Final Progress Pictures - Before and After

Summary: It is easy to forget how much my teeth have changed!

I finally decided to create a progress picture by month. Looking back, I can really see the changes and how much better it looks now. It is not perfect now, but I can't really complain because I love the way my teeth feel now.

If you look carefully and compare the pictures from month to month, you can actually see what the orthodontist was trying to correct at the time.

Week 7 with my Retainers (Post Damon Braces)

Summary: I got my retainer replacements, for free!

The Monday after I had lost my retainers at a restaurant, I called the orthodontist's office and made an appointment for later in the day. During the call, I had confirmed that they will need to make new impressions and a new mold as they don't keep them.

I showed up at 430pm, brushed my teeth and was then immediately called to be seated. Shortly after my orthodontist came over and didn't really ask how I lost it, but he was the nicest guy when he said he would waive my fee as it was the first time. However, he had forgotten I had removable lower retainers cause he said it would have been about $200. So, I corrected him and said, I also lost my lower ones. He paused but said he'd waive those too!! This definitely made my week!! I left after the impressions were made and was asked to come on Thursday (that is only 3 days later).

Today I showed up and got my retainers fitted and got myself a new case as well. The retainers actually fit so much better than my old ones for some reason. A lot more snug and a little harder to remove because the wires seem to hug my teeth a little more. I don't really think my teeth moved because I feel no pain nor discomfort (besides the regular annoyance of having something in my mouth 24/7. It actually felt great to get my retainers back.

As I left, the receptionist stopped me and said I had won the monthly raffle for movie tickets! That was just icing on the cake. At my ortho they do monthly movie raffles and I guess after 2 years, I finally won!

Let's hope I don't lose these new retainers.

Week 6 with my Retainers

Summary: More like week 6 with my lost retainers :(

I just got back from dinner and about an hour and a half later I realized I forgot my retainers! I called the restaurant back and they said they had thrown out the trash out already.

On my drive back home I felt super guilty. I kept thinking what the ortho said - he said not to wrap it in a napkin or paper towel because someone would mistaken it with trash and throw it out!! I left it on the table and since it was kind of dark and crowded I totally forgot! I normally remember even though I wrap it in paper.

Let's hope it costs less than $200. Anybody know how much they cost in California? I also hope my ortho has kept the impressions /mold so that I would get retainers with the original mold. I am afraid that if he takes new impressions they are going to be for teeth that have already moved around. I'll be calling first thing Monday morning. It is unfortunate this happened on a Friday night.

I can't believe I lost it already after only 6 weeks!!!!! So upset!

Week 5 Post Damon Braces

Summary: Just had my 5 week check-up

Unbelievably, it has been 5 weeks since I got my braces off. Looking back I kind of went through a few stages getting used to having no braces and having retainers

During the first few days I was actually a little worried. I knew my teeth weren't 100% perfect, the retainers were bothering me, my bite didn't fit with the retainers on and I had to get used to taking the retainers off every time I ate. I tried my best to keep them on for as long as possible but that was not possible as I eat constantly! Talking was also really hard and took more than just 2 days (as the ortho said) for my tongue to get used to them - I slurred my R's and TH's.

The following few days my feelings changed - I was ecstatic. It was amazing to feel my actual teeth against my cheeks. I had realized my teeth were still trying to settle in and were still moving around. I kept smiling as I was actually very happy about seeing some really nice teeth on me.

A couple of weeks into the retainers I started getting used to the routine of taking the retainers off, rinsing them every time, brushing them day and night and so on and so forth. My teeth have settled in by this time and I can actually bite (no food) with the retainers on. My speech improved drastically but there is still a hint of slurring but I feel confident talking with them. Another great thing I started appreciating more was the fact that I could eat without having food stuck on my braces. Cheers to that!

Now, I am 100% happy. At times I think maybe my teeth aren't perfect or maybe they are a little forward or not symmetrical enough. But, at the end of the day, I'll leave that up to the orthodontist and his years of experience.

During my checkup today I had my pictures taken again. Hopefully, I'll get a copy of them as well but I am not sure. I might have to call and request them to be emailed to me. The ortho checked my retainers and how they were fitting and said they were fitting great. Which was an indication that I had been wearing them long enough. I also requested to polish off my incisor as I still felt it was too big and also the next tooth which was too "sharp" compared to the other side.

