After Braces - Retainer Adjustment Update

I called and made an appointment today to get my retainer checked due to my shifting teeth.  I was able to get in at 2:00pm today.  My Ortho said she saw my blog (which I absolutely love that!!) so she knew what my issues were and had a plan ready for me when I got in.  She said sometimes teeth want to drop which looks like what was happening on my right upper tooth.  So she put a bump on my tooth using the cement they use to bond braces on.  She then made a few adjustments to my retainer and let me know that my retainer will feel low for the first few days, then it will slowly rise back up each day that goes by.  This way the bar is putting pressure on my tooth where the cement is and help it push the tooth back up evenly with the other tooth.  She then made a few adjustments on my lower retainer to try and set the few teeth that have shifted back into place.  She wanted me to make an appointment in the next few weeks to see if these changes helped.  If not, then she said she would put braces back on my teeth to correct the issues that are taking place.  She let me know that sometimes this happens, especially as adults.  It wasn't anything I have been doing wrong or anything she did wrong.  Sometimes our teeth want to shift even with the retainer.  Of course I have no problem having the braces back on if that's what is needed to be done.  I've come this far and if getting my teeth exactly where they need to be is to put braces on for a little bit longer, then that's what I will do.  But, the adjustments she made this time with the retainer could still do the trick so we will see on May 10th what will happen.  She also smoothed out my bottom teeth to help them look more even and took some of the jagged edges off.  You can see in the photos below the cement bump on my tooth and how low my retainer is now on the top teeth...in order to push that tooth up.  I will update again after my May 10th appointment...

After Braces - Retainer and Chipped Tooth update

Sorry, I haven't updated in awhile.  I did get my chipped tooth filled in February.  My dentist did a filling to fix it and said that it could chip again in the future and that I would need to get veneers for a permanent fix.  But I will hold off on that for awhile....at least until my braces are paid off.  He did an amazing job though, and you can hardly tell the difference. 

Since I started wearing my retainer I have had issues with my front tooth wanting to move in front of the other.  My last appointment my Ortho adjusted my retainer to try to fix the issue.  I decided to give it a bit of time to see if it would move back, but so far it hasn't and it's been several weeks since my last appointment.  I plan on calling tomorrow to see if I can get in and have her adjust my retainer once more.  My teeth look very uneven on the top because of this.  I hope that the retainer can fix the problem, because it bugs me seeing my teeth one shorter than the other.  If it finally does go back in place after another adjustment then my Ortho will smooth out my teeth to make them more even at my next scheduled appointment in June.

My bottom teeth are still shifting as well.  You can see in the photo they look like they are leaning.  I am hoping another retainer adjustment will fix that issue as well.  But, other than those slight issues, I haven't had any problems with my retainer.  I wear my retainer 24 hours a day, I only take it out to eat and to brush my teeth.  I'm used to wearing the retainer now and I don't feel like I talk too funny anymore with it in.  I'm thinking I may need to continue wearing it longer than the 6 months with the issues I keep having with teeth shifting....not sure though.  Hopefully they can get me in tomorrow and another adjustment to the retainer will push these stubborn teeth back in place.  I will try to do better and update sooner next time.

 

Braces Removed and Retainer Time!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016.  The day has finally come!!  My braces were removed!  My appointment was at noon so again I got to get off work early and the anticipation was killing me.  I was so nervous that it would be painful getting my braces removed.  When I got there the assistant used this cutter tool to clip off each bracket.  She got the bottoms ones off first then worked on the top. She clipped each bracket off leaving the wire and powerchain intact.  I had bands around 2 top molars so she had to use a different tool to remove those.  Then she clipped off the top brackets.  Luckily that wasn’t painful at all. Just a little pressure with each tooth, kind of like when they take off the wire & elastics/powerchain at your adjustments.   I then warned her that my back bottom molar is very sensitive and I wasn't sure if I would be able to tolerate her scrapping glue off it.  She said she would leave that one for my orthodontist.  She got a tool that looked like it had a rubber piece at the bottom that would lay on the end of my tooth while the other end scrapped the glue off. One tooth at a time.   OMG that was absolutely horrifying.  Every tooth, hearing that cracking crunch sound as she scrapped the glue off ughhh.  But it didn’t actually hurt, it was just the scrapping feeling and noises that really got to me.  

