Dental Cleaning/Exam (11/20/2010)

I had my 6 month cleaning. It went well, no cavities. They took x-rays.

Retainer Check (10/18/2010)

My retainer was adjusted on 10/18/2010. My next retainer check is 02/14/2011 at 8:00 AM.

Retainer Photos/Photos After Bonding

Bonding Appointment

Yesterday (08/14/2010) I had the "black triangles" closed with bonding material. I will post pictures soon. I will also include photos of my retainers.

Retainer Adjustment Appointment

The orthodontist adjusted the top and bottom retainers on 07/29/2010. This is still no closing the very small gap between between tooth 23 and 25. I asked my orthodontist to polish my two front teeth down so they're the same height. He told me to ask my dentist while he is bonding my teeth. I asked if I should make an appointment after the bonding, he stated the dentist should be able to handle this. I highly doubt my dentist will touch the retainer. I kind of doubt he'll polish my two front teeth for free. I am kind of shocked by this. I guess he's too busy to provide service that I paid for.

Lower Teeth Issue

I have noticed a small gap is opening between tooth 23 and 25. I made an appointment for Thursday 7/29/10 at 8:00 AM. I am also going to ask if he can even the hight of my upper two front teeth. One is longer than the other.

Thoughts on bonding process coming up...

I think I am going to ask my dentist to apply bonding to all three front teeth. If we're going to do it, might as well do it right.

Bonding Consultation

Today I had an appointment with my regular dentist about bonding between tooth 23 and 25. He gave me two options bonding or veneers. I chose bonding. It is a cheaper option. My dentist concern is that bonding doesn't last as long as veneers, but veneers cost almost three times as much as bonding. I chose the bonding which could last anywhere from 3-7 years. It is basically the same as a white filling for a cavity. Tooth 23 and 25 will be the teeth receiving bonding. My dentist also stated that by bringing the teeth closer to the gum (within 5 mm) will help the gum grow along with regular flossing and brushing. My appointment will be on 08/14/2010. I also want to make an appointment in the mean time with my orthodontist. Tooth 23 and 25 are developing a space in between the teeth. I may need to have my retainer adjusted. I will call Monday for an appointment.

Retainers/Final Records

Yesterday I had my Final Records and Retainer pick-up today. My final records included photos and x-rays. I received a Hawley Retainer top and bottom. I have to wear both retainers 12 hours a day. I will post photos later. My retainer check is 10/18/2010 at 8:10 AM.

De-Bondment

Today I had my braces removed. They removed the braces and polished my teeth My retainer appointment was changed from 07/20/2010 to 07/22/2010 at 8:30 AM. I am getting Hawley Retainers top and bottom. I received a coffee mug and coffee for my braces removal gift from the office. I will keep track on this blog of my retention phase of treatment, etc. See photos above.

Twentieth Adjustment

My twenthieth Adjustment was Monday, July 12, 2010. This was my last adjustment. The replaced the wire on top with a new wire. I think it is as thick as the last wire. They put a bend in the front to make my two front teeth meet side by side. They also braided the top 6 front teeth. The bottom teeth they pulled the elastic thread off the pin I received last adjustment. They braided the front seven lower teeth. I am also set to have the braces removed Monday, July 19, 2010. I can't wait. See photos above.

Nineteenth Adjustment

Today I had my Nineteenth Adjustment. They took the power chain off the top arch and replaced it with braided wire across the top. I had two brackets repositioned on the lower left. The first bicuspid and the lower canine. I received a metal bracket on the lower canine instead of a ceramic bracket. They placed several bends in the lower wire. They are trying to rotate my lower left canine. I received a pin on the back of my lower canine that is tied to my arch wire with some sort of elastic thread. The orthodontist also noted I can talk to my dentist about bonding to help decrease the black triangle. He also wants me to come back a week before debondment. My next appointment is 07/12/2010 at 8:40 AM. I will go back as stated earlier on this blog on 07/19/2010 at 9:50 AM for removal. In addition I will return the following day on 07/20/2010 at 2:30 PM to receive my Essix retainer. In addition he noted I will receive a lower bonded retainer instead of a lower Essix. I will be glad to end this process and look forward feel the front of my teeth again. I will publish pictures later.

One more note...
I am still wearing the Thailand elastics on my right side in a triangle. See last blog entry to see configuration.

Eighteenth Adjustment

Today I had my eighteenth adjustment. I had two brackets repositioned. The first bicuspid on the right side (my right/tooth 28) and the central incisor remaining (tooth 25). I received a new cleat behind tooth 6 (upper arch). I am now wearing Thailand (4 mm Super Heavy 6oz) elastics from the cleat on tooth 6 to 28 to 27. It is a triangle. The replaced the wire on the lower arch (wire size 016). They added a bend the wire to push the back molars on my left side lower arch. They also placed a power chain on my top arch to close a gap that was forming. My next adjustment is in June.