Picture time!

Last Day with the Damon Braces

Summary: They are off!

My appointment today was quick and somewhat painless. I got in 5 minutes late and had to wait about 3 more minutes before I was seated.

Shortly after, my orthodontist came by and took a quick look at my teeth. He then took his pliers and started loosening each and every single one of the brackets. As he did that, I started feeling afraid that some part of the plier will catch on to my lips - maybe I am paranoid.

I took a picture of brackets once they were off.

Then, I rinsed my mouth and the nurse then started to polish all of the glue. It took a while and it hurt at times probably because of the cold air on my gums or perhaps cavity. That was definitely not fun. Once the nurse was done I went to brush my teeth and I could see gum pieces all over my face. Glad, I got a chance to brush. The smell was horrible too - like something burning. Once the brackets were off I started feeling this very interesting sensation. My teeth felt really slimy and soft, there was nothing for my lips to "hang on to" anymore.

After that, the orthodontist polished my teeth per my request. There were some edges there weren't quite right. In fact, I still feel like my right incisor is still too big and looks kind of off. Later, I got my retainers and was taught how to take them off and on.

A few tips given to maintaining your retainers:
1. Do not drink anything but water with your retainers. Avoid coffee, tea and sodas.
2. Rinse after they are removed and don't let saliva dry on the retainers
3. Brush them every morning and night
4. Wear them full time for the first 6 months

They feel really weird actually and affected my speech. I currently find it hard to pronounce the Rs and THs. But, the ortho did say it would get back to normal within a few days after my tongue got used to it.

Before I left, I was given a nice gesture from my ortho. He gave me some sparkling wine and a bag of sweets!!! I found that to be very nice!

So far the day has gone well. I've had no problem except the fact that I am getting used to wearing retainers. Eating has been great too and my breath doesn't stink as bad anymore (at least I think so). I also feel weird smiling now as I am feeling very conscience about it now that I don't have braces.

My next appointment is in 5 weeks. I might ask them to polish it a little more in some spots. I am also concerned that my smile isn't perfect and that the front teeth are kind of overly slanted forward.

Week 128 with the Damon Braces

Summary: Last day with braces!

I decided to take a few pictures the night before my braces come off. As I looked at the pictures, I started to have second thoughts. I took a few more pictures smiling to see how my teeth looked and starting to think that maybe they aren't ready yet. It might be because the way my teeth have been worn over the years but whenever I look at the pictures it doesn't look even - they look slanted and my front teeth also seem to look like they are too far out. Hopefully, I didn't rush this process and decided to get rid of my braces too early. However, my orthodontist does think they took great and I do trust his expert opinion; but, if he is wrong then what would happen? Would I need to get braces again? Can there still be adjustments made with just the retainers? Is this the best my teeth can be?

Tomorrow the process is supposed to take an hour. I am assuming they will 1) Remove wires and rubberbands 2) Have me brush my teeth 3) Use pliers to remove each bracket 4) Use sanding took to remove glue on teeth 5) Use another sanding tool to smoothen out my teeth  6) Hopefully ask me to brush again 7) Take pictures for their records 8) Put on the retainers 9) Teach me how to put them on, take them off and maintain them 10) Schedule my next appointment.

Week 127 with the Damon Braces

Summary: Impressions done today

I had my ortho appointment this morning which went well overall. When I got in and was seated, the assistant asked how I was doing and how I felt about my teeth. My answer was naturally good but I also mentioned I was a little unhappy about my front left tooth which seems to be a little too far out.

She took my comment and when the orthodontist came by she said, I think it is going to be detailing. I didn't quite like the sound of that as detailing means more tweaking and more tweaking means adjustments to the wire which means another 3-4 weeks!!!! So the ortho came and we talked about my concern. He agreed but he said that he can move it but he didn't know where to move it as he couldn't move it back because it would touch my lower teeth. I actually liked his honest response.

