Starting 2013 with braces...

[kiwibug]

After a year of mucking about, waiting for appointments, and waiting to see surgeons, etc., brace date is finally coming up on January 7th! I honestly thought it would never happen. Eep!

I've attached some before photos taken at the records appointment in February. The last 2 baby teeth have since come out, so there's 2 extra gaps at the top.

I'm in for 2-3 years of braces with lower (and possibly upper) jaw surgery thrown in part way through. Anyone who's had experience with surgery, I'd love your input! That's the part that's scaring me the most. A bit nervous about the initial adjustment with the braces, but I know that'll pass in a couple weeks

I'll keep updating as things start to change

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[NICURN85]

Congrats!!! What a wonderful way to start off the new year. At least you will have your big holiday meals out the way without having to worry about what to eat. What type of braces will you be getting?!! Make sure to keep us updated and look forward to following your story.

[Kipepeo]

Kiwi, your teeth are so pretty and a nice shape. I'm sorry you might have to have surgery.

Question for you...is your lower jaw shifted to your right because of how your molars meet, or is your lower arch shifted right, or is your upper arch shifted left?

I really hope they are able to get everything in line and lower arch pulled back without surgery. Time will tell.

[Tobilei]

Good luck for your brace date (not that you'll need it!). You already have a nice smile so it's going to look amazing when you're done. I had baby teeth too so have those gaps around the side Wish I could help you with surgery. I'm in for an implant possibly but not surgery. I hope you get some answers though.

[kiwibug]

Thanks everyone.
Nicurn, at this stage I'm thinking full metal, top and bottom. That may still change on the day lol
Kip, surgery is a definite made the decision to start this journey very hard, but I've been assured its all very routine and straight forward. Not sure exactly why my bite is off, from what I've been told one jaw is bigger or longer than the other which is why they're wanting to do surgery.
Thanks Tobelei there's a slight possibility we may end up doing implants as well, but that'll be a last resort if they can't close the gaps any other way. I had a choice really between doing implants to close the gaps or doing everything properly and fixing my bite as well, so here I am lol

5 days to go! It's coming up very very fast now

[kiwibug]

Last day of freedom... Eep! Picking up all the last bits today before I go in tomorrow morning

[Tobilei]

You'll be fine!!

[kiwibug]

Not too worried today just taking advantage of eating as much off limits stuff as I can
Dinner will be ribs, corn on the cob and potatoes. Yum!

[kiwibug]

12 hours to go!
Stocked up on bonjela and lip balm, had a good dinner and now just hoping I can sleep tonight. Still can't quite believe its happening!

[Ellabelle]

Good luck in the morning and I wish you restful slumber!!

[EbonyQ]

Good luck!!!

[iBorg]

I thought I'd wish you well and offer a bit of wisdom.

Remember during the entire treatment phase this is something you are doing for yourself. Its not being done to you.

It is your decision to invest in yourself. No one else will benefit.

Enjoy it. (and yes it is possible)

There are few opportunities we have to invest in ourselves like this.

[kiwibug]

And they're on! Easy process aside from some sensitivity on my lower teeth when they air dried them.
Trying to eat now before they get too sore, definitely feel a couple teeth that will be sore by morning.
Every tooth is bracketed, but the very back ones haven't been wired in. Purple ligs apart from 4 wire ties.

Overall, nowhere near as bad as I expected

[jem]

Congratulations Kiwibug! I started with my brace at this time last year and am now not too far from finishing.It has been easier than I expected and I have no regrets.Good luck with your new braces and let us know how you get on with them

Jem

[Tobilei]

Congrats! Mine were sensitive when they air dried them too. Glad they're on! Hope tomorrow's okay for you