Broken Bracket Again

I have now been in braces for nearly 10 months! The elastics have been going very well. It took a few weeks but I eventually got used to putting the elastic in and could do it first time, most of the time. It started to feel normal eating with it in, even though it would occasionally come off and I managed to put it back in a few times without a mirror. I still found sometimes that I would lose two or three as I tried to get the bottom bracket hooked or would take one out and lose it but on the whole, I've been wearing an elastic full time.

I had my fourth adjustment in November and the ortho was pleased with my progress but I didn't blog as there was little to report. I had some new elastic ligatures put on and picked up a few more bags of elastics to keep wearing until my next appointment. There was no need to change either of the wires but the ortho bent the upper wire slightly to reshape one tooth. My fifth adjustment was supposed to be 23rd December but I misplaced the card with the time on it and stupidly did not leave my number when I left a message on the practice answerphone. As another patient shares my name, it was too late when they realised it was me so the appointment has been moved to this Wednesday 8th January.

Luckily, moving the appointment has worked out well because just this week, the bracket which my elastic attaches to, on the lower left-hand side has detached from the tooth. It may be to do with me putting elastics on all the time or it may be the filling on the side of the tooth which is now visible again. Either way, it has made wearing elastics a lot trickier. It is still possible to use the hook but the positioning is a bit off so I am mostly going without. Otherwise things are moving quite nicely and the gaps in my lower teeth are beginning to close. I am looking forward to getting a new bracket and some new ligatures as the current ones are a bit stained.

Update: I had my fifth adjustment today 8th January and the bracket and hook have been replaced so I can wear my elastic again. I also got new ligatures. It may be some time before my next adjustment. My ortho wants to see me before the Easter holidays due to Easter being late this year but there is no reading week in the second semester so it may have to wait.

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!