Braces for Carolyn

Carolyn has entered the world of braces.

When we did the consult this summer, the orthodontist said that her bite should be re-aligned at some point in her life (top teeth come over too far of the bottom teeth; and the bottom toothline is not symmetrical), but that the spacing in her mouth was not too bad.  They suggested a round of braces now because it would be the easiest and fastest way to fix the bite, while also making sure that the teeth line up perfectly straight as they are all coming in.  There are about 4 or 5 teeth that are slightly rotated, and the big canines are going to be pulled down into place by the braces, rather than having to crowd out the rest of the teeth naturally.

Carolyn heard it all, and we gave her the choice of when she wanted to do the braces.  At first, she said she would wait until she was older and to just let the teeth come down naturally.  Then, she changed her mind and said she was ready to do it now.  She asked us to schedule the appointment for the day after school picture day!

 

She was quite swollen and in a lot of pain for these first few days.  Slowly, she is learning how to put on the rubberbands and is developing a new brushing/flossing routine.  Eating has been a challenge.

The braces have only been on for a few days, and both Steve and I commented that some of the teeth have already shifted.  In particular, the teeth that were not fully down yet are the ones that seem to be moving quickly.

Here is her trying to smile for me with her new braces.