Amy's Orthognathic Blog

11/09: Lots of Photos and an Overdue Update

I had really really good reasons why I did not update my blog. Reason number one is that Cary came to visit me the weekend before his conference in Chicago. It was fun playing tour guide to Milwaukee. He got to see all the things I talk about. We walked the river walk, went to the lake front, downtown, shopping, Miller Park - where we did a tour and got to see the club house, bull pen, field, dug out, etc. Both the "old" MP building where I work and now the new one. Not to mention going out to eat and sharing stories and laughs. We have become very good friends over these past two years, so it was great to be able to see each other and spend time together "not" over the phone or on the computer.

Then unexpectedly, I had to co-train a class on one of our main applications at work. It went very well, but talk about a little stage fright. I am confident to do it, I know the tool and have done training before, but I'm the type of person who likes to be prepared...like a boy scout! Right when that was done, my husband had a surprise vacation in mind for us. We left Tuesday night and drove to Virginia Beach, VA. We had a hotel on the beach and became beach bums for the week. Swam in the ocean, lay in the sun, did some deep sea fishing, visited colonial Williamsburg and did the fastest tour of DC on our way back home. On Labor day, I had to school shop quickly as there was no time and spent the entire day going store to store for school supplies. Then with our big move day coming up at work to our new building, I just haven't had time to really update the site.

So I posted a picture of my retainers and my smile with and without. I only wear my retainers when I sleep, so likely this is the only time you will see them on my teeth in the photos below. My last post will be before and after shots and comments about everything as a whole. Then my blog and journey are complete.

I can say, it's been quite the experience for me and I might not have conveyed it all in the blog, but there were moments that I really questioned why I did it at all. Yet, I knew there was no going back and the support I got from everyone in my life, from my family, friends, coworkers, blog buddies - every one of you were there to cheer for me, kick my butt when I needed it, let me share my worries, blues, and celebrated my transformations. There were days just an email or comment made me laugh, smile or just appreciate that I wasn't alone. (I'm a little veclemped...talk amongst yourselves...)

Even if this blog ends though, I hope to continue to write. I just need to find my next venture or story. I'm sure it will come soon....

22/08: I feel so much lighter!

My hardware is gone. Here are pictures of my final results!








































The removal wasn't bad at all. The grinding of the glue on the back teeth got me a little, but the rest went pretty easy. So no worries my blog buddies when you get yours off. It goes pretty fast and seeing your "bare teeth" and new smile is the best! I was in the middle of my last project management class when all this happened. I came back and the two instructors made me smile for the class and 20 of my coworker classmates and our two instructors cheered for me. Yes, I had perma big grin going on during that. And I passed my final exam for the class! It's been a good day!

I'm adjusting to my new mouth still. My teeth and gums are a little sensitive from the removal, but I'm sure that will go away quickly. Mostly what I notice is that I have a phantom feeling where the TPA used to be. It is really nice to be able to put my tongue over my teeth and not cut it on a bracket. It is easier to chew without anything being in the way. I keep checking my teeth, just to make sure they are OK. I know nothing is going to change...but just every once in a while need to make sure ;)

I get my retainers Monday. Both will be removable and I only wear them at night. I'll post some pictures of them and show you what they look like. Until then, I'm going to eat all the things that were on Dr. Drake's "no" list!!!

14/08: Put a fork in me....

I saw Dr. D today for the final analysis. Here is where the fireworks go off "Bang! Pop! Bang! Whir! Boom!" I'm done...I'm done....I'm really really done!!!! Confetti drops from the ceiling. Balloons! People are cheering.

I got the news that my teeth have settled and not shifted. I've been settling for 2 months really, except for that stubborn back molar that finally gave in and decided to touch it's buddy. Everything is aligned to orthodontic perfection, and because Dr. D is taking vacation, I get them off next week. Wednesday at noon, my teeth will be smooth and free of their wire prison. No more TPA, no more bands, no more brackets, no more power chains and no more wax!

Leaving the office I was happy, shocked and a little teary eyed. A final chapter of my orthognathic journey. I was never expecting to get the fantastic results I have and I was feeling very lucky to have the ability to fix my bite. Plus I have a terrific smile for years to come.

