Update: Had 1st Consultation!

Where has the time gone? It seems like forever since I posted. I was shocked to realise my dentist had referred me to the orthodontist back in December 2010. A full two years later, I have finally just been today for an initial consultation about having treatment. To be honest, I had almost forgotten that a referral had been made.

I've been going to the dentist every 6 months for check ups but they couldn't say when I'd hear from the orthodontist. I just had to wait and see. The only change to my smile during all of this time was when the dentist agreed to remove an extra tooth, which had been irritating me for a long time.

It came through in my gum in my lower jaw, in front of another tooth. These were the only (bad) pictures I could find where you can see it. I wanted it out because the gum around it used to get very sore and often food would get trapped between it and the tooth behind, which I could never reach to clean properly.

Before Extraction

The extraction was not painful, owing to the two injections I had, which went fine although some of the anaesthetic went on my tongue and it tasted very bitter. Never having had an extraction before though, I didn't know fully what to expect and the noise was very unpleasant, especially when the tooth proved stubborn to remove and had to be yanked out with some kind of pliers, breaking into two pieces.

I went to work after the extraction and the numbness wore off within hours. I had a bit of sensitivity in the socket for a day or two when I was eating and then it healed up fine. Now, apart from the slightly darker colour of my gum, like a small scar, you would never know the tooth had been there. It looks and feels so much better.  I may be imagining it but the tooth behind appears to have moved a little into the space. These are the very bad 'after' pictures.

After Extraction

Back to today, my initial consultation went very well. As this was just a chance to visit the practice and have a free chat with the treatment co-ordinator, I did not see one of the orthodontists and there was no exam. It went very well though and everyone seems very nice. I was able to see the different types of braces they use and the retainers- to my relief apparently mine will be the Essix kind, not the Hawley- as I can NOT tolerate anything on the roof of my mouth. Appointment times and costs were discussed as well and everything seems great.

The next step is a formal consultation to find out what my personal treatment plan would involve. This will mean two appointments, a week apart. At the first, I will have an exam, x-rays and the dreaded moulds. At the second, I will find out what I will need to have done beforehand, probably a couple of extractions as my teeth are very crowded, as well as my options in terms of types of braces, costs and the time my treatment will take. My first appointment is scheduled for the end of January....

A Diamond and Sparkle

Today it was finally time to go back for my filling and deep clean and I couldn't be happier with what I've had done. Everything went smoothly so I now have a little filling on my lower left side and the whitest teeth I've had in ages. They sparkle! It's actually put me off eating as I don't want the old stains to return. The deeply engrained little lines on my front teeth are gone!



Before (Stained!)

I went into the appointment first and on my own, leaving Mum waiting outside. We agreed it wouldn't help either of us if she watched my turn before hers. The dentist started with the injection, then the clean to give it time to work and the filling last. The injection itself didn't bother me, though the needle was bigger than I expected. I shut my eyes so I wouldn't automatically close my mouth and to my surprise, it didn't really hurt. It also worked so I only needed that one.



After (Sparkling!)

The clean, scale and polish was wet and noisy. I had a suction tube, a water jet and a couple of tools in my mouth but thanks to the injection and an afternoon slot, I didn't gag. I did want to swallow the water but once the suction tube was working and I got used to the feeling, it was actually quite pleasant- refreshing and cold. The scale was loud but I only felt some vibration. He spent ages on the front teeth then finished off with minty toothpaste, using the jet on each tooth in turn and I rinsed my mouth in the sink.

Front Teeth (No Stains!)

The filling is the little dark spot on the side of my tooth just near my finger below. It's not actually visible when I smile or even open my mouth, unless I pull my cheek back. By the time he started it, my mouth was numb so I didn't feel a thing. I could hear him drilling though and it was really loud. The squeaking made me wince like fingernails on a blackboard and I screwed my face up, so he asked if it hurt. There was some pressure once the filling was applied and that was it. Now it feels fragile, as if my toothbrush might flick it off but that's going.

Invisible (Diamond Tooth!)

The filling is much less noticeable than I was expecting and I like it already. In the light it reminds me of one of those teeth diamonds that cost a fortune. I've eaten normally and can brush over it from tomorrow. The numbness wore off totally after three hours, once I'd sorted some problem areas on my chin while I could (bonus!) My lips tingled like crazy as the injection wore off but I'd gone prepared with tons of lip balm on. The difference in my teeth is amazing and I'll definitely ask for another clean at some point. I quite liked that part.

New Pearlies (Smile!)

I don't know when I'll next update. I'll be having six month check-ups (the next is in May) and am being referred to an orthodontist. I don't know how long this will take but I'll get a letter, hopefully before May. I can't wait to get started now. I do wonder what will happen regarding my 'diamond tooth' as being on the side, it's right where a bracket would probably be glued on. I'm keeping my pretty purple ticker so I know how long ago the cleaning was because I'm determined to keep these pearlies white!

Starting Point

I've wanted my teeth sorted for ages. I stupidly turned down braces at 14 and now they're a bit of a mess. I was late losing my milk teeth and then my dentist went private. But enough is enough and having just found a new dentist, I went today for the first time. Luckily, the news wasn't too bad. To start with, I really can't praise the dentist enough. I'd already registered so it didn't take long when I arrived. There were just some short forms to fill in and I was in the chair.

I was prepared to apologise profusely but there was no need. The dentist listened while I explained how I came to be without a dentist and the problems I'm having. I mentioned how the alignment of some teeth is making them difficult to clean and the staining on my front teeth, which no amount of brushing seems to be able to remove. I also mentioned my wisdom teeth. They haven't come through yet but I get jaw pain that suggests they're not far away. I wasn't sure all of my milk teeth had come out properly either.

 After we talked, he examined my teeth in detail, making observations that meant nothing to me, which were entered on the computer by an assistant. I opened my mouth or clenched my teeth as instructed and then he did some poking around in my gums with some pointy instrument. One point he touched was a bit sensitive and it stung but it was otherwise ok. Then I got X-rays. I was very impressed that he had an x-ray machine in the office. I was given a plastic instrument to bite on to keep my teeth apart and photos were taken from each side. I almost gagged and there was some pressure underneath my tongue but it was fine. I wish I had seen the pictures!

                                                    

After the X-rays, I got the verdict and all things considered, I'm pretty pleased. There's just one filling needed and when I have that, I'll be having a thorough clean, scale and polish too. I was expecting much worse. He said my teeth are actually very clean and in good condition. All of my milk teeth have fallen out and there's no sign of my wisdom teeth yet but there doesn't look to be any problems. I asked about extractions and sorting out the alignment issues and he said I could be referred to an orthodontist after the filling. I said that would be great and will ask more next time.

I go back for the filling and clean on December 13th and it's an afternoon slot, so hopefully I won't have as many problems with my gag reflex. The injection doesn't worry me much but I don't want to make things difficult by gagging. I can't wait to see the back of these stains! I'm very happy with the dentist. He was easy to talk to and sympathetic.I don't know how long it will take on the NHS, but I hope to get braces eventually and chart my progress here. Until then, I'll only be posting occasionally.