Smilehope's story

[smilehope]

Well that dinner last night was a mixed bag. Too many crusty things, and lamb not tender enough. Filled up on potatoes. Pudding was divine though, orange sorbet and chocolate mousse - made for braces! On the whole this 2 day conference wasn't too bad. Didn't like brushing teeth in public though, but one lady I had been talking with before asked "how long do you need braces for" and then we had a chat which was really supportive. Strange, I always thought that people would think me stupid or vain for getting braces but of course that was all in my head and really they're totally understanding.

The big news today is SOMETHING IS MOVING. Not quite sure what, and it'll only be 2 weeks tomorrow. Where before just my right 2nd incisor was hitting the plate, now the canine that side is doing it as well, and the 2 seem to be more level. Looking at the first photos though I can't see which has moved up and which down. For me I'm just happy to know something is happening. The teeth feel odd, not pain or pressure, just odd.

[smilehope]

Still struggling with my twice a week keyturns, gets harder and harder.

Had aching in my right lower braced molar the past few days, and feels wobbly. Looking at it, it's risen above the back 2 which aren't braced. Trying to line up with the incisors I guess. I'm on holiday this week but will try photos for comparison when I get home as that'll be one month braced!

[smilehope]

Ha ha anyone brushed their teeth on a beach? We picnicked at a lovely little cove in Cornwall, quite busy. It's amazing what I managed with a flask of water and a plastic mug, to the shame of my family!

[BetsyBug]

I was actually brushing my teeth in the car yesterday, with my toothbrush and bottled water..... can anyone say OCD?...LOL
My theory is can't be too clean. I have also finally mastered the art of flossing with these buggers.... i was using superfloss first, but i have decided I like the glide threader version much better....so much easier to use.

[smilehope]

4 weeks today. Molars lifted a bit and more teeth meeting the bite plate, but only when I move my lower jaw back. Doesn't look different in the mirror but I'll try some photos when I get home.

[smilehope]

How depressing. I just took some one month photos of my lowers and can see no difference, so I have deleted them from the camera. There are definitely sore teeth there, and different bits meeting the bite plate, but I just can't see it. All I see is those horrid lower incisors worn from all those years of overbite on my upper incisors.

I know that quite a few people here have taken 2 or 3 months to see a change, so will try not to get too upset. It's just that when something is really painful to deal with like the bite plate it would be nice to feel I was getting somewhere!

Starting to compile a list of questions for my first adjustment in 2 1/2 weeks time:
Will the other lower molars get brackets?
Does hooks mean I'll definitely have elastics at some point?
How can I fast-forward the next 2 years of my life?!!

[smilingoutloud22]

Smilehope - you sound just like me. 5 weeks in. Can't tell you how many pics I've taken and deleted. Keep getting excited and thinking I feel and see little changes in the mirror (if people didn't know I had braces, they'd think I'm obsessed with looking at myself in the mirror) but then disappointed when I take pics and they look exactly the same to me. Also see the wear and tear from my overbite.

Here's to hoping we both start to see some change in pics very soon!

[smilehope]

Thanks, Smiling. I reckon I'll put the camera away until the end of April!

[jem]

Hello Smilehope,

I know exactly what you mean about the photos. I have taken lots but there has been no point posting them because they all look the same -apart from the amount of white coating which has rubbed off my archwire.

But I am finally starting to see and feel some progress after 3 months and am sure you will also see changes soon, so hang on in there.It must be tough dealing with your upper appliance, but I guess you will now be used to it and it can only get easier with the passage of time.

Good luck

Jem

[smilehope]

Struggling today. Can't get plate in if key turned to next setting. Tried to phone ortho but we kept missing each other. Will have to try again tomorrow.

[smilehope]

Better day today. Spoke to ortho - he's happy if I cut down to once a week at least until I see him in 2 weeks. Another 2 days before I try again. If I can't he said not to worry As lon as he plate stays in. He will also check why the plate is tighter on one side then as well.

[BetsyBug]

Sounds great!!! You can take a day or two more maybe you will get a bit more expansion before u have to turn it again

[smilehope]

Thanks, Elizabeth. I'm going to try again tomorrow as I have a day at home.

[BetsyBug]

You aren't the I only one with wearing on your lower incisors from your overbite. Im hoping the ortho has a plan to level them or something.
How are you holding up otherwise? I have had a stressful couple weeks but the good thing is the drama in my life has kept my mind off my teeth.

[smilehope]

Managed to do a keyturn yesterday, and the plate is not hurting to put in as much as it did last week, so it looks like I'll just have to take it slower for a bit. Which is a nuisance as the progress I have noticed in 5 weeks is... zilch, zero, nothing. Although I know my upper molars must have moved 2.5mm each side because of the plate expansion (which is going outwards and backwards)!
How can I not look in a mirror for the next 6 months so that when I do I'm sure to see something?