I was told I will get molds made for my retainers after the braces come off. I won't come back until Monday the 27th to pick up the retainers, so for 5 days I'm free of anything, which makes me want to go crazy and eat like 10 ears of corn and snap gum all day. Yet I am also nervous. I'll probably check my teeth constantly worrying - did my teeth just shift? was that movement? and minor unfounded paranoia until I realize, that teeth don't move quite that way, that quickly.

In the meantime, I think I'll do an ode to my braces, or maybe a memorial to all the orthodontic gear I've had...I could spoof that Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson song - "To all the gear my OD loves...that traveled in and out my mouth...I'm glad their finally gone, my gums are sore no long...to all the gear my OD loves" Ok that was totally corny, I think I need some sleep.

02/08: Metal Head

Since my teeth are settling (somewhere local I hope), I am free of rubber bands and have no adjustments. My teeth are just in a holding pattern to make sure nothing shifts. I asked Dr. D if I could have my final x-rays. I thought it would be cool to show my family and friends my metal head! I think I am the first person in the office to ask for my x-rays...he didn't want me to lose them. I promised I'd be careful, they are "treasured" orthodontic memories after all. ;)

What you can see in the first x-ray (what's all the metal):

• All the screws for my three piece lefort


• my TPA which is the arch bar in the middle


• my braces


• my fillings


• the screws to hold in the bone they added to my chin


• and the screws for my genio.


















You can also see the three sections and how internally it's uneven on purpose in order to have an even external look. You can also see my roots above my front 4 teeth are shorter. They have always been shorter. Dr. D said it's common in people with an open bite. The teeth aren't as deeply rooted or anchored, because they've never touched anything before.

2nd x-ray really show the chin well. Isn't that cool, almost looks like it could be bionic. She has become.....the Bionic Chin!





















In addition I posted a picture to commemorate 6 months passing since my surgery. Wowee! I remember thinking "6 months is sooooo far away". I checked Kelsie's blog often to compare where she was at and where I was at thinking...I'll never get there...silly thought, as here I am.

I don't see Dr. D until I believe the 13th or 14th. I know it will be good news. Since I finished Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows I now have plenty to keep me busy. Work trips, hubby's birthday on 8/8, Madeline's feis on 8/4, birthday parties for 2 more of her friends,monthly mom's night out, Irishfest, a trip to Noah's Ark with the kids, my best girl friend's b-day, a spa day coming up (yes!) and a visit eom from my friend Cary. I've also got a chance to reconnect with some friends from the past and have had some fantastic lunches. I am getting spoiled by dining out so much. At work, I've also had an opportunity for some training that will get me my project management certification which I'm really thrilled to have the opportunity. I love what I've learned so far and it's going to help me tremendously in what I'm doing.

Until Next Time!




































Amy  General 

22/07: Recent Photos and Checkup News

I've added some recent photos, pretty much how my face will look from now on. No more changes really...this is it. Because it's so humid this summer, haven't been straightening my hair as much, so you will see it in it's wild wavy state in most of these photos. I really like how everything turned out and can't wait to see my smile without my braces.

Last check up my back molars still had a gap, so I now am wearing two rubber bands straight up and down from 7 to 7 and 6 to 6 to pull the teeth together. Funny thing, that was the only place my teeth used to touch pre-surgery. I am to wear the rubber bands 24/7 for two weeks and go back on the 31st to see if that did the trick. I had my final x-rays taken. So next visit if the gap is closed, everything is ready for him to make a final decision on a date to get the braces off. I am so much calmer and patient now, it really is no rush to get them off. I've come this far and want them perfect.

Busy weeks and weekends again. I now need to squeeze in time to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows - have had this on order for months and picked it up Saturday.

The first picture is me with my nephew Andrew. The others are from today. Close up profile and what I look like just from a normal picture perspective. I will do comparison photos soon - side by side. I need some help from a graphic designer I know :)

06/07: I survived the DMV and met my twin

As promised my DMV photo. Not bad except my hologram birth marks show. Need more powder to cover those up. I'm not sure what the letters by my photo mean. I will need to look that up and find out..it will drive me nuts if I don't and I love to have dumb trivia on hand.

