1st Stop

So.. this is my first post. Today is actually my 3rd day having braces on but I guess it would be better for me to start from the beginning.

Summary of my teeth condition: Well I think my teeth are quite straight to begin with so my problem is not due to crooked teeth. After some googling for the correct term, my problem is called 'Class III Malocclusion', which is a term for the bottom row being in front of the upper row when closed, which is case D.

I have been feeling very self-conscious ever since I was small, especially my side profile,  and always prevent smiling with visible teeth in photos.


22 June 2013

I have finally made up my mind to go on braces. So straight I went to the consultation at a orthodontic clinic in Malaysia (my hometown). The moment I went, I was asked to lie down and had my teeth examined. Initially, I wanted to go for Invisalign, but according to my orthodontist, firstly it is very expensive (about RM20,000) and secondly, it needs longer time (about 2 years, for me) than the traditional braces (1 year for the top row, and 1.5 years min for bottom row). He suggested that I choose the ceramic braces for the top and metal braces for the bottom. I heeded his advice.

Initially I thought this is just going to be a consultation first but immediately after I agreed with his suggestion, the separators were inserted in between my teeth. Well, I was actually happy with it as I had been contemplating for long enough before going to him. My next appointment was scheduled at 7th July.

And yes I have to removed 2 of my teeth. Both at the bottom row, the left premolar and the right premolar. I decided to extract two at a go to shorten the healing process. The extraction itself was painless as it was performed under anaesthetic. However one of the wound did not heal even after a few days, plus the discomfort from the separators, and I have been popping ibuprofen to sleep since then. It was unbearable that I decided to forward the appointment a week earlier.

30 June 2013

I told my orthodontist that one of my wound was still bleeding and I was in pain. he noted and proceeded on with removing the separators and started putting on the brackets and the molar bands. By the way I was told to put on the braces for the bottom row first. Not sure when will the top row be braced. The process was painless. I was then asked to wait for about 20 minutes before putting on the wire as the brackets need time settle on the teeth. In the mean time, he attended other patients and the nurse started explaining to me the methods of keeping the teeth clean while on braces (like how to brush, introduction to interdental teeth brush etc). Soon, the ortho called for me and I had my wire fixed. I chose pink band for the first month (I likey!).

The first few hours was painless, but soon after the entire bottom gum and teeth started feeling pain and sore. And same thing, it became unbearable at night that I have to pop pain killers again. Some times in the middle of sleep I would suddenly bite my teeth hard without knowing, and the sharp pain shocked me up immediately. I couldn't sleep at all for the first night. It was frustrating.

The second day (yesterday), I was still having pain killers the entire day, but I could sleep better at night. However, today I no longer need pain killers. The tight and sensitive feeling is still there, but it is bearable. I still am not able to chew any food though. Liquids all the way. According to my friend who finished the journey ahead of me, the condition will continue for 2-3 weeks.

The white thingy around the molar band wasn't food. Ortho said it was the thing used for refilling tooth. Not sure why I need that though.

Next appointment: 3rd August. To be updated.