My Ortho came in to take a look at my teeth.  I also warned her of my sensitive tooth.  She said that she wouldn't even attempt it since it would cause me pain.  She said the glue wouldn't hurt anything and that when I get my teeth cleaned by my hygienist she can do it then.  I was so relieved.  Then she used an electric tool to get the tough chunks of glue off some of my teeth.  It didn’t necessarily hurt, but again the sound and scrapping of it wasn’t very pleasant and I was glad when it was over.  She was pleased at how straight my teeth looked.  I looked in the mirror for the first time and was excited to see a straight smile.  I told her I wanted to give her a hug and she said she wanted me to give her a hug, so I did. ☺  She is absolutely amazing!!  I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter Orthodontist if I tried, I’m very lucky I was able to have her.  The whole staff there has been absolutely wonderful through my journey.  She had me try on my retainers to make sure they fit.  She then went over how to put them in and take them out.  She and the assistant went over the dos and don’ts of the retainer.  She said to talk and sing as much as possible and in about 3 days I should be used to them and start talking normal.   I have to wear them 24/7 for 6 months.  Only take them out to eat and brush my teeth.  After 6 months I should only have to wear them at night.  She then had me take my retainers out because the assistant had more work to do on me.  

The assistant then took me to have an xray done of my new teeth.  Afterwards she had me sit back down to get molds done of my top and bottom teeth.  She also took some photos of my teeth with the camera.  Once she was done I put my retainers in and made a retainer check appointment for March 22nd.  I still have to get used to talking with the retainers and not have the lisp.  Once I left the Ortho office, me and my husband went shopping and I smiled in every mirror we walked by.  I’m sure people thought I was absolutely weird. Lol But I couldn’t help myself.  

My teeth still feel a little rough from the glue,kind of like thin sandpaper, but they said they could get any remaining glue off on my next appointment or my hygienist can remove it when I get my teeth cleaned again.  That night when I brushed my teeth I was so happy that I could floss normal again.  It didn’t take me forever like it did with my braces on.  I could use the plackers instead of the threads with the floss.  As I was looking in the mirror I noticed that my 2 bottom teeth have shifted some as well as my 1 top front.  I could also feel it when I slid my tongue against the back of my teeth.  The Orthodontist is only at the dentist office near me on Tuesdays, so I am going to call next Tuesday to see if I should come in.  Luckily so far it’s only slightly shifted, but I definitely can notice it and I don’t want it to get worse.  Hope they can adjust the retainer and it will make them go back in place.  I also read about retainers that have to get bonded to the back of your teeth to hold them in place until they settle.  Not sure if I will have to have that done.  But whatever is needed...I just don’t want them shifting anymore.  

Below are photos showing you from start to finish.  I also have photos showing how my teeth have shifted since I got my retainer.  But, I trust that my orthodontist will fix it so I'm not too worried.  Crazy what braces can do.  Although I wish I could have had those years ago, I am so happy that at my age in my 40's it didn’t stop me from getting them now.  I have developed so much more confidence and can now express my true personality through my smile rather than hide it as I always did throughout my life.  No matter what age you are, it is worth having something done to make you feel better about yourself and make you happy.  

When I started this blog I really didn’t expect that many people would look at it.  I thought maybe family and close friends may look at it now and then, but as of today my blog has over 35,000 views!   If I helped even just one person decide to get braces as an adult and become more confident and happy by making that decision, then this blog definitely was worth updating the last 2 years.  I also hope that my blog has helped other adults starting their braces journey to know what to expect and see what a remarkable difference braces can make.  I can truly say I am extremely happy and couldn’t express how much more confidence I have now just by being able to smile!  Hope my blog continues to help others in years to come. ☺

My next step, other than seeing if I need to come in on Tuesday for my shifting teeth, is getting my chip tooth fixed.  My appointment is on February 15th.  Once I have that done I will also update the blog to show you the difference as well.  Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog! 

The changes my teeth went through

Top arch

Bottom arch

Before and after braces

1st and last day in braces

Top and bottom retainer

Arrows showing the teeth that have slightly shifted

Last Braces Adjustment & Impressions for Retainer!!!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016 - Today I went for my final adjustment before my braces come off!  My appointment was at noon, so I got to get out of work early, which is always a plus ;).  The assistant first asked if I wanted a color for my retainer.  I picked a red glitter because it looked pink, and I like sparkly! ;)  I will be getting the Hawley type retainer. 

