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My ortho finally took out my expanders today, since I am scheduled to get my braces off in around 2 weeks and they needed to take molds for my retainers. I thought I would post some before and after pics.
I had these expanders for 14 months, so it was GREAT to get them off!
My mouth feels huge and my tongue finally has a place to rest--it's great!!
TOP BEFORE:
TOP AFTER:
BOTTOM BEFORE:
BOTTOM AFTER:
Braces are Now Off!
Metal Braces Top and Bottom
Expanders Top and Bottom
April 11th 2005-June 27th 2006
Congrats!!!!! Wohoooo! I haven't needed expanders (wonder if I will), but what a difference! It really shows in your pics. Plus, congrats on getting your braces off! And, further...your teeth look AWESOME!!! I'm happy for you!
Spacers: 1/26/05; 2/6/06; 3/15/06; 4/24/06
4 First Bicuspids removed: 2/2005
Metal Braces, top and bottom: 3/1/05; Debanded 7/26/07
Hawley retainers top and bottom
Thanks everyone for your replies! It feels amazing to not have the expanders anymore, I can eat and speak, and nothing is digging into the top of my mouth!
bracesmom--my bite still doesn't feel totally normal, but my ortho plans to do a bit of retainer work on my back molars. Hopefully that will make things feel better. My teeth all line up, some of my molars just feel a little 'off'. Although you never know, maybe my teeth are now in the 'correct' positions, and I'm just not used to having a normal bite!
Braces are Now Off!
Metal Braces Top and Bottom
Expanders Top and Bottom
April 11th 2005-June 27th 2006
Ok, now Ortho #4 says he would do the expander at the same time with the braces. Has anyone heard of that? But braces 24-30 months.
Ortho #1 says expander 8-12 weeks before braces. He also says I will have a wide beautiful smile. Braces 24 months
They are about the same price, but Ortho#4's office is much friendlier and patient with all the questions I bombarded him with. He said he could get them straight and widen the arch a bit, but didn't sell the "Hollywood" wide smile like #1 did.
I'm so confused. I'm 33 and want this all over with as soon as possible. Not sure which one to pick. Help!!!