Bye Bye Braces

It happened! My braces finally came off yesterday, August 13th, after 22 months of treatment. Check out the results!

In the end my midline isn't totally aligned, but otherwise things turned out beautifully! The slightly off midline is normal and due to tooth-size mismatch and/or bone asymmetry (says the internet). I'm happy with the results! And also glad that Dr. Smith didn't end up doing any interproximal reduction (shaving enamel between teeth). Now I just have to wear my clear retainers full time for 4 months to keep things in place. 

With the retainers on

Here are pictures from my big appointment. Emily and Jessi had checkups and a tightening as well, so we were together for the main event. What a fun experience to share with the girls! And Jessi is next: her braces come off at the end of September.

All 3 of us in chairs at the same time

It was actually a shock to see such big, white, straight teeth after two years with braces! It's taking time getting used to it for sure, with many selfies and glances in the mirror to 'get to know' my new smile. At the start I barely recognized myself! The retainers also make my teeth look shiny and fake in a way, which is jarring. But I'm enjoying my retainer-less smile!

Funny retainer mouth

Working out & smiling

My first bite post braces

Much better (without retainer)!

Flossing is a breeze again!! ♥

Thanks for all the work you accomplished, braces. You weren't so bad!

Jessi Gets Braces:: Step 8: Progress

Like I mentioned in my recent post about braces, Jessi is also progressing well and is almost done her treatment. She's had her braces for 11 months now and has 2 more to go. Thankfully there haven't been any complications, she's kept up with her oral hygiene, and only had one bracket pop off around Halloween.

Like her Mama, Jessi hasn't changed up the colour of her elastic bands at tightenings and has stayed with light pink the whole time (I like silver!). Unlike her Mama, Jessi's only worn her nighttime elastics in one way (back bottom to front top). Interesting! Her bite must have already been pretty well aligned, with the bottom jaw just needing to move forward.

Here are some progress pictures. In the next ones she'll have a metal-free smile!

N: How has your braces experience been, Jessi?
J: It's been good, way better than the expander and retainer phases. The pain hasn't been too bad and it's only been slightly annoying to floss and have food stuck in my teeth. I can't wait to chew gum again!

Jessi's 15th Birthday!

Jessi had a great 15th birthday on Monday! It included straightened hair, growth chart updates (5'-5"), a Starbucks treat with friends after school, thoughtful cards and gifts from her family, our Mother-Daughter pic, a favourite meal for dinner, and an evening of badminton with Daddy.

 

A special day for a special girl! 

Happy Birthday Jessi! We love you ♥