My Ortho came in to take a look at my progress and see if I had any questions or concerns.  I let my Ortho know that the one concern I had was that I still had a small gap towards the top between my two front top teeth.  She had shaved a little in between my teeth during my last appointment to try to close that gap.  It closed it a little since then, but there was still a dark space that bothered me.  She went ahead and filed a little more between my teeth, but let me know I may still have a slight gap at the top due to how my teeth are shaped. 

The assistant took off my powerchains and wires.  She then did the impressions for my lower teeth.  It was the gooey stuff in a tray that she squished down on my lower teeth.  She held it there for a minute or so.  Ugghhh but when she went to pull it out, it felt like she was pulling out my teeth.  The suction from it and trying to get it off around my brackets made it feel that way.  But it was tolerable.  She then did my top teeth.  Those didn't seem to feel as bad when she removed it.  After she was done she gave me a toothbrush to brush the excess goo off my teeth and rinse my mouth. 

My Ortho was very happy with how my bite looks.  She said to continue wearing my bands only at night.  The assistant put my wires back in and powerchains on.  I chose my usual color light pink. 
Crazy to know this was the last time I get to chose what color powerchains I wanted.  My next appointment is January 26th and that is the big day to get my braces removed.  I have mixed feelings.  I really think I'm going to miss the look of braces on me, but excited I finally can smile with them off and eat normal foods again.  I'm also nervous about them getting removed because my teeth are so sensitive and can be painful when I get teeth cleanings.  Not looking forward to them removing the brackets and scraping the glue off ughhhh.  But it will be all worth it in the end. 

Once I got home, I noticed that one of my bottom teeth moved slightly behind another.  Which it wasn't that way before.  I called and talked to the assistant.  She told me to wait a few days and if it doesn't change then to come in next Tuesday and there will still be time to make any adjustments needed.

Below are a few photos from me getting the impressions done.  I also set an appointment for January 27th to get my front tooth bonded where it looks like my tooth is chipped.  Can't wait for all of it to be done.  Next time I post on here I should be posting pics of my teeth without braces!!  3 weeks from today!  Woo Hoo!!!

Bottom Impressions getting done

Top Impressions getting done

Tooth needing bonded once braces are off

Tooth that has moved since appointment....may need adjusted

Year & a Half in Braces!!! Adjustment update!

So sorry I haven't updated since June.  Thank you to everyone who has read my blog and who has kept interest on my progress.  September 18th marked my year & a half in braces.  Cant believe how fast the time has flown by.  Since my last update I didnt feel much was going on since I was wearing bands to try to fix my over bite. 1st I should actually update you on what has happened since I last updated...

At my prior adjustments my Ortho decided to put a button on the back of my small molar to turn it in the right direction.  Doing this they had to wedge the powerchain in between my two teeth and it dug into my gum.  She also had me start wearing a heavier elastic bands, which I will provide a photo below.  At first she had me wear them 24 hours a day, but then my last appointment before today's, she had me only wear them at night.

So now for today's adjustment update.  My Ortho put a thicker wire on my bottom teeth to straighten them out more.  She said that my tooth has now turned into position and I could now go without that powerchain going in between my teeth.  She said my overbite is looking good, but she wants me to go back to wearing the elastic bands 24 hours a day.  She kept me with the same elastics, but I found out they had neon colors so I chose to get those this time.  The bag has a variety of neon colors in it to choose from, which I like. ;)  The assistant put the wires on and elastics and powerchain on the top.  I chose light pink because that's the one color I like on me.  Unfortunately last time they didn't have it, so I chose gray, which wasn't one of my favorites.  My Ortho said that my next appointment they will check my progress and see if I am ready to start the process of getting my braces removed.  Funny...you would think I would be excited about that, but I'm actually kinda attached to these braces that have build up my confidence up in the last year and a half.  I'm actually not ready to get them removed, its kinda bittersweet ...I know I sound insane lol

I did find out that my job is changing insurance companies in January.  This insurance will not cover your braces if you already started them.  I was really worried.  After my appointment I asked the billing clerk and luckily with my insurance now they did a discount program which was already included into the cost of my braces, so come January there wont be any changes and my new insurance wont affect it.  Thankfully!!

Below I tried to put photos showing the progress every 6 mths since my last update I put every month.  Looking at these photos again really makes me realize how much my teeth have really changed so much!!  This by far has been one of the best decisions I could have ever made for myself.  It is amazing how much I smile now and how much confidence I have gained just by getting braces.  I'm so glad my age didn't stop me...although I wish I would have had it done years ago.  We cant go back in time, so it was better late than never that is for sure!!  Thank you all again for taking the time to read my blog!!  I really hope I have helped others in this journey! 

