The Verdict: Got A Brace Date!

In December, when I paid a visit to my orthodontic practice for a free chat, I scheduled an initial consultation which at this practice takes the form of two appointments a week apart, the examination and the verdict. On 29th January, I went for my exam. There were four parts to it; the examination, the X-rays, the photos and the moulds, my dread. I have a horrible gag reflex and had them done once before. That time was so awful, I was thrashing and retching, that it was one reason I never got the braces.

The exam was good, no problems found and no prodding my gums unlike the dentist either, the part I hate most. The X-rays were cool. I'd had a full head x-ray taken before, where you stand and bite on a little lolly stick and the machine goes around you but this practice also had a different machine, to take x-rays from the side. For the photos, some were taken with me standing and the rest with me sitting in the exam chair, with a cheek retractor in and some of the top and bottom teeth only, with mirrors resting in my mouth.

I had told the treatment co-ordinator about my issues with the moulds so my orthodontist was forewarned and luckily very sympathetic. He was prepared to try another method if I could not tolerate the usual way but everything went far more smoothly than before. The trays were much smaller, probably the smallest that they had. Also instead of the very wet, grey sludge I remembered, which had to set in my mouth for 30 seconds, he used what looked like yellow Play-Doh and let it virtually set first, so the trays were only in 15 seconds. I had requested that the lower mould be done first and this might have helped.

Tonight I had my second appointment to receive the verdict and there was a pleasant surprise- I will not need any teeth out for now! I had assumed that my overcrowding was too great. But actually my teeth fit together fine at the sides already and I have already had one tooth out on the bottom, where the crowding was not so bad to begin with. The worst of the crowding is with my upper front teeth but since I have a slight overbite, my orthodontist believes it will be possible to make enough room by bringing my lower teeth forward a little, plus some micro-reduction to certain teeth as needed. Since I also don't need any fillings or other work, this means I can get my braces straight away!

Upper and lower braces- a metal wire but clear brackets- will be fitted on 13th March! I have been told I will need them for 15-18 months. I have seen them and although nervous, I was pleasantly surprised at how unobtrusive they are. Although I'm sure it will be shock to see them on, I expect they will not seem noticeable for very long. When the braces finally come off, I will have upper and lower bonded retainers, plus two sets of removable retainers- the Essix tray kind- to wear full-time for a month and then while I am sleeping.

In terms of outcome, my orthodontist was very positive. I have been warned that there will still be a small overbite and overjet because of the extraction I've already had but these are not major to begin with and I know the overbite will improve. Also that my upper and lower centrelines will stay to the left of my midfacial line. But the difference is literally a millimetre and this is not something I have ever even noticed before. The x-rays and photos turned out great but sadly, I don't have a copy so no pictures this time.

But the countdown is on to Brace Day- 13th March 2013!  

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.