It’s been just over a year, and I am FINALLY done with braces! I can’t believe the whole process was simultaneously over so quickly and yet I have a hard time remembering life before braces. The evening before my debond appointment, I kept thinking how strange it was that this would hopefully be the last time I put on my bands. I still had a tiny fear in the back of my mind that something would be wrong and my treatment would need to continue for another six months, or that I hadn’t been brushing well enough so I’d have stains all over my teeth.
Luckily the Ferris Orthodontics team always makes me feel right at ease for every appointment, and this final one was no different. It’s crazy how fast the braces come off after having them on for so many months. They then placed my permanent retainer on my front bottom 6 teeth. Since those were the ones that had shifted so dramatically pre-braces, I didn’t want to take any chances of the same thing happening again. Polishing the teeth and removing any residual glue was only slightly uncomfortable at best, and only because I have fairly sensitive teeth. Then it was time for the big reveal. Ready or not, SMILE! Watch below to see the moment:
Ready for a before and after? Below is probably the most discernible difference, you can see how much my front lower 6 teeth had shifted on the left, and then my permanent retainer now keeping those babies in line forevermore. Overall my smile is just so much more balanced, and it so nice to be able to just SMILE confidently in any and all situations now! Yes, my teeth still feel “slick”, and yes I couldn’t stop running my tongue over them for the first 48 hours or so, but overall I’m just so happy with the results!
I do have to keep an Essix retainer in on my top teeth for the next 6 months during the day and night, and another clear Essix retainer on my bottom teeth just at night. If all continues to go well I can transition to just a traditional metal retainer on top at night, and then I’ll just need check-ups if my permanent retainer breaks or anything doesn’t feel right. Thank you so much to the whole team at Ferris Orthodontics, from Debbie at check-in, to Dr. Ferris and Dr. Hembree, to every staff member who helped me feel like I was a part of the family from day one. I will miss seeing you guys every month!
Don’t forget if YOU or someone you love wants to start their own braces journey with Ferris, mention Haute in Texas for $250 off your Invisalign or traditional treatment! I highly recommend it, and I hope you can achieve a smile you love just as much as I love mine!
XO,
A
