focus on something besides the HUGE 10mm gap in my mouth.
mia, when will you get an archwire on? it seems they have had you in brackets for awhile without the top wire? it is so interesting to me how everyone seems to do these things differently.
oh, actually in that regard for those of you who are having your jaw moved around. i understand that i will only be banded, but does that mean i will have a splint in while i am banded? i don't want that. i also found out that i will have my hooks on for almost a whole month, that seems like a long long time, doesn't it? ughhhh.
okay, have a great night, everyone. thanks again for all of your support and awesome advice.
I finaly have a cost est. from my OS!!! The SARPE (everything included- anestetic, meds etc...) will run aprox. $7500 USD. That probably means closer to $8000, but heck, I was thinking I was going to be in the neighborhood of $15,000 so I am pretty darn pleased. I might just be able to swing this. Let's see....braces around $3,500, icky dental stuff like crowns $6,000 (+), root canal and crown lengthening $2,000 and I'll add on an extra $1,000 for unexpected problems.........$20,000. It is a lot of $, but I will have it distributed over several years - most of the crowns etc. will come at the end, the surgery at the beginning, and the braces in the middle.
I would love to know how much you pay in the USA for all of this. That would be another option if it is cheaper. It would really have to be a big difference because I would have to cross the boarder every time I needed a check up.
I would love to know how much you pay in the USA for all of this. That would be another option if it is cheaper. It would really have to be a big difference because I would have to cross the boarder every time I needed a check up.
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Brandyleigh35
- Posts: 1018
- Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:25 pm
- Location: Alaska
- Contact:
Delag,
I think yours is cheaper. Mine for braces alone was $7300.00. My SARPE was done in my dentists office, and he calculated it with the cost of my eventual lower jaw surgery as we had to get preapproval from my insurance. Total it was approximately $13,000 for both. This however does not include any of the hospital expenses such as anethesia for my jaw surgery, or if I stay over a night. I have really good medical insurance though. Once I reach an out of pocket yearly max of $1,000 they pay everything else at 100%. So with that being said, it cost $7300.00 out of pocket for braces (not covered by insurance) $1,000 for my SARPE this year. Next year it will be another $1,000 for my Jaw surgery so $9300.00 total over the course of 2 years. I have probably about another $6,000 I will have to pay for a bone graft and lower molar implant that my insurance only pays 50% of. The cost the Insurance will pay will probably be high. I have heard that jaw surgery can run with hospital costs etc upwards of $50.000, but even with great insurance my Out of pocket expenses are $15,300.00.
I don't think my jaw surgery will be that expensive for them though, as I don't have to stay overnight in the hospital and I don't have to have a catheter. The surgery takes about 3 hours, andmy doctor saiid as soon as I can drink and keep it down and pee I can go home. My friend had it done last year and said she went home within an hour after her surgery. I still think your plan is good though....especially for out of pocket. I have heard though that doctors sometimes bring done their ususal prices if they know you are going to be paying for it, as insurance companies negotiate the cost they pay with them so they always ask for the max, knowing they will probably not get it. This might be something you would check into. Do your doctors know you are paying for this on your own?
Brandy
I think yours is cheaper. Mine for braces alone was $7300.00. My SARPE was done in my dentists office, and he calculated it with the cost of my eventual lower jaw surgery as we had to get preapproval from my insurance. Total it was approximately $13,000 for both. This however does not include any of the hospital expenses such as anethesia for my jaw surgery, or if I stay over a night. I have really good medical insurance though. Once I reach an out of pocket yearly max of $1,000 they pay everything else at 100%. So with that being said, it cost $7300.00 out of pocket for braces (not covered by insurance) $1,000 for my SARPE this year. Next year it will be another $1,000 for my Jaw surgery so $9300.00 total over the course of 2 years. I have probably about another $6,000 I will have to pay for a bone graft and lower molar implant that my insurance only pays 50% of. The cost the Insurance will pay will probably be high. I have heard that jaw surgery can run with hospital costs etc upwards of $50.000, but even with great insurance my Out of pocket expenses are $15,300.00.
I don't think my jaw surgery will be that expensive for them though, as I don't have to stay overnight in the hospital and I don't have to have a catheter. The surgery takes about 3 hours, andmy doctor saiid as soon as I can drink and keep it down and pee I can go home. My friend had it done last year and said she went home within an hour after her surgery. I still think your plan is good though....especially for out of pocket. I have heard though that doctors sometimes bring done their ususal prices if they know you are going to be paying for it, as insurance companies negotiate the cost they pay with them so they always ask for the max, knowing they will probably not get it. This might be something you would check into. Do your doctors know you are paying for this on your own?
