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.