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 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.

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.

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!!!

Week 114 Pictures

Summary: Pictures from week 114.

My next appointment will be in November 28th and I am hoping that will be my second to last appointment. I was supposed to have it next Monday but I am out on vacation for 2 weeks so I had to reschedule :(. Hopefully I'll be done by mid December and will be able to have a good smile for the holidays! I can almost feel it is as good as it will get but I know there are some more small adjustments to make.

Week 111 with the Damon Braces

Summary: Still looks like my front teeth are too far out.


Here are the pictures I just took:

Week 105 with the Damon Braces

Summary: Just done with another ortho appointment, unfortunately, not my last.

I went to see my orthodontist on Monday. It was overall a good appointment with many changes.

1. Minor wire adjustments
2. Power chains on upper and lower teeth

The orthodontist also told me that we want to get my braces off ASAP. He knows that by now I should have already had my braces off. I know! It feels like forever now, especially on these last few months. He said that we are trying to have them off by the end of the year.

My next appointment isn't until 5 weeks out. That would be the first week of October. I am assuming I would have another appointment the first week of November and maybe a last appointment the first week of December. This would mean I have about 3 months left.

Week 101 Pictures

Summary: I have felt only subtle movement in my teeth thus far

Week 96 Pictures

Here the the pictures I took a couple of days ago (after my ortho appointment).