Heavier Elastic Bands

 

11th Braces Adjustment * 14 1/2 Months in Braces

It's been a few months since I last updated.  Nothing exciting had happened.  I continued to get my coil readjusted to open up the space for the bottom tooth and continued to work on closing my top gaps during the last few months.

I just had my 11th adjustment yesterday 6-2-15.  Finally my bottom teeth have separated enough to remove the coil and put a wire on that bracket to move my bottom tooth forward.  My gaps are also almost completely closed.  At my adjustment the assistant removed my power chain and wires.  At that time she made the comment that she thought I should be able to get the wire on my tooth because it has opened up enough.  My Ortho told her to go ahead and do it.  So the assistant removed the coil and put the new wire on my bottom teeth.  My Ortho then came in to see the progress that has been made.  She said I was ready to start wearing elastics.  I had over heard her telling the person next to me that when you wear elastics you have to wear them at all times and only can take them off while you eat and brush your teeth.    Other than that you have to wear them while you sleep and all day long.  So when my Ortho started to tell me, I recited what she had told the other person lol.  Of course I will make sure to do so, I don't want to do anything that will delay my progress.  The assistant had to add a hook to my bottom tooth and added twisted wires to my canines to make sure they don't turn while wearing the elastics.  The elastics are to correct my overbite.  She then added my top wire and powerchain.  I chose light pink again.  So far its been my favorite color choice, so for right now I'm sticking with it. She went over how to put the elastics on.  She said to make sure to keep my mouth shut while putting them on because of how tight the elastics are, if I try to put them on with my mouth opened they may snap and break.  Its not too hard to put them on, but when I do change them, I can immediately feel the pressure from them. 

Once I got to the car I couldn't believe how my tooth had already moved some.  This morning I ran my tongue across the back of my teeth and they felt a lot straighter.  I asked my husband if he could tell and he was amazed at how much my teeth had already moved in less than a day.  As you can see in the photo below, I just took about an hour ago, my tooth has already moved next to the rest of them.  Crazy how fast braces work!!  My teeth were really sore last night and today.  I stuck with mashed potatoes and ice cream.  I haven't taken any medicine for the pain, its sore but tolerable.  My next appointment is set for July 14th.  I will update again if there are drastic changes or anything new happening.

Elastic size I have to wear

1 Year in Braces!!! Woot Woot!!! & 9th adjustment

So sorry I have been horrible the last few months posting..... 

I cant believe I am already at the 1 year mark!!!  March 18th was my full year in braces.  Boy have they really come far.  Just to think where I was a year ago with my teeth and how they look now is unbelievable.  Crazy how braces work!  Even though I wish I would have gotten them years ago, I couldn't have made a better decision to finally get them now!  In the last year I have smiled more than I ever have in my 42 years.  My confidence level is higher and I feel happier being able to smile, laugh or even cry without hiding my mouth.  I think I finally broke the habit of immediately putting my hand to my face when I smile or laugh.  I don't care if braces look silly to some people, after years of having crooked teeth, I show these babies off! :)

I had my 9th adjustment appointment on March 10th.  Before my Ortho appointment, I had my yearly dental exam and cleaning all in the same day.
1st the dental assistant took my new x-rays.  Then the dentist came in to look over my teeth.  He asked if I recently chipped my front tooth.  He hadn't seen me since right before I got braces, so he didnt see that my front tooth that was turned sideways actually wore down over the years.  He said we can take care of that once the braces are off.  He also said no fillings this time and he will see me when my braces come off!  Yahh!!  Below is a photo showing how my front tooth looks now due to the wear and tear of all those years it was turned sideways.  It does look like I chipped it!

Next the Hygienist asst came in and started to polish my teeth.  She made a comment about how great I am doing keeping my teeth clean and obviously flossing.  Then the hygienist came in and started doing the scaling and poking....all the things I hate because my teeth are so sensitive.  She also told me that I am doing great keeping my teeth so clean with having braces.  I was very happy to hear this.  I always cringe thinking the worst before my appointments, but I got good results from both my dentist and hygienist!! 

