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).