Brandy
New member
Hi everyone
I am new to the board and looking forward to SARPE (SAME in Aust) on May 3rd.
Wanted everyone to know how fantastic the blogs and pages are when you are planning this course of treatment.
I have started a blog, its not even close to the quality of some of the members here but will do my best.
Thanks again
I get spacers today and RPE device on the 28th April then SARPE on the 3rd May.
Its both scarey and exciting.
Have a great week everyone.http://portmelbourneteam.blogspot.com/
I am new to the board and looking forward to SARPE (SAME in Aust) on May 3rd.
Wanted everyone to know how fantastic the blogs and pages are when you are planning this course of treatment.
I have started a blog, its not even close to the quality of some of the members here but will do my best.
Thanks again
I get spacers today and RPE device on the 28th April then SARPE on the 3rd May.
Its both scarey and exciting.
Have a great week everyone.http://portmelbourneteam.blogspot.com/
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Brandyleigh35
- Posts: 1018
- Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:25 pm
- Location: Alaska
- Contact:
Hey 10101,
How many cranks did you have to do? How many mm of space have you gained. That happened to me too, my doctor extended it another few days so I could get more space. I was bummed as I was counting the days til I could stop! LOL...
Glad you are doing well though....how are you feeling about the gap? That is always the hardest part!
Brandy
How many cranks did you have to do? How many mm of space have you gained. That happened to me too, my doctor extended it another few days so I could get more space. I was bummed as I was counting the days til I could stop! LOL...
Glad you are doing well though....how are you feeling about the gap? That is always the hardest part!
Brandy
Hello fellow SARPE'ers! Been a while since I've posted on here. I'm now post-op and finished expansion 2 days ago.
Did anyone feel like their incisors were going to pop out? I think mine are sticking out more now, and when I move my lip over them it feels as if they are sticking out way too far, far enough that they would pop out. Of course when I look in the mirror it doesn't look that bad. I told my OD about it too and he didn't seem too concerned, though ironically that was the day I finished expansion and I think may have been a factor in his decision to stop.
Also, I have a higher awareness of the very top of my teeth, the part that is under the gum. They feel like marbles in my mouth, again like they are sticking out, or are up too high. I cannot make a 'fish face' without my right incisor getting in the way. I think it is also hard to pull my cheeks down due to the huge hooks which are digging into my cheeks a lot more now that expansion is done.
Is everyone's lip still numb? Mine is very much so, and painful sometimes too. It feels cold a lot and other times like pins and needles, for lack of a better description. I've been taking children's Motrin every 3 hours, which helps.
As far as chewing, I still can't chew much of anything. In fact I don't even bother trying. Whipped potatos, pudding, and oatmeal are all I can handle. The rest of my diet is smoothies or blender fare.
Graham
Did anyone feel like their incisors were going to pop out? I think mine are sticking out more now, and when I move my lip over them it feels as if they are sticking out way too far, far enough that they would pop out. Of course when I look in the mirror it doesn't look that bad. I told my OD about it too and he didn't seem too concerned, though ironically that was the day I finished expansion and I think may have been a factor in his decision to stop.
Also, I have a higher awareness of the very top of my teeth, the part that is under the gum. They feel like marbles in my mouth, again like they are sticking out, or are up too high. I cannot make a 'fish face' without my right incisor getting in the way. I think it is also hard to pull my cheeks down due to the huge hooks which are digging into my cheeks a lot more now that expansion is done.
Is everyone's lip still numb? Mine is very much so, and painful sometimes too. It feels cold a lot and other times like pins and needles, for lack of a better description. I've been taking children's Motrin every 3 hours, which helps.
As far as chewing, I still can't chew much of anything. In fact I don't even bother trying. Whipped potatos, pudding, and oatmeal are all I can handle. The rest of my diet is smoothies or blender fare.
Graham
SARPE March 23, 2006.
Expansion done April 20, 2006.
Bottom braces: June 5, 2006.
http://smilemakeover.blogspot.com
Expansion done April 20, 2006.
Bottom braces: June 5, 2006.
http://smilemakeover.blogspot.com
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decisionmade
- Posts: 307
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2005 2:33 pm
- Location: BOSTON,MA
hey graham thats great news about finishing expansion!! congrats!! I know what a big deal it is...Although I never lost feeling in my lips I did lose feeling in gums and am still after 9 mos. not quite back to normal but very close...My teeth also started to tip out once the expansion had been reached but braces will fix that for you....all kinds of crazy stuff was going on in my mouth when I was at the point you are now..so your symptoms all sound pretty normal to me- just communicate well with your docs and I'm sure they'll keep things moving in the right direction for you...good luck!! and i will look forward to hearing about your progresson!