Next was time for my ortho appointment.  The asst I had this time hadn't seen me in awhile and she was excited to see how far along my teeth have come.  My ortho came in and she said she was going to be using a rectangular wire this time that was more flexible because my back molar was starting to kick back.  They had to recoil my bottom teeth, hopefully for the last time, to push the teeth apart.  Hopefully by my next appointment they will be apart enough to finally put the wire on that one tooth and bring it forward.  She also said that more than likely I will be starting on rubber-bands at my next appointment.  I wanted a pastel blue, but they didn't have any powerchains left in that color so I chose purple.  Not my favorite.  I think I may just stick to light pink, because so far its been my favorite.  Below are updated photos and showing how far my teeth have come from the very 1st day to now at 1 year!  It really has gone by fast!!  My next adjustment is scheduled on April 21st.

 Oooops I didnt take a front close up view 10 mths.....

Left photo 6 week progress gaps, middle photo 6 month gaps, right photo 1 year gaps

6th Month mark for my bottom braces!!

10th Month In Braces & 7th Adjustment

Sunday, January 18th, was my 10 month mark in braces.  Tuesday, January 20th was my 7th braces adjustment. 

At my adjustment, 1st they took an x-ray of my teeth.  Then the assistant took off my power chain and elastics.  She then put a wedge into my coil to reactivate it, because it still has a ways to open up before they can bring the tooth forward.  My Ortho came in to check everything.  She said that everything was going perfect.  She said this is due to me following all the rules, not eating the things I am not supposed to and keeping my braces clean.  So make sure you do all that, so your progress goes great as well!! ;)  Trust me it is very hard!! My husband and I went to the movies over the weekend and I wanted popcorn soooo bad!  But I got a soft pretzel and cheese instead.  Always keep in mind, as much as you crave and want those hard, crunchy or gummy foods they just aren’t worth jeopardizing the progress of your teeth! ;)  Once those braces are off you can go back to eating whatever you like.  Keep thinking that big beautiful smile in the end is so worth not eating your favorite foods for a year or 2 ;).

Because it’s going so great, she said that she doesn’t see me having to wear braces for another year, that I may be able to get them off by the end of this year.  Yahh!!!   She said that my roots look great, that they are really long and haven’t been affected by all the movement.  She also said that once we are able to bring the bottom tooth forward that I will start wearing the bands to finish fixing my bite and bring my back molar straight up since it is leaning due to a missing molar beside it.  That way if I decide to have a tooth implant it will fit in there or my retainer will keep it upright.   She also explained to me that I will have to wear my retainer for the rest of my life due to my arch was so narrow and of course my teeth were turned so much, that if I don’t wear a retainer my arch will start going back to its original shape, which I do not want that to happen!  So I can handle a retainer for a beautiful straight smile!!

They kept the same wires on and just clipped the ends where the wires were poking my cheeks.   I chose a light pale pink this time since Valentine’s Day is next month.  The assistant put on my new powerchain and elastics.  They gave me more wax and I scheduled my appointment the same day my exam and cleaning is, March 10th.   My teeth aren’t as sensitive as they usually are after my adjustments.  Just my back molars are a little tender because they are moving to continue to close those gaps.  The gaps are getting smaller and smaller by the day.  I am still eating soft foods for the next few days just to ease the discomfort I may have when trying to chew.   Below are the updated photos.

9th Month In Braces

December 18th was my 9th month mark in top braces.  I took photos on that day, but never got around to posting them.  Sorry, with the holidays and all, I just got too busy.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

My top teeth are continuing to move and close the gaps.  There is still a ways to go, but they are definitely closing.

In the photos below, they show my top teeth at 9 months and bottom teeth at 3 months.  My bottom teeth are getting straighter.  I cant really tell much difference on the space where the coil is though.  I  think they may need to put another coil there on my next appointment on Jan. 20th, because it doesn't seem to have opened up enough to bring that tooth forward.  But then again that's what happened with my top teeth too.

Not too many other changes than that.  Below are the updated photos taken on 12/18/2014.

6th Braces Adjustment

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 -  Today I had my 6th adjustment appointment. The assistant took off my elastic bands and powerchain.  She readjusted my top wire and clipped the excess wire sticking out.  Then she put a new powerchain on.  I chose a bright pink this time.  I felt a lot of pressure and it was a bit uncomfortable, but tolerable. 

