Three years of dental purgatory later…
Since I’ve been repeatedly asked to post a picture of myself sans hardware (read: braces and appliances), I’m updating this fancy little blog one last time.
I had a date with my orthodontist earlier this week where she kindly removed my braces for me. The entire process took no more than 5 minutes and was relatively painless. I was shocked that something that was such an inconvenience could be eradicated in mere moments. My teeth felt extremely slimy at first, but I later realized that I’d simply forgotten what smooth teeth actually felt like.
Following that, she made a couple of molds of my new mouth so their lab could fashion me a sporty new retainer! (Note: I’m not actually excited about having a retainer. I’m just making my best effort at staying positive.) I received the retainer a few hours later and learned how to snap it in and take it out. Then, upon shaking the hands of all of the lovely ladies who have taken care of me in that office for the past 3 years, I walked out the door for the last time.
I’ve created a little storyboard intermission for those of you who would rather forego reading altogether and just look at pictures.
Guess what, folks! I have big news!
I got rid of my braces!
Now I’m subjected to wearing this retainer…
…but it’s going to keep my teeth super straight! (Now that’s an unflattering shot!)
Wearing a retainer is frustrating at first because your speech is slightly lispy and you need to take it out every single time you wish to eat. It only took a day or two before I learned how to speak while wearing it and realized that removing it to eat is hardly an inconvenience, considering I can now smile at the table while I eat. It’s quite a brilliant thought! I’m supposed to wear this retainer every day for a year, then every night for two months, and then 1–2 nights per week for the rest of my life.
I wonder what’s waiting out there for me and my new smile…
Following my orthodontist appointment, I went to donate blood with a friend for the first time in my life. Now, despite having 5 years’ worth of tattoos, I’m actually horribly afraid of needles. I finally manned up and committed to donating only to learn that you can’t be a donor if you’ve had dental work performed in the past 24 hours. I still had the privilege of eating free cookies though, so it was a worthwhile trip.
“Would you like another plate of ribs?”
Later that night, a few friends and I went out for unlimited ribs (despite the fact that my orthodontist explicitly told me not to eat ribs for three days until the glue on the permanent wire on the backs of my bottom teeth was fully set). Folks, eating things like ribs and apples again is quite amazing. I felt like a bit of a glutton afterwards, considering I ate 5 plates’ worth. It was a celebration though, so I’m exempting myself for that one night only.
I’ll be driving to New York in a couple of weeks to experience New Year’s Eve in Times Square. I plan on doing something crazy, so look for me on TV! I’ll be the crazy Canadian running around finding cameras in a mad attempt to flash the entire world… with my new smile!
April 10, 2013 at 8:30 am
Chris,
I had work done on my chin, both top and jaw broke and all of my wisdom teeth taken out at the same time. If you would like, send me your email I can email you some before and after so you have another idea although everyone is different 🙂 my email is andreas_002@hotmail.com
April 10, 2013 at 1:59 am
Hey Graham, fellow programmer here. I’d like to start by thanking all of you for commenting, especially so long after your own surgeries. My surgery is scheduled for May 6th, and I’ve had about 12 years of ortho-work leading up to this (sadly, a lot of it was trying to prevent this surgery, some of which had to be undone in the last year.) I originally didn’t even think about my appearance changing, my motivation was I might as well finish this whole journey correctly while I’m young (21), and insurance will cover most of it. Plus, eating an apple like a normal human being always looked fun. Lately, however, I’ve been interested in the potential change in my facial structure. I’ve always been a bit self-conscious about my long lower jaw, and sorta droopy face. I know each surgery is different but here are the rough details of mine: I have about a 12-13mm underbite, and my back teeth hit first creating a slightly open bite. They are taking a wedge out of the column in the roof of my mouth, tilting my upper jaw forward slightly, and moving it forward about 7mm. They are also moving my bottom jaw back about 5-6mm. Has anybody had similar changes? Again, thank you all for sharing and giving me some peace of mind, these comments are great!
April 10, 2013 at 8:45 am
Chris, your upcoming surgery sounds similar to my own as well. I had braces for two years, then my wisdom teeth removed, then bone cut out from each side of my lower jaw, then the lower jaw moved back, then I had my top jaw split and widened, along with a slight shortening of my septum to allow for the new shape of my upper jaw. It sounds really rough, but you’ll be asleep for the operation (obviously) and within approximately two weeks following, you’ll be able to drink from a cup and begin communicating in some fashion. Just focus on thinking positively, getting exercise (ie. walking every single day), and remembering that the recovery is a temporary ordeal. Also, be sure to relax over the next month leading up to your surgery. It’d be a shame to live a month of stress anticipating something that won’t be real until May anyway. I’d email Cassie as well to see another person’s before-and-after shots. You’ll be in good hands, my friend! =)
March 28, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Everyday does get better, I figured out I can drink out of a cup yesterday. Goodbye syringes, except for when I take my meds. While not being able to sleep I made the discovery that the brushing and cleaning of my mouth isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I find we take the simplest things for granted. A fresh, clean mouth is a beautiful thing.