I had to go in for my oil change, tire rotation, etc. on my car. I met Amy who worked there, she was helping me with questions on waxing my car. She too need to renew her license and was putting off going to the DMV. A July girl, she was also addicted to shoes and Starbucks coffee. We both had braces. We both are very very close to getting them off. We both like pink. It was fun trying to find out how much we had in common as we talked and we decided that we are twins. So if you are at Don Jacobs give a holler to my twin!

That's it for now! I probably should take some really photos soon. With the settled smile. Yay settled smile!!!

06/07: Attack of the Spam - Geez- and other updates

Egg and spam. Egg, bacon and spam. Spam, egg, spam, spam, bacon and spam. Spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, baked beans, spam, spam, spam and spam. "I DON"T LIKE SPAM!!!!" cue Vikings "Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam!"
(and for those who are unfamiliar with the Monty Python sketch)

My site is being spammed a lot lately. Cary helped by putting in a patch, but I'm going to have to stay on top of it more. I'll blog next time in something more secure like WordPress. I'm surprised that I got away with 2 years without too many glitches :)

So it's 5 months- ish post op, and I saw my orthodontist today. He again asked me if I was done and I smiled and showed him my bite. Well the gap is closed on the left. All teeth aligned perfectly except....except....yes, except...my 7th molar on the right. There is a little gap where it's not touching. I am to wear a tight rubber band from my 7 to 7 for one week, day and night. I no longer have to wear the rubber bands in the front at night. That one tight rubber band is definitely felt. That sucker has hurt my teeth since it's been there. It's just one week, one week after all this is nothing. Dr. D wants to see how my teeth settle. After the " week of the rubber band", I don't have to wear any rubber bands at all - Woo Hoo! See totally easy, I can do this. I had no adjustment. I go back on 7/20 and if my teeth in that week settle - no shifting, no gaps, I'm done! I get a debracing date! What awesome awesome news!!!!!

It's great to be on the tail end of this journey. I really am quite comfortable now with everything, the bite is fantastic and I'm having no problems eating anything - steak, pretzels, nuts (not a good idea with braces I know, but I eat them anyway), chewy breads, etc. I love how my smile looks. I get lots of compliments on it and people really don't notice the braces. I have to mention it when they offer me hard candy or gum. I have no numbness anywhere (thank you Dr. G!) It took some time, but all the feeling is back and it feels natural like this was always my face. Profile is awesome, overall facial symmetry is SO much better. I think I look good and am really glad to have done the whole thing.

I'll be honest work has been extremely busy and I am traveling at times so it makes it hard to keep up with writing, photos and other things that I enjoy doing. Blogging gets put on the back burner when things are crazy. I just got back from Denver where I got the flu while training people....flying home with not fun being sick. And then my poor co-worker who went with me, she got sick after we got back home. I'll be coming back from St. Louis when I see Dr. D again. I will really make an effort to update.

Biscuit is helping me write this by putting his paws on my hands as I type. My cat is not a lap kitty, but he snuggles up next to people for attention every moment he can. He IS the center of attention and if I'm doing something other than petting him, he figures out a way to get me to pet him... unless there is someone else around then he'll make the rounds, he's not picky who he gets his lovin' from.

Besides petting Biscuit, we have been enjoying summer. Trying to plan a weekend in the Dells as Madeline got a pass to Noah's Ark Water Park for reading over 8 hours. For a then 5 year old - that's quite a feat! Maddie is having a blast at summer camp. She entertains us with camp songs, tons of art projects (I've got more Eye of G-d - not sure how to pluralize that - then I know what to do) and stories about the "unicorns" the girl group and the "busters" the boy group.

Scott and I are going to Door County soon for a weekend in honor of my birthday. July 12th I turn 29 for the 6th time. In addition I have to renew my license, so I get to spend time in hell, I mean at the DMV. Wait, no, I had it right. Last time it was 2 and 1/2 hours of joy. And no one likes you if you get in the wrong line. It happened several times last time I was there. And no, not me...give me some credit :) ...other people. The clerks would get all snotty, making a big deal about the person having to go ahead of someone else who waited in the proper line and of course everyone in that line would groan. I felt very bad for the people, as I really don't think they did it on purpose. No one wants to piss off the spawn of satan...I mean the DMV staff.