Apparently I had a bracket that was loose on one of my bottom teeth that I didn't even notice.  She removed it and put a new bracket on.  She then gathered the materials she would need to put the coil on my bottom teeth to separate them and make room for my tooth that sits far back now.  She asked if I was ready for the pain.  I told her yes and to keep doing what she has to do and ignore my cringes.  My Ortho came in to set the bracket and the assistant finished it off.  She then put the wire and coil on which was quite uncomfortable and a lot of pressure.  She also put on new elastics.  Once she was done she asked if there were any wires poking, which at that time it didn't feel like it.  Of course it always happens to me, once I got home I realized the wire on my bottom right side is poking.  I'm going to try to deal with it as long as I can without having to go in and get it trimmed right away.

My mouth is sore already, mainly my bottom teeth.  But that's OK, no pain no gain in the world of braces, ;) but really its not that painful just a bit sore.  Below is a photo showing what was done at my adjustment.  My next appointment is January 20th.  She said it will be close enough to my halfway point so they are going to do my x-rays then.  Crazy to think I am already heading towards my halfway point!!  Definitely am very thrilled and amazed with all the progress my teeth have made so far!

8th Month In Top Braces - 2nd Month in Bottom Braces

Sunday, November 23, 2014 - November 18th was my 8th month mark in top braces.   My top teeth have really moved quite a bit and are really starting to finally look straight and are aligning. My bottoms have moved as well.  It has now been 2 months for my bottom braces.  You can see in the photo below how far back the one tooth is, that doesn't have a wire on it, it looks far back away from the others.  My next appointment is Tues. Dec. 2nd.  I should be getting a coil between the two teeth in front of that one tooth, so it will make more room and they can bring that one forward.
My teeth are feeling pretty good right now, but during the month I've had my sore moments.  Last week for 2-3 days my 2 front teeth were very sensitive to anything I drank whether it was cold or room temperature.  Even when I rinsed with my mouth wash my teeth pounded.  They finally eased up and arent feeling as sensitive.  Must have been going through movements and the nerves got tender....not sure.  But glad its not doing that anymore.
My teeth have moved so much that I had to go in a few weeks ago to get my wire trimmed, because it was poking the inside of my cheek so much.  Now its poking me again, but I am just keeping wax on it since I will be going for my next adjustment in about a week and a half.
The extraction gaps are starting to close.  My left side has closed a lot more than my right.  I still have a long ways to go.  But I am feeling more and more confident with my smile each day.  I think I am finally not putting my hand up to my mouth every time I smile or laugh.  Which is a great feeling!  I cannot wait until my next adjustment to change the color of my powerchain/elastics.  I did not like the light green...I think I may stick with pink, since its my favorite color ;).  I will post again in a few weeks to give an update on how my adjustment goes on Dec. 2nd.

Smile in Braces Really Improving!!! :)

Sunday, November 2, 2014  - Braces are really working now.  I can finally smile feeling confident and not hide my mouth.  Really starting to have the straight teeth smile I have always wanted.  Still have a ways to go, but as you see in the photo below, lots of improvement has been made.  I am a happy camper! :)

7th Months with Braces & 5th Adjustment!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 -October 18th was my 7th month mark in braces.  Today I had my 5th adjustment appointment. The assistant took off my elastic bands and then my Ortho came in to take a look.  She was very pleased at how much my snaggle tooth came down.  Which I am too!!  She also was pleased at the movement my bottom teeth have made.  She decided on a thicker wire for my top teeth and a full powerchain to start working on my arch and close the gaps.  She kept the same wire on my bottom braces.  She wants my bottom teeth to straighten out more before she puts a coil between the two teeth to move the back one forward.  She said we should be able to do that on my next appointment.  She said with this powerchain going all the way across, my top teeth are probably going to get pretty sore and that I should take Advil if needed.  So far I have done pretty good after my appointments to not take anything.  I'm not big on taking medicine, so I have to be in a lot of discomfort for me to actually take something for pain.  The assistant put on the new wire on my top braces and then put on the powerchain.  She then put on the elastic bands on my lower braces.  It was a little uncomfortable, but tolerable when she did all this.  I chose a bright lime green for the top and purple for the bottom.  Not too sure if I really like the green, but I have to wear the color for 6 weeks, so I better get used to seeing it.  I am so happy with all my progress so far.  I still cant believe how much my snaggle tooth came down.  I cannot wait until the gaps are closed and I have a full straight smile!!  But for now I am very pleased at how far my teeth have come.  I definitely smile a lot more now without using my hand to hide.  In my photos below I tried to show how much progress was made just from my last adjustment.  You can see the difference of how the wire had to angle up on my snaggle tooth then down and now it is straight across.  Crazy!!  I cannot wait to see how much it changes next time.  My next adjustment is in 6 weeks, December 2nd.