Reflections/New Photos

Please note that clicking on photo will enlarge them.







I am posting my photos from today. I just took them. I have an appointment tomorrow. As we are coming near the end. I feel a little disappointed. I don't think I am happy with the results. I know there is some fine tuning to be had, but I really don't have much confidence. I am almost regretting that I went through with this. I hope my feelings change. Anyway... Here are my new pics (above).

Dental Cleaning/Exam

On 05/08/2010 at 12:40 PM I had my Dental Cleaning/Exam. My teeth were cleaned and the exam went well. I don't have any cavities or issues.

Seventeenth Adjustment

I received a new wire on the lower. I think an 018 off the spool. It seems thicker. No changes to the top arch.

I received news of my possible final appointments:
05/24/2010: Nineteenth Adjustment 8:20 AM
(They are going to rebracket a lower incisor and I will have to wear an elastic on the left side next appt)
06/21/2010: Twentieth Adjustment 8:00 AM
07/19/2010: De-Bandment (Hopefully) 9:50 AM
07/20/2010: Retainer 2:30 PM

SOS Appointment

I had a bend in the lower wire. The wire was replaced.

Sixteenth Adjustment

I saw a different Orthodontist than I usually do. My sixteenth adjustment was on 03/24/2010. I changed it from 03/22/2010. The powerchain was taken off the top. The top teeth were braided. I received a 014 wire on the bottom. No braid or chain on bottom. I am taking a break from the elastics. My jaw has been popping when I yawn. They may put me in an Essex retained when I am done to relax my jaw. My next adjustment is 04/26/2010.

Fifteenth Adjustment

My fifteenth adjustment was on 02/22/2010. I had a lower incisor re-bracketed. I think tooth number 23 was the one. They also placed a power chain on the top arch 6x6. Both archwires stayed the same. Elastic configuration is still the same. My next adjustment is 03/22/2010.

SOS Appointment

Today (02/01/2010) I went in for an SOS appointment. My top archwire broke. They replaced it with a new square wire. It is very thick. I think it is an 018. They didn't braid the top arch. Elastic configuration is still the same.

Fourteenth Adjustment

Today I had a lower incisor re-bracketed. I think it was tooth 25. I wasn't told. I was under the impression that I was going to have more lower anterior teeth re-bracketed. I am not sure what is going on? I called the orthodontist office and left a message to get some answers, due to him racing off to the next patient. During our meeting (last month) I thought this appointment was going to include more. I also thought there would be a little more communication. I am really concerned about this office. I had to tell the Dental Assistant to tie a molar bracket in. It never seems that the orthodontist ever checks the Dental Assistants work. They never seem to know my elastics size (Korea), I always have to tell them. The assistant didn't even talk to the orthodontist, I swear she decided that I should wear elastics. They don't keep you informed and never ask if I have questions (even though I brought this up in my letter). My next appointment is 02/22/2010 at 8:50 AM. See the photos after the adjustment above.

Meeting With Orthodontist

I met with my Orthodontist on 01/04/2010 at 8:10 AM to discuss some of my concerns. I mailed a letter to the Orthodontist Office (see below) with my concerns and they wanted to have a meeting with me. The Orthodontist is the one who mapped out my treatment plan and stated they can get the "black triangles" smaller. He also said my bite is coming along great from wearing the elastics. He thinks the only compromise will be the missing lower incisor. He also appologized for the issues that I had last time. It was a productive meeting.

Complaint Letter:
December 23, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I went in for an adjustment on December 22, 2009. I saw Dr. XXXX (I normally see XXXX). The adjustment went fine and I had some questions that I wanted to ask. It seemed like my questions were a burden to Dr. XXXX I know the practice is extremely busy, but I as patient deserve time to ask questions. When I asked him a question it felt like I was “squeezing” it in between patients. The fact that I had to ask the question while he was working on another patient is also bothersome. I am sure the “no questions” approach works well with children, but I am an adult and I paid for the treatment and deserve to have my questions asked and answered.

My issue is that I am very concerned about the extraction site. Now that it is “somewhat” closed, the level of the gum is lower than the rest of teeth. Plus, there is a “black triangle” there because of the shape of the teeth. Dr. XXXX said there isn’t much that can be done about this and I should ask Dr. XXXX I know it isn’t a “big deal” to Dr. XXXX, but I can assure you it is a big deal to me. Who knows which doctor will be there next time? It is always varies.

I put my trust in this practice and I thought it was one where it can be an open dialogue between patient and doctor. This experience has me starting to regret my decision in choosing this office to perform orthodontic work. I know it is a little too late 17 months in to feel that way, but I do feel that way. I guess since I paid for the treatment I am out of luck and I have to go along with the ride and hope for the best.


Sincerely,

XXXXXX