Saturday, September 25, 2010

Lots of rubber bands and some disheartening news

We're still plugging away over here... At my last visit, a few weeks ago, it was discussed that there isn't much more they can do orthodontically, I will probably need another surgery to have a proper bite. That was disapointing, to say the least. It sounds like it would be a few years off, at least, but I will probably start having problems again as my jaws regress, then the only option will be to do this all over again (to a lesser extent, though, of course). At this point, it sounds like a lot of 'ifs'- 'if' the rubber bands I'm wearing now don't finish the job, 'if' my jaw regresses, 'if' I start having TMJ symptoms again- so I'm holding out hope that it won't be necessary.
So the set-up they have now is a last ditch attempt, but let me tell you, they're throwing everything they've got at me! I've got multiple power chains and a ton of rubber bands to wear. It hurt so much at first that I know it's doing something, which is good news.
Since this is the last attempt to make my teeth work, I guess the braces will be coming off soon, which is great. To be honest, I'm still not a huge fan of my post-surgery smile, but I'm hoping that losing the braces will help.
Pictures coming soon! My computer is struggling with them again!
Hope you all are having a very happy beginning to fall!

3 comments:

  1. What about using a splint to retain your bite? My bite seems to be very unstable so my surgeon changed my retainer from the normal clear plastic ones to a splint - my top and bottom teeth fit into it and it holds my lower jaw forward and apart from my upper jaw when I'm sleeping.

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  2. Hey Meredith,
    I am right here with ya! My ortho is using bands and power chains and he is still not convinced that I don't need another surgery. I can tell he is trying because he knows more surgery is the last thing I want. You hang in there! Looking forward to seeing your pics. We will get through this! : )

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  3. In my case I had to desist from surgery, then a couple of weeks ago I considered it again only to change my mind so you are a brave woman!

    Sorry to hear the discomforting news about the current results of your surgery :(. Let's hope another surgery is not needed.

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