6th Month Mark for Top Braces!

Saturday, September 20, 2014 - As of September 18th it has now been 6 months since I've had my top braces on!!  Those 6 months have gone by pretty fast!!

On Tuesday 9-16-14, I had to stop by the dental office to get my wire trimmed.  It was poking my cheek so bad I would have to wear wax on it at all times even while I ate.  Which I would end up eating the wax off in the process... yuck.  When I went back to get the wire cut one of the assistants came up to me asking me what the name of my blog was.  I was surprised she remembered I was the one with the blog.  I told her and she looked it up and found it.  She said the other day she was trying to find it to show someone.  That made me feel great that someone was using my blog to help someone else.  Makes it even more worth doing this blog! :)  Once they clipped my wire I felt like a new person!  Crazy how something so small like clipping a wire makes you feel sooooo much better.  No more eating wax for awhile ;).

The updated changes I have made in my 6 months of having braces:

Eating
I still cut everything up with a fork and knife that I eat.  Because of so much movement and the on and off soreness of my front teeth, I don't ever try to bite through food using my front teeth.  Since I got the bottom braces on it seems to be a little more difficult to chew.  I tend to bite the inside of my cheeks as I am trying to eat my food.  Not sure if its just my mouth trying to get used to all the braces on the top and bottom now or the teeth moving and placing my bite in weird ways.  I still stay away from hard and sticky foods.  Now that I have bottom braces, food gets trapped all in my braces.  Still thankful for my water pik!!  I use that immediately after eating to get all the food out.  If I'm at work then I make sure to swish water around as much as possible to get all the food particles out.  Brushing alone does not do the trick.


Brushing & Flossing

Since my bottom braces were put on last month it takes even longer now to floss.  I have to use the floss threader for all my bottom teeth because they are so crooked and tight.   On my top teeth I have new gaps in places that used to be tight and I still have really tight places on the bottom teeth that make it difficult to floss.  But, I still manage to get the floss through!  I still do my same routine of brushing with my electric toothbrush, then using the small spiral brush to brush under the wires, then flossing using my threaders to help get under the wires and then using the water pik.  I also, still rinse my mouth in the mornings with ACT for braces and then Listerine at night.


Sleeping
I still tend to clench my teeth at night while sleeping.  When I wake up my teeth will feel a little sore.  Also, since I got the bottom braces, I end of clenching my teeth on the inside of my cheeks and wake up with those sore as well. 

Movement of teeth

My top teeth are moving along.  I have a long ways to go, but so far there has been drastic changes!  For one, my front tooth that was turned almost sideways has completely turned in the right direction.  My "snaggle tooth" is already working it's way down which that tooth has only been in a wire for a week and a half.  I have gaps going on right now because of all the movement going on, but I am so happy to be seeing progress.  I haven't noticed much change in my bottom teeth.  But they are very tight and crooked and it's only been a little over a week.  I'm sure on my next appointment they will do adjustments to help separate my teeth, so more movement can take place.

Peoples reactions of me having braces

I still get positive reactions from people.  I haven't had any negative comments or looks from anyone.  I have great support from friends and family.  Since I started this blog I've had people tell me how much its helped them.  I love seeing how many people have viewed the blog, because it shows me that I may be helping others through their journey or the decision on getting adult braces.

Below are photos showing the changes in the last 6 months:

left photo (6 weeks) right photo (6 months) Upper arch comparison

4th Braces Adjustment and bottom braces put on!!!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014 - What a day!!  Work at 6am and then left early for my 11:00am cleaning appointment.  This was my first cleaning since I got braces put on.  I purposely scheduled my cleaning appointment on a Tuesday because I knew that my Ortho would be there that day. Just in case they needed to remove the wire for the cleaning.  She also had made my 4th adjustment appointment for 1:00pm today as well.