DM
DM
crowding, mild overjet, and crossbite
SARPE AND R.P Expander: 7-14-05
extraction : 9-15-05
Brace date: 9-29-05
Expander out! 1-12-06!!!!! after 6 long mos.
Taking them off!!! Feb 26, 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=5209
SARPE AND R.P Expander: 7-14-05
extraction : 9-15-05
Brace date: 9-29-05
Expander out! 1-12-06!!!!! after 6 long mos.
Taking them off!!! Feb 26, 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=5209
hi all,
hope you are well. i have been so crazy busy, i have not had a chance to be back here. so, i did finally get my wire cut, yay!
my gap is still 8mm!! can you believe it, it just doesn't want to move much. i feel a sort of tingly feeling there, but no pressure really.
i am a little concerned that i may have stained the rubber bands on the braces with bbq sauce. anyone have good ideas about how to bleach them out again? i was thinking of rinsing with peroxide.
any suggestions would be great as i don't go back for another 3 weeks.
oh, also i found out that i will get this palate expander out in 2 months. that was a very very nice surprise. i am so excited.
anyway, hope you all are haniging in there. would love to hear how things are progressing.
have a great day!
hope you are well. i have been so crazy busy, i have not had a chance to be back here. so, i did finally get my wire cut, yay!
my gap is still 8mm!! can you believe it, it just doesn't want to move much. i feel a sort of tingly feeling there, but no pressure really.
i am a little concerned that i may have stained the rubber bands on the braces with bbq sauce. anyone have good ideas about how to bleach them out again? i was thinking of rinsing with peroxide.
any suggestions would be great as i don't go back for another 3 weeks.
oh, also i found out that i will get this palate expander out in 2 months. that was a very very nice surprise. i am so excited.
anyway, hope you all are haniging in there. would love to hear how things are progressing.
have a great day!
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Brandyleigh35
- Posts: 1018
- Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:25 pm
- Location: Alaska
- Contact:
Hey k,
I have no idea about whitening your ligs, my braces don't require them so I don't have worry about that. I have heard that this is a problem with others who eat stuff like curry's, spaghettie, coffee, etc. I think that is why a lot of others either avoid these types of food, or get ligs that are more brightly colored or dark so they don't show it as much.
Sorry to hear your gap is not moving. I do think that it takes quite a bit longer than most would think. I had originally thought about 4 weeks, but it is going on 5 weeks for me now and mine has not closed yet. Although I'm forcing it to by using my powerchain again. My gap was so much smaller though. Half the size of most others I have seen. I personally think the norm tends to be much closer to 3-4 months for full closure. It will close eventually the question is when? Perhaps soon your dentist will be able to start helping with that, especially if the bone is healed and you don't have any pain in your incisors. Mine were very sensitive so any pressure was just excrutiating.
Let us know what you find out....
Mia, how is the rubberband thing going? Is it working for you? Has your gap started to close at all?
Brandy
I have no idea about whitening your ligs, my braces don't require them so I don't have worry about that. I have heard that this is a problem with others who eat stuff like curry's, spaghettie, coffee, etc. I think that is why a lot of others either avoid these types of food, or get ligs that are more brightly colored or dark so they don't show it as much.
Sorry to hear your gap is not moving. I do think that it takes quite a bit longer than most would think. I had originally thought about 4 weeks, but it is going on 5 weeks for me now and mine has not closed yet. Although I'm forcing it to by using my powerchain again. My gap was so much smaller though. Half the size of most others I have seen. I personally think the norm tends to be much closer to 3-4 months for full closure. It will close eventually the question is when? Perhaps soon your dentist will be able to start helping with that, especially if the bone is healed and you don't have any pain in your incisors. Mine were very sensitive so any pressure was just excrutiating.
Let us know what you find out....
Mia, how is the rubberband thing going? Is it working for you? Has your gap started to close at all?
Brandy
Hey Everyone!!
Graham you blog looks awesome! My lips felt a little funny for a while, but it was mostly my gums that lost a lot of feeling. Congrats with finishing expansion!!