The other thing he pointed out was that if it actually looked off or if it felt off. The reality is that it was both but it was really up to me. He said he can polish it off a little and hopefully that would help. Overall, I think it is great and we have come a long way AND I didn't want to wait another month before getting my braces off. I know it sounds bad and hopefully I won't regret my decesion but after hearing the ortho say that it would be tough to make it perfect because the way the teeth have worn out already, I decided it was the best decision at the moment.

Once that was decided my wires were taken off and my impressions were taken. This time around it was a white goo that was used instead of pink. There was no taste to it (as it didn't touch my tongue) but there were some bits and pieces left in my mouth so be sure to brush your teeth after your impressions.

The surprising aspect is that my brackets were left in place for the impressions. I guess as long as the general contour of the teeth is recorded, that is enough to make the retainers.

I was also given the option to either have a bonded wire on my lower teeth or have removable retainers. I did some previous research on this and decided I wanted removable retainers. I didn't want to bother with having difficulty flossing or worry about the bonding. And, I think eventually, I can stop using my retainers. The color I chose was the regular plain pink which is supposed to blend with your gums - yes, it is boring but I am no longer a teenager for any crazy colors or glitter.

Next will my braces are coming off! I am very excited. Officially done with braces after 128 weeks (almost 2.5 years).

Pictures from week 123

Summary: Not much difference. My front teeth don't feel like they are aligned.

These are the pictures I took before my last ortho appointment.

Week 123 with the Damon Braces Part II

Summary: Good ortho visit

I went to my ortho this morning feeling a little down and upset knowing I wouldn't be having my braces off. Went through the normal routine with the removing of the chain, wire and detailing. Afterward, the ortho went ahead and did some filing on some of the teeth we talked about.

He then mentioned we are almost there. I saw it as the perfect entry to asking my question, "When do you think we'll be done." Something I didn't expect to hear was, "We can continue detailing, but we can be done once you are happy with it." I had to pause for a moment and thought, "so technically, this could go on forever!?!?!?" then I composed myself and said, "I think they are very good already, they feel great after this adjustment you just did." And, they really do - it is something I can live with because the bite feel amazing!!!!!!!!

The ortho went on and spoke about making impressions whenever I wanted which made it sound like we can still continue making adjustments even after your impressions are taken. So I asked what that really meant. He said, normally you take the impressions and after 2 weeks your brackets come off. I decided not to question it and asked if we can get it done in the next appointment and have my braces removed by the end of February. He complied and said, yes, I think they are looking really good.

My impressions are now scheduled for February 14th and my removal is scheduled for February 21st!

5 weeks until my braces come off (and the retainers come on)!

Week 123 with the Damon Braces

Summary: Disappointed and extremely frustrated

My ortho appointment is currently scheduled for tomorrow morning. I was very anxious and was hoping that tomorrow would be the day my braces would be removed. That is when I decided to call the office and see if there is a chance that they were going to be removed. When I called, the assistant picked up and said it was only a 30 minute appointment and not one to remove the brackets. I felt like my candy was just stolen!!!!

I really need to have them off by February as I can't stand being in braces any more specially on important dates. I know, it is superficial but 2.5 year is a lot of time specially when it was only supposed to be for less than 2 years. That is practically 25% over!!! Huge margin of error!

Week 122 with the Damon Braces

Summary: As good as it gets

I have come to accept that my teeth will not be 100% perfect as they have worn themselves into specific shapes from before my braces. I think this is a good thing as I will have lower expectations next week when I see the orthodontist. I say this as over the last few weeks I have been noticing that the rubberbands haven't helped much in pushing my front teeth forward as I can still see my lower teeth are hitting them a little too early.

Also, ever since I changed to the rabbit rubberbands, I have been eating a lot of them. I don't normally take them off when eating so they end up breaking and before I know it, I have swallowed them.

Another thing I noticed is that it might be true (as the ortho said) that one of my front teeth is slightly larger than the other which is probably causing it to look like it is a little too forward. Hopefully when my braces come off, the ortho will be able to smoothen it all out and make it look nice and neat.

Fingers crossed it all goes well next week. I must remember to take picture right before, in case they do come off!

Pictures from week 121

These pictures were from a couple of weeks ago. As you can see, it is coming close to an end. After a little bit of filing, it should all look good. Can't wait for my next ortho appointment in 2 weeks!!!