No, I have not been wearing my retainer, for the last 25 years. So here I am again, this time at 41, outfitted with metal to fix my bite.
I hope that the advancement in technology and the wisdom that comes with maturity (I can wish, can’t I?) will make this an interesting and, dare I say, a fun experience.
In addition to chronicling my year in braces, this blog will:
- Explore the “smile”–my own, others’ reactions to mine, and observations from society and culture.
- Share information and learning on natural health options to address the discomforts that will no doubt arise. (See the Healthy Options page for dental/orthodontic products that are healthy (or healthier) and (more) sustainable.)
- And will continue after the braces are off with info on retainers and whatever other post-braces life brings.
Some details on my treatment:
- Braces type: Self-ligating Damon braces
- Start date: February 28, 2007
- Actual end date: February 27, 2008
- Here’s a description of how I chose my orthodontist
- Read and see the monthly progress. Scroll to the bottom to start from the beginning.
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What's in a Smile? 
6 comments
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October 5, 2007 at 8:34 am
rubber band compliance rate « What’s in a Smile?
[…] Friday, October 5th, 2007 in Damon braces, braces, orthodontics, rubber bands Officially, I have under 5 months to go! (See the countdown.) […]
May 20, 2016 at 10:26 am
Angie
I was just wondering if you were good about wearing your rubber bands 24/7 every single day or would you have days that you would forget?
The first month I had braces, I wore them 24/7, but would sometimes forget to put them back in after I brushed (like if it was early in the AM & rushing for work).
Then the rubber bands were cutting my cheek raw, so I decided to wear them a bed time b/c I was tired of them doing that during the day when I talked – it was painful. My orthodontist never noticed that I wasn’t wearing them 24/7 or a least he never told me. So I thought I was doing ok b/c at each appointment he said my teeth looked good & were moving fast.
But after they took the braces off I noticed my teeth were not as straight as I had hoped (with the brackets on they looked straight).
Did your orthodontist noticed if you weren’t wearing your rubber bands 24/7??
February 13, 2008 at 8:42 am
T - 14 days! « What’s in a Smile?
[…] About […]
December 31, 2009 at 10:22 am
Jessica
Good for you for getting braces back on and getting your bite fixed. At http://www.bracesreview.com we do tend to preach that retainers are for life, but we all know what a pain they are to wear.
February 5, 2010 at 9:59 am
g
Thanks for your site. It really made me feel better about getting braces again at 37!
I was really feeling down and just googled to see if I was “alone” and voila’ there you are!
Thank you for all your tips and you inspired me to start my own blog (I’m sure it will not be half as interesting as yours) but I just wanted to say thank you.
G
February 5, 2010 at 11:01 am
wakowa
G,
You’re definitely not alone! After I got my braces I seemed to notice that every other adult had them on. Have fun with the blog and good luck with the braces. They will come off, and you will have a smile you love. (And don’t forget to wear your retainer afterward.)