And I'm thrilled. I went in expecting to only have the bottom ones removed and the orthodontist just took them all off. It was actually pretty fast and only minorly uncomfortable. And now I have gorgeous, straight, perfect, FUNCTIONAL teeth. I got a bottom Hawley retainer. The top Essex (Invisalign) retainer will be shipped to me once it is made. Then I was passed on to the dentist who is handling my bridge work (I am missing two teeth, and am not a candidate for implants). He took impressions so that the bridges (and trays so that I can bleach!) can be made. I'll get the new bridges in December.
I am so happy. It's been a long road and I am so close to the end. If you are reading this, and are considering surgery, or at the scary pre-surgery part, or the upsetting recovery part, please know: it's worth it. It's completely worth it.
This isn't a great picture, but it's the one I've got:
