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).

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)!