An assistant came in and took off my wire and coil.  As she was taking it off she said that it looked like I may have enough room to start on lowering that tooth (my snaggle tooth).  I said I sure hope so ;).   Then the dental asst started to polish my teeth.  She used a smaller brush for my top teeth since the brackets were on those.  Then a bigger rubber brush for the bottoms.  The Hygenist then continued with the rest of the cleaning which overall wasnt too painful.  I have a few teeth that are sensitive, but they were careful around the ones I pointed out.  I let the hygienist know not to do the fluoride because they were bonding my lower teeth today.  So she said she will give it to my Ortho so they can put it on after that appointment.  Once I was done which was about an hour later, I went back to the waiting room to wait for my Ortho appointment.

Surprisingly I was called back 30 minutes early which was great!  The assistant asked me what color bands I wanted which I chose a pale pink.  The Ortho came in to take a look.  She said that it looked like I have enough room to put the wire on my tooth and start bringing it down.  I was soooo ecstatic inside.  I cannot wait until this tooth is aligned with the rest and is no longer sticking out!  I asked about the tooth she had mentioned about getting extracted.  She said they are going to go ahead and hold off on that and see how well my teeth do and hopefully we wont have to extract it.  But there is still a chance later I might.  She said that they would be using a thinner flexible wire so my teeth will be moving around a lot while my tooth is coming down.  She said during this period some teeth may move forward and look off but it is normal.  She also said that my tooth will be pretty sore.  Which its now been 3 hours since I left my appointment and my front teeth are starting to feel the tenderness.  She also said that we can still put the bottom braces on which I was very happy about as well.  The assistant put a mouth expander in my mouth to help keep my lips away from my teeth.  She then blew air on my teeth to dry them.  She then put a conditioner on my lower teeth and started the gluing and placing of the brackets.  My Ortho then came in to take a look and make any adjustments needed for the bracket placements.  Once she was done the assistant put a light on each tooth to set the glue and brackets.  Once she was done she put the wire on my lower teeth.  They didn't put it on my back molar because they are going to wait until my teeth start straightening out.  She also left the wire off one of my front lower teeth because it was too far back.  My Ortho said that later they would put a coil on it to widen the space and bring that tooth forward.  After she put the bottom wire on she started with the top.  They did figure eights on both sides of my back teeth.  I felt the usual slight discomfort pressure while the wire and elastics were put on but not too bad.  My Ortho came back in to see how everything looked.  She decided to put a wire tie on to make sure the wire stayed on my tooth that has turned in.  She also had me make sure none of the wires were poking and fixed one that was.  The assistant then put the fluoride on my teeth and my appointment was done, leaving at 2:00pm.  Wooo what a day!  But it's going to be worth it! :)

I scheduled my next appointment which is in 6 weeks.  Once I got home I realized that one of my wires on my bottom braces is now poking me.  I put wax on it, which helped.  If it doesn't get better then I will go next Tues,. when they are at my dental office and have them clip it.  Below are the progress photos.

Bottom Braces Day 1

5th Month Update with Braces

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - As of August 18th it has now been 5 months since I've had my top braces on.  I think my teeth are definitely getting used to them, because after each appointment the soreness doesn't last as long and my teeth aren't as tender.

The extraction gaps seem to be getting smaller.  I really can't tell if the gap needed to open has widened any more since they put the clamp on my last adjustment.  I think it has some, but then at times it looks no different.  But, from the photos below you can really see a big difference in both my extraction gaps and the gap behind my snaggle tooth since May.  WOW!  That makes me happy ;).   Maybe my next appointment when I get my bottom brackets on she will be able to tell and see if I need another clamp or if I can finally get the wire on that snaggle tooth.  Fingers crossed it will be opened enough ;).

I still brush my teeth the same.  My front teeth have gotten a lot tighter again to floss and sometimes the floss gets stuck.  It also has gotten a lot easier flossing my back molars.  I think they aren't as tight as they used to be.  The floss hasn't been getting caught or snagged lately.  I still use my water pick all the time.  That thing is a definite must for anyone with braces!! 

Below are updated photos showing the progress from month 1 to 5.  I also included the side by side photos showing the upper arch gaps taken in May and today.  Again, not the prettiest photos and sorry for the scary teeth.  But, if my photos and experience helps someone else going through braces, that's all that matters.  Plus I like looking back at my own experience and seeing how far my teeth have come since day one.

Just 2 and 1/2 weeks to go for my bottom brackets to be put on and that journey begins to straighten those teeth.  I will update and post photos of that day as well, 9-9-14.

Right Side View - 5 Months

Left Side View - 5 Months

Front View - 5 Months

Progress photos Month 1 to 5 Months