Mouth Wednesday: To Christmas what Black Friday is to Thanksgiving

It's 2:30pm, and I've already seen two doctors who asked me to "open wide" (ahhhh), "now, bite down" (*feeble attempt*). First, I saw my orthodontist, who changed a few rubber bands and sent me on my merry way. Next, I saw the surgeon.

It seems as though there was a bit of confusion in the communication between the orthodontist and the surgeon. Namely, the orthodontist was supposed to take and send impressions so that the surgeon could get a good idea of how close my teeth were to matching up. He didn't have any such thing, and therefore could tell me little (other than exclaim, "how do you eat!?" which was oddly assuring). His assistant took impressions.

Obviously, I've had impressions taken before, but never with braces. That was ohmygod nasty. There was the pink gunk in my braces, and the top one made me gag... ew. Those should be finished tomorrow, and the surgeon will give us a call to tell us how they look.

We also discussed dates. His first comment was, "so, you're looking to have the surgery this summer?" ummm, no. I've been planning February in my mind. It's the perfect time for me, really (other than last summer, but what's done is done...) I have a week-long school vacation the week of the 18th, and I would rather be out from school for 3 weeks than 4. Also, I will be in my second semester of senior year, so I won't have nearly as much work to do, and I'll be generally less stressed out. Also, the sooner the surgery is done, the less time I'll have to spend in braces in college. The surgeon said the surgery can probably be done in February whether or not I'm exactly ready, but I'm hoping I will be!

Before we left, my mom and I talked to the amazing woman at the front desk. She's been dealing with our insurance company, and she did a great job. She called the hospital and got me a tentative surgery date of Thursday, February 14th.... Valentine's Day! There was a little confusion about whether I'd be in the adult or pediatric OR (I turned 18 a few days ago) but it looks like I'll be in pedi. I think this is a mixed blessing. I'm betting on better care, but more noise in recovery.

Amazing Woman also passed over all the preoperative paperwork, which is completely overwhelming. I'm lucky that my mom is going to take care of most of it! I need a physical, blood tests, an appointment at the blood bank, and a pre-op consultation with my surgeon at the hospital. I'm getting really excited! Not nervous yet, but I'm sure I will be...


I hope everyone had a very wonderful and happy Christmas...

Sensitive Teeth?

I've noticed that my teeth have become quite sensitive in the... last two weeks I guess. Eating very cold foods hurts, as does using the Waterpik. Braces related? Why would this develop after months with them on? Has anyone else experienced this?

Just enough time for a bit of good news...

My upper and lower jaw surgeries have been approved by insurance!

I have an appointment to meet with the surgeon for the day after Christmas... just hours after my next orthodontist appointment!

Happy Hanukkah!