Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Adjustment number 14!

Okay, I know I'm horribly behind so here is an update!

Last Monday was adjustment number 14. As you can see from the photo below my central incisors are finally completely touching! The power chain helped to some degree but didn't quite close it, so Dr. Waese had to use some elastic string - he said that would be a no-nonsense way of doing it and the space was closed almost as soon as he was finished tying the knot!

He put a bend in the top wire to pull down my left pre-molars and also activated more expansion. I can definitely tell that my top jaw isn't quite wide enough yet because my lower teeth are pressing on my upper canines but it seems to be getting better.

I asked him about mid-lines and he said the expansion in the upper wire should do it, however he gave me an elastic to wear diagonally at nighttime only.

As far as my lowers go, I finally have the extra hooks removed and he was able to make an adjustment but not in such a way that my molars would come closer to touching, I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer for that.

Next appointment, he is going to observe so that he can fashion an upper and lower night guard. Previously he said that he was going to use an FFMP but had moved away from them since the night guards seem to have better results. Lucky for me he said he would charge the same price even though the night guards cost $200 more.

I also saw Dr. Tocchio today, he also noticed that I need more expansion on my left side but said everything else looks good. I will see him again in two months.

Oh, I also went for my first post-op cleaning, I was amazed at how much plaque Cheryl was able to remove. It feels so much better!

I'm still taking it easy as far as chewing. I was able to slowly bite into a bean burrito this weekend, that was a thrill and a half, let me tell you!

That's all for now!