March 28, 2013 at 1:08 pm
I’m 11 days out, have to admit I did not prepare myself enough physically and most importantly emotionally. Not even sure it was possible, lol! Finding this site has been very helpful and inspiring. Just wanted to say thank you :)!
March 28, 2013 at 8:19 pm
Tara, you’re almost over the “this-is-really-difficult” hump in the recovery process. Life should be looking up for you very soon. Stay positive and keep yourself mentally engaged with books or television in the meantime. =)
February 14, 2013 at 11:42 am
I haven’t had any x-rays since the day after the operation. I have a check-up appointment in a month so I’m going to hold out till then and see what they say. Also, this sounds odd, but when I sniff I can feel it in my jaw it’s really odd. I’m hoping things will be okay till my appointment. Thanks for your help!!
February 10, 2013 at 6:34 pm
I think that it’s just the bones and muscles and stuff inside your mouth still settling down and finding their place in the overall working of things, but I am not sure. Mine still does it, and now it is both sides. I’m going to ask my surgeon when I go back to visit, but I think it could be my braces. Not sure. (I’m pretty sure this wasn’t very helpful, so sorry. 🙁 But I do know how it feels.)
February 10, 2013 at 6:48 am
Just read the above comment about jaw clicking, I’m about 8 months post double jaw surgery and about 8 weeks post brace removal. Feeling and looking great but the clicking noise coming from my jaw is awful, any idea what this means??
February 11, 2013 at 7:15 am
Bella, I’m not sure why your jaw would still be clicking by this time. Have you called your surgeon and asked them to take an x-ray to ensure everything is in place?
January 17, 2013 at 4:10 am
Hey! So, one month down and I am feeling great! I am really glad that I have done this! Although, my top jaw is still a bit numb and I can’t feel my top teeth. (I’m sure that will come back though.) When I chew (chewing has been approved) I have this clicking that I am not sure comes from my braces or my screws? Has anyone else had this? Thanks. 😀
January 18, 2013 at 7:38 pm
Ash, my jaw clicked when I first revisited the act of chewing again as well. That should go away once chewing is a normal activity for you again. =)
January 15, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Hi Graham
This may seem a bit of a weird post but i’ve read this blog a lot and felt the need to share my experience. I had surgery on top and bottom jaw 8 days ago and already ate pasta last night. No loss of feeling anywhere in my face except for the right side of my upper gums which my surgeon assures me will be back soon. Swelling is going down significantly. The only pain i get is when with friends its a struggle to not smile as that hurts quite bad but should stop soon as the cuts heal.
Not quite sure the point of this post maybe just to assure others that the recovery may not be as bad as what you endured.
Also thank you for your tip about use of vaseline as that came in handy a lot.
January 16, 2013 at 2:24 am
Adam, I’m always so jealous when I hear about people like you just breezed right through this recovery! I honestly haven’t met anyone who was hit quite as hard as I was (though a few people did require follow-up surgeries, which is never enjoyable). I’m happy to hear you’re already eating grown-up food again. Keep healing and you’ll be smiling again as soon as some of that scar tissue goes away, woo!
January 9, 2013 at 5:52 pm
Naveed – since Graham hasn’t answered yet, I’ll go ahead and chip in. My surgery was over 2 years ago and yes, there’s still numbness. I remember when Graham and I were roaming through NYC, we were talking about this. We both have numbness, but we don’t think about it unless someone brings it up. Then…there it is! LOL Honestly, for me, the first several months were horrible with the numbness and tingling. If the wind hit my lips, it hurt. If I bumped them, it hurt. I didn’t even want to kiss my husband because it hurt. I was sure that something was wrong, but my doctor just kept saying that it would get better as the nerves regenerated. I’m happy to say that it DID get better and though I never did regain all of the feeling, I rarely think about it. When you’re about 6 months out, you can plan on things staying as is and not improving much more after that.
And…I’m happy to say that kissing my husband is as enjoyable now as it has always been. 🙂
January 9, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Thanks for this immensely informative site, and for replying to all the comments!
I was wondering if you still have numbness in the left side of the lower chin and lip? Does it bother you at all? If this is too personal, please ignore, but does the numbness in the lip affect kissing at all?
January 10, 2013 at 5:23 am
Naveed, I agree with Aimee on this one. While it does take a few months to adjust to any permanent lack of feeling, you will soon forget about it. Kissing will be as enjoyable as always. =)
January 2, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Could you eat baby food during that initial recovery phase? I was thinking the pouch kind would probably work great. (If you’ve never seen them, it’s a pouch like a juice pouch for kids, but instead of a straw you stick in, there’s a screw top) The opening is about size of a pencil eraser and you don’t chew it or anything, just swallow. And what about something like GoGurt?