Kballing,
I completely feel you on the gap thing, and mine didn't budge at all for like a month... I just went to the ortho on Friday and they put a wire on TOP!! and they are beginning to move my front teeth back, the only problem is it is taking FOREVER!! I have an appointment in the end of may and even by then my front teeth won;t be touching completely! So far it has been 2 1/2 months of this gap and it probably won't be completely closed for another 2 months which sucks really reallly bad. I am an expert at putting wax in it and honestly, if you haven't tried it yet, you should! It just helps you feel a little more normal. I don't know how to whiten the rubber bands... if it bothers you that much, call your ortho... it would only take them like 5 minutes to put new ones on.
Brandy,
HI!! I haven;t talked to you in forever! The rubber band thing was a bust and i would not recommend it to anyone, lol. I did see the ortho on friday and they put a spring on my braces, similar to what you had on the bottom. It is pushing my front teeth together so they can make room for the tooth I'm missing. I've noticed progress with this in only 2 days (like how you saw the progress too). I need to just be patient... honestly, you just have to do it the right way and suck it up b/c in the end it will be that much sweeter!! How have you been?
I hope everyone else is doing good! I didn't really have a chance to look through all the pages that I missed!
I'm going to put up new pics on my blog so no one feels bad about their gap, lol.
Ciao!
Mia
xoxox
Graham you blog looks awesome! My lips felt a little funny for a while, but it was mostly my gums that lost a lot of feeling. Congrats with finishing expansion!!
Kballing,
I completely feel you on the gap thing, and mine didn't budge at all for like a month... I just went to the ortho on Friday and they put a wire on TOP!! and they are beginning to move my front teeth back, the only problem is it is taking FOREVER!! I have an appointment in the end of may and even by then my front teeth won;t be touching completely! So far it has been 2 1/2 months of this gap and it probably won't be completely closed for another 2 months which sucks really reallly bad. I am an expert at putting wax in it and honestly, if you haven't tried it yet, you should! It just helps you feel a little more normal. I don't know how to whiten the rubber bands... if it bothers you that much, call your ortho... it would only take them like 5 minutes to put new ones on.
Brandy,
HI!! I haven;t talked to you in forever! The rubber band thing was a bust and i would not recommend it to anyone, lol. I did see the ortho on friday and they put a spring on my braces, similar to what you had on the bottom. It is pushing my front teeth together so they can make room for the tooth I'm missing. I've noticed progress with this in only 2 days (like how you saw the progress too). I need to just be patient... honestly, you just have to do it the right way and suck it up b/c in the end it will be that much sweeter!! How have you been?
I hope everyone else is doing good! I didn't really have a chance to look through all the pages that I missed!
I'm going to put up new pics on my blog so no one feels bad about their gap, lol.
Ciao!
Mia
xoxox
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Brandyleigh35
- Posts: 1018
- Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:25 pm
- Location: Alaska
- Contact:
Hey Mia,
Glad to hear things are going well, albeit the gap not closing.
Sorry about that, hopefully once your dentist begins moving stuff then things will begin to pick up speed.
I have my powerchain back on and it seems to be doing the trick getting mine to close that last little bit. My incisors are not hurting anymore like they were so that is huge improvement. Must mean the bone is filling in and actually healing now! Thank goodness!
Where are you new gap pics? I want to see them?? LOL..
Brandy
Glad to hear things are going well, albeit the gap not closing.
Sorry about that, hopefully once your dentist begins moving stuff then things will begin to pick up speed.
I have my powerchain back on and it seems to be doing the trick getting mine to close that last little bit. My incisors are not hurting anymore like they were so that is huge improvement. Must mean the bone is filling in and actually healing now! Thank goodness!
Where are you new gap pics? I want to see them?? LOL..
Brandy
thanks brandy.
i am just living with the lightly stains ligs until i get them replaced in a couple of weeks.
mia, i guess we will just have to be patient with our gaps. has anything happened with yours since you got the wire on?
mine has closed 1 more mm, i guess i am getting about 2 mm a week which means it would be about 5 weeks to get it closed. ughhhhh. well, i guess we should be happy that it will close and it will, it really will. good luck with it.
brandy, did they tell you, you will be getting some other temporary thing once the palate expander comes out? have you heard anything about how people adjust to that?
thanks again everyone.
i am just living with the lightly stains ligs until i get them replaced in a couple of weeks.
mia, i guess we will just have to be patient with our gaps. has anything happened with yours since you got the wire on?
mine has closed 1 more mm, i guess i am getting about 2 mm a week which means it would be about 5 weeks to get it closed. ughhhhh. well, i guess we should be happy that it will close and it will, it really will. good luck with it.
brandy, did they tell you, you will be getting some other temporary thing once the palate expander comes out? have you heard anything about how people adjust to that?
thanks again everyone.