Eventually I'll come on and write down what I've been through over the years, but it's a long long story, so I'll start with the basic's.
I have always had crocked teeth, I got teased throught childhood, and sadly, even in adulthood!
Hence the title of my diary.But to start with the more recent topic, I was dx 18 months ago with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). When sleeping my tongue blocks my airway, which stops me from breathing.
So they are straighening my teeth, in preparation for upper and low jaw surgery with Genoplasty. This will hopefully help the tongue to come foward more.
So basically it is not being done for cosmetic reason (though it is a huge benefit) it's for medical reasons.
I have been told I will have the braces on for about 12 to 18 months before sugery and roughly another 6 months after surgery. So I'm looking at 2 years atm.
But since I've had the braces on, I've noticed I am not ashamed to smile. I don't put my hand over my mouth when I smile around strangers. Yes I get the 'double takes' when they notice the braces, but I know they are helping to disguise my teeth.
Every night since having the braces, I've been studying my teeth, trying to figure out what is changing, and just like a pot of boiling water, nothing seemed to change.
Well that was until the other night when I compared my Dec 08 photo with my June 09 photo.
I honestly had no idea on how much my teeth had actually changed. So I'll sign off with the photo's now and will be back later to do 'instalements'
Take care!
Dec 08 - ashamed to take the photo
June 09 - still ashamed of the gummy smile - but totally amazed at the transformation in my teeth, especially the lower ones.
lol
