I had braces back in junior high. I didn’t have them on very long – only about a year and a half. Not too long after they were removed my left incisor (the tooth next to my front tooth) started turning back. My orthodontist at the time added an attachment to my retainer to try to straighten it back out. It didn’t work. Looking back I wish I would have spoken up and insisted that he correct it even if it meant putting braces back on. (Of course I was 13 and would never had said anything to my orthodontist. Not to mention the fact that I would have died at the though of having braces put back on!) Anyway, over the years the tooth has become worse. I don’t mind it too bad until I see it in a picture. I went in for a consultation at a local orthodontist to see about having braces put back on. Instead of braces however, he felt he could achieve excellent results just from a retainer. Sweet! And the best part? It was only $400! Braces would have cost me $3500! I received my new retainer two weeks ago. I forgot how sore your teeth get when they are moving! I could hardly eat the first few days! I can already tell a big difference so I don’t think it will take too long. My orthodontist said treatment would take about a year. I’ll post before and after pictures when I’m all done.

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What you are looking at here is a nice ribeye steak which happens to be pulling double duty as an ice pack for my face. My wisdom teeth came out Monday morning. The surgery went amazingly well which is a huge relief considering all of the horrible experiences so many of my friends have been through with their extractions. I thought I just closed my eyes for a second and before I knew it I was waking up to a mouthful of gauze. The swelling was minimal. Brad said it just looked like I had gained 5 pounds (not sure how to take that). I didn’t have much pain either and ended up not needing to take any pain meds. Eating is a little tricky, but I’m healing nicely. Now I can’t wait to get my new retainer and get my pearly whites all straightened out again. My orthodontist appointment is scheduled for the beginning of July. 

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