Stargirl's Story & Pics - Braces OFF!
Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 1:56 pm
Hey everyone! I thought I'd share my braces story. I'm 17 and I live in Canada.
I've had my braces on for a little over a month, but prior to that, I had an RPE for 3 months, as well as reverse pull facemask headgear for 2 months. The expander is still in, acting as a retainer to keep the width of my arch, and I am continuing to wear the headgear. The puropse of all these crazy appliances is to correct an underbite and LOTS of crowding. The facemask is pulling my upper jaw forward supposedly... I'm not so sure if that's working. So far, things have been going well, although I would have to say that the worst part was the first week with the RPE! That thing is a torture device. Luckily, I barely even notice it now. I am scheduled to get it off on June 8th - let's hope that this is true! The braces aren't bad at all, they're a piece of cake compared to everything else!
Okay, it's time for pictures!
This was taken about a week after I got my braces on.
My first adjustment. I've got some crazy springs to make room for my rotated lower canines.
My lower teeth 3 weeks after banding.
Lower teeth now. I see movement, yay! Sorry, this picture is dark!
Upper teeth, 4 weeks in.
After first adjusment... not much movement, but a spring was attached to make room for the lateral.
Left side, 1 week after braces on. You can see the hooks for the headgear, they're attached to the RPE.
Left side, after 1st adjusment. I think my upper jaw has actually moved forward!
Right side 1 week after braces put on.
Right side now. There's the spring!
Overall, there hasn't been a ton of movement, but I'm optimistic. It's really exciting to see every little change going on in your mouth. Hopefully the next two years will go by fast.
I've had my braces on for a little over a month, but prior to that, I had an RPE for 3 months, as well as reverse pull facemask headgear for 2 months. The expander is still in, acting as a retainer to keep the width of my arch, and I am continuing to wear the headgear. The puropse of all these crazy appliances is to correct an underbite and LOTS of crowding. The facemask is pulling my upper jaw forward supposedly... I'm not so sure if that's working. So far, things have been going well, although I would have to say that the worst part was the first week with the RPE! That thing is a torture device. Luckily, I barely even notice it now. I am scheduled to get it off on June 8th - let's hope that this is true! The braces aren't bad at all, they're a piece of cake compared to everything else!
Okay, it's time for pictures!
This was taken about a week after I got my braces on.
My first adjustment. I've got some crazy springs to make room for my rotated lower canines.
My lower teeth 3 weeks after banding.
Lower teeth now. I see movement, yay! Sorry, this picture is dark!
Upper teeth, 4 weeks in.
After first adjusment... not much movement, but a spring was attached to make room for the lateral.
Left side, 1 week after braces on. You can see the hooks for the headgear, they're attached to the RPE.
Left side, after 1st adjusment. I think my upper jaw has actually moved forward!
Right side 1 week after braces put on.
Right side now. There's the spring!
Overall, there hasn't been a ton of movement, but I'm optimistic. It's really exciting to see every little change going on in your mouth. Hopefully the next two years will go by fast.
Before you know it your two yrs will be over (and no I am not just saying it), and you will see a TON of changes 
especially in the beggining (I know I did). Good luck with everything!!
You have a great attitude and I'm sure you will be rewarded with more and more movement. It seems like nothing happens at first and then everything takes off all at once (at least that's what happened with me). Congratulations and welcome!
Hopefully, my pesky lower left lateral will be tied next July 7. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, since I'm already half-way through my sentence! How are things on your end? Keep me posted!