My friend Michelle wants to take me out dancing for my birthday. That should be fun! I hope I get carded and can show of my new ID. Funny thing that I'm getting the driver's license picture with braces on NOW!!!! I will have a 7 year photo that I carry with me everywhere, everyday that reminds me that I had braces.

I'll add the photo here tomorrow when I'm done. That way you can see what I look like almost done. Ciao til then!

PS - Brandy talked about her expenses. I laughed because I saved my bills. My first surgery cost roughly $10,000 just for the surgeon. $13,000 for the hospital. $2000 for the anesthesia. $1300 for pharmacy. Orthodontics - $4700. Splints - $1600. 2nd surgery $ 17000 for the surgeons. $45,000 for the hospital. $2000 for the anesthesia. $2500 for pharmacy. Add it all up $99,100. I literally have the $100,000 smile.

01/06: 17 weeks or so post op - roughly 4 months

Has it really been that long? I'm glad! Sometimes it seems longer, like I've always had this bite and chin. Othertimes I am reminded that I had jaw surgery by people who look at me differently. I've been asked if I got contacts, lost weight, some people speculated I had a nose job, new hairstyle, makeover. I'm flattered though as everyone has said positive comments, that I look great, even gorgeous. I turn shades of red.

I saw my orthodontist today. And he looked at my teeth and studied them saying "perfect". "Really?" I said. He said, yes, your bottom teeth are perfect. And other than this stubborn gap, your top teeth are perfect too. He asked if anything was happening and I said no, the gap was closing but just kind of stopped. So he popped of a bracket, repositioned it. He told me he was putting in a lighter wire that would cause less friction. Before he put on the power chain another adult patient came in needing her retainers checked. He said that would be me soon. He then gave me a big grin. I said, "I was going to ask what was left". So if this gap closes, he's done...that's pretty much it. IT! DONE! WOW! I still have to wear my rubber bands at night just to reassure midlines will stay.

So after I set up my appointment for end of June, I walked over to Starbucks for latte and lemon loaf (breakfast of health). I was feeling my powerchain around lunch. Yay achey teeth! Good bye gap....pleez oh pleez oh pleez!

This weekend is Madison Feis, Madleine's first competition. We will hit State Street maybe, not sure if Farmer's Market on the Square is going on but that would be great to do if we get time. Sunday is RiverSplash and Madeline is performing there with a group from school. Madeline starts camp soon. Which means swimming again and meeting up with her girlfriends. For helping with a project, there is an opportunity to go to the Cubs game on Tues. and sit in the company box. In the last few years, between my work, Scott's work, or tickets we got from friends we've had nothing but primo seats to games. I'm getting spoiled. Other than that, it's high birthday season - lots of parties. We celebrated my dad's with a barbeque. My brother's. Lot's of Madeline's friends were born in summer. MY Birthday!!! I love this time of year. Festivals start soon...warm summer nights...and open toed shoes. Which reminds me...get a pedicure!

Cary and I have been busy with sites and finished our first one together - very exciting! And at some point will work on our new blog. You can see his conservative political views in action, as well as lots of bad humor, geek speak, shoe talk (ok my obsession) or whatever else we think of. We thought of doing it for fun really or maybe because we are just geeks. If anyone reads it that's just icing.

I need to get some sleep for tomorrow on the road at 5:00 AM - yikes. And I have procrastinated doing any work for long enough :)

11/05: Welcome Andrew William!

My nephew Andrew William came a little early, just before Mother's Day :) He was born at 5:05 on 5/06/07 (isn't that cool!) He is healthy and cute as a button.

So funny story...

My mom and I showed up to the hospital with a birthday cake. It was left over from the day before. Madeline's birthday party was at a gym and when I got there and 14 children with their parents came...I looked at the cake we had ordered and thought there wouldn't be enough. So I sent Scott to the store to get another cake. I'm a planner and so I freaked out a bit about not having enough for everyone. Well surprise, after the kids drank like 3 juice boxes and had pizza... only half of them ate cake. So I had this whole sheet cake left over and took it home. What was I going to do with it? Well lucky for me Andrew was born. It's appropriate...it WAS his birthday :) Allie's family was there and thought it was fantastic. We all sang happy birthday to Andrew and ate cake while we took turns holding the baby. I think I started a new tradition.

