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Re: To cs

Posted by cs on 10/28/2009, 10:06 pm, in reply to "To cs"

Although I had never been offered a modeling job for dental products , I also had never even thought of ortho for myself. My smile was on the narrow side . . . with a minor overbite and until I was an adult, when the dentist who had been caring for my teeth suggested a "new procedure" to cover them ( i.e., an early form of bonding)) — a bright, white spot in the center of each top incisor. Overall, however, they were well-shaped, uncrowded and healthy, so I guess I figured, "if they ain't broke, don't fix 'em.) Never would have either — if I hadn't had that problem with crowding. But the timing couldn't have been better. IA was just rolling out a big advertising campaign, that offered a free consultation with a certified IA provider in neighborhoods of any prospective patient in the country. An appointment was set up for me with a local ortho close to my home, during my phone call to the corporation for info. I was set to start treatment a few weeks later when I suddenly discovered my own implant dentist had just been certified, so had him do it instead— and we set off on our new adventure together. Although my initial goal was just to reposition my lower front teeth, I was stunned when he suggested that he also could reduce the appearance of my overbite and broaden my smile by using IA on my upper arch, as well. Learning he could do that was as exciting as the day my former dentist had suggested bonding those white spots! Even more amazing, the entire treatment for both arches was completed in just a matter of months . . . 16 weeks for the upper arch and 22 for the lower one(or maybe the other way around. It's been a while,so hard to remember which was which). In response to your questions . . . Was it comfortable? Once I got accustomed to removing the retainers from my teeth it was a breeze. But at first, each time new ones were introduced (at 2-week intervals, as I recall) it was a little scary (and I envisioned pulling or breaking a tooth each time.) But my dentist encouraged me and offered verbal support each time . . . telling me his wife (like me, also one of his first patients),was having the same difficulty. Also told me that another of his patients was using a crochet hook, though I thought he might have been pulling my leg with that story. IOW, the only discomfort I recall was minor (both when wearing and removing each new set) — due to their "tightness" and pressure on the teeth (necessary, of course, in order to move them). Was I able to eat with them? No. Patients are advised to remove them at meal time. Then again, I really was happy to remove them, because the thought of remnants of meal find their way inside the retainer wasn't particularly appetizing. Besides, it was easy enough to remove them discreetly. They even came with their own little plastic case to slip them into – courtesy of IA. Getting back to comfort . .. don't know if you are aware of it or not, but the retainers are worn 24-7 until treatment ends and then, as directed by one's dentist. In my case I wore them as directed for about 2 months, at which time my dentist suggested that I just wear them periodically (as needed) to keep my teeth in place. But by then I was so accustomed to wearing them, I felt like I was missing something if I got into bed without them. That hasn't changed. I've lost track of how long it's been, but for the most part, I still wear both retainers every night. It doesn't upset me if I miss a night here or there, but when they are in place, I hardly even notice them. If anything, the only inconvenience I can think of is having to get up to floss and brush my teeth on those nights when I'm so tired I forget to do so before crawling into bed. But the thought that I'm probably providing a perfect incubator for bacteria if I don't is enough to motivate me.

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Responses: Re: To cs - Lee 10/29/2009, 3:06 pm « Back to thread

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