I’m really worried about making sure I get enough calories in every day because I don’t want to tank my metabolism — I had a problem with my weight after my daughter was born and I’d rather not go through that again! Several of them have whole grains and dairy added to veggie and fruit blends, so it seems like it would be healthier.
January 2, 2013 at 11:27 pm
Shannon, you can honestly eat whatever you’re able to. Items like baby food and GoGurt might be a good way to get your calories in. Just make sure you don’t use a straw for the first month or so because you don’t want to create suction and open up any of the wounds inside your mouth that may have started healing over. (Also, smoothies are another life saver. Delicious, calorie and sugar-heavy, and easy to drink!)
December 21, 2012 at 6:15 pm
This blog has been such a huge help. I’m currently on day three/four and I’ve been struggling with being discouraged;it’s just so hard not being able to hardly swallow anything but soup and watered down smoothies-especially when none of your friends really understand your struggle. Also just the fact that all I can do is wake up hungry, spend almost an hour trying to eat a bowl of soup, and then want to go to bed promptly after. A few questions though; did it take you a long time to eat a simple meal such as soup? Also, do the heating pads really help? My face has spasms sometimes, also it feels frozen/cold even when I don’t use my ice packs; will the pads help with swelling?
December 21, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Nicole, I completely understand what you’re going through. And you’re right, one of the most difficult parts of the recovery from this surgery is the fact that nobody around you has any clue how frustrating each day is. However, trust me when I tell you that your life will become much easier in about one week. Once you’re able to communicate again, you’ll begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
To answer your questions, I was able to eat a simple meal of blended soup after approximately two weeks. And the heat packs do help, yes. I found I slept much more soundly with heat applied to my face than without.
Stay strong and try to keep yourself busy. Watch television series. Go for walks. Take naps. Life will be easier soon, I promise!
December 19, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this big surgery! I just had the same surgery done 10 days ago, and if it wasn’t about this blog i would have turn crazy! Reading your post day by day make me stonger and make me laugh (so hard it hurts sometimes ;). All my questions are answered and i realized that it is only temporary (hard to believe sometimes), that it will get etter and easier.
Thank you again for your blog!
Sandrine
December 20, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Sandrine, you’re in good shape considering the first week of recovery is already behind you. Stay positive and you’ll be back in action very soon!
December 17, 2012 at 10:52 pm
It’s only been 4 days but I am looking forward to it sooo much! I definitely don’t want to go through all this and get cavities or anything!
December 17, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Hey guys! On day 5 of my recovery now, I had surgery on Friday. I was lucky and they only had to move my top jaw and I don’t have a splint!! Yay! I do have rubber bands though which are a pain when I try to brush my teeth. Does anyone have any tips for getting my teeth clean a little bit easier? Thanks 🙂
December 17, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Lucky you, Ash! It’s certainly tough to maintain fresh breath and clean teeth at first, but if you gargle salt water, it helps. Once you’re allowed to brush and use mouthwash again, you’ll be able to take good care of your teeth. I remember the first time I was allowed to brush and floss again—blissful!
December 10, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Oh, believe me, it wasn’t toughness — any nurse who saw me could attest to that! I just hate having to be in the hospital for any longer than necessary so the second my 24 hour mandatory stay (I could sign out against orders, but the baby is always required to stay at least 24) was up I started complaining until they let me leave 😀
December 7, 2012 at 1:06 pm
You were in the hospital for 2 days?!? I’ve been in less time for childbirth!
December 8, 2012 at 10:23 am
I guess you’re just a lot tougher than I am, Shannon. Doctor’s orders. 😛
December 2, 2012 at 5:18 am
Thank you very much Graham, that’s such as lovely thing to say :). I can say that I have never been happier. I am a changed person who is going to shine :D. Im full of confidence and I like to share my experience with others too. People don’t even recognise me now and that makes me laugh hehe! :D. I dont’t get bullied anymore, no one puts me down and its just such a life changing experience, its BRILLIANT! 🙂 😀 xx
December 1, 2012 at 8:09 am
Im all healed from all four of my operations now :). We have all done so well so go through what we have been through. People don’t realise how much of a tough time we have had with our braces and operations. Like with me, I got bullied because I had braces for 7 years and I was hardly ever allowed in any photos with my friends because of how I looked. I always felt different like I could never fit in with anyone. That’s why I’m so glad I joined this group and made friends with people who understand what I went through. I’m a much happier person now all my jaw and face operations are over and done with. Its been a tough, painful and long journey but the results are worth it in the end!!! 🙂 Follow me on twitter @Jesss_1992 or facebook http://www.facebook.com/jess.drew.77
December 1, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Jess, you are truly an inspiration. Hearing the change you’ve gone through makes me smile. I hope your newfound confidence stays with you always. God bless!