I'm an auntie! Told you he was a boy ;)

04/05: My Time Off From Teeth Bloggin'

Sometimes in life we need to take break and I needed to just focus on some stuff other than teeth for a while. My step mom had passed away April 1st, 3:00 AM. The wake and funeral were the Friday and Saturday before Easter. Thanks to my friends and coworkers for your support through this time. As her obit said " Oh how she loved life and gave her love to everyone in it! ....O SusieQ we are going to miss you!" Time won't fix the space she leaves in the hearts of those who loved her, but I am honored to have known her, as a friend, as my dad's wife and as a Grandma to Madeline.

Teeth wise things have been excellent. My adjustments are minor. I came in every 2 weeks to have my power chain changed on my uppers to close the gap. It's almost closed..just a smidgen left. My last visit with the OS, he said see you end of May and then if all looks like it does now, I won't see you until your debraced! He told me I get a photo shoot - I guess I get to be a Glamour Girl after all (note to self, get eyebrows waxed and facial, appointment with Ric for hair, and see if cousin Kim will do makeup - that will be some after photo - he he he). He expected I will get my braces off mid to late summer. My OD said I'm on the fast path to getting out of braces too. I faithly wore my rubber bands night and day until 3 weeks ago, when I got the OK to wear them only at night. And last Tuesday I went to lighter rubber bands. No sign of the bite opening - teeth look amazing.

Chewing is getting better, I eat whatever I want or can. Nothing is off limits, just what I feel comfortable with. I'm indulging by going to all my favorite places. When I got the ok to bite fully, went out and got Thai - Singha Thai being my favorite place - Nam Sod, Singha Cashew Delight, and Curry Fried Rice. Did the Irish thing at County Clare. Hit a few of the places near BayShore and will be trying the Mongolian BBQ place with coworkers next Friday. My friend Michelle had her 4th kid right after my surgery - yeah, she's superwoman...MBA graduate, Director and mom of 4. We took him with us out to dinner recently and Michelle got me to try Indian food. We went to Dancing Genasha and had the vegetarian sampler and a chicken, rice, cashew, rasin stew. It was heavenly. And Aaron was an angel. Speaking of babies any day now I will be an auntie. My brother calls me for advice and questions - he analyzes and gathers information - the engineer in him. He's going to be a great dad. I think they are having a boy...let's see if I'm right :)

And work is busy, busy, busy. My projects are finally moving foward and issues getting resolved instead of circling like vultures. And word is we move soon, our new building is almost done. Most of my fellow MPers are looking forward to it like I am. It's an exciting time.

We got a new furry addition to the family. His name is Biscuit and he's a very friendly fellow. My daughter's wanted a pet, she and dad convinced me to let them get a cat. See I'm the one with allergies, but with my cocktail of meds I'm doing ok and yes, the little bugger is always by me. Mr. B is my buddy and gives me lots of kitty love. His meow indicates he may come from a line of goats, but the vet assures me he's a all cat.

When we aren't playing with the cat, we have been at studio 252. Maddie had spring performance and did a fantastic job! My beginner is a ham on stage and is excited to compete soon in her first feis. Our Trinity team took gold - World Champions again. Our under 15 took Silver at World's and did such an amazing job. And then of course there was the honor of being on the Today show...these kids are amazing. We have upcoming Milwaukee Feis, Madison Feis, and IrishFest. Madeline's birthday party is the same day as Milwaukee Feis, so we will miss that.

Wanting summer to get here, warm days and no more braces. I see the OS next - end of May. I see my OD June 1st and will bug him to give me an estimate on when I can expect to be free of these chains on my teeth. Can't wait!

PS - Can you tell with all my food links I'm food obsessed. Telling you, this might turn into a promo for all the great local food - just for you CB I'll rate La Fuentes next time...you owe me lunch there.