The Beginning

So as a youngin' I was put in braces 3 times. 2 times to fix the issues of over-crowding and over bite. I just had too many teeth in such a small space. In the first round I endured devices such as a headgear...which I remember wearing to school thinking it was cool, until I was taunted. Teeth got pulled to bring the over bite inwards. I wore such crazy devices like a Jasper Jumper (looked like hydraulics in a car). So the first time was in elementary to junior high. The 2nd I was in high school, my mom going through the braces torment with me at this time had them off my teeth by the time I had my senior pics. Good Mom!!!
The 3rd round was my own fault, I assumed it was because I did not wear the retainer. Well come to find out darn it, it was the overcrowding, again!! Mom at this point had the impacted (not-bothering me) wisdoms on the bottom removed. Oh, I came out swinging like a CHAMP, and yelling at my orthodontist.

So at the tender age of 30. And with the advise from my dentist, a visit to a GI doctor, and the oral surgeon...Dr. Imray, I made the decision to go through with having lower sagittal orthognathic surgery. Oh, and I asked for a chin implant also, while he is in there and he said it wasn't necessary..."you have a chin, it's just hiding".

So in March 2008 I went on several consults for braces. I sure as heck was not going to the Orthodontist of my childhood. I made my decision to go to JU School of Orthodontics, because of the price (we were in the middle of a recession and job security was an issue) and I liked the teaching environment.
I got a 2nd year student, one year from graduating...Dr. Oweisey, she had lots of time to deal with my issues and my one breakdown and cry in the office. One, I promise.
She had 2 teeth pulled, had a re-do of a root canal b/c she saw an infection in the root. The specialist pulled out a broken file bit that had been sealed in there for over 5 years.

(Is anyone clueing into my dislike in people who stick there hands in my mouth????)

I originally was told 18 months in braces, surgery and then I would still be in them 8-12 months post surgery. Original proposed surgery around June/July. Things did not move fast enough, things were delayed. They suggested December, this is when I had the breakdown. I was tired of waiting. Insurance may change, my loving boyfriend would not be there to help me, oh - so many reasons to have a breakdown and cry in the orthodontists office.

But now, 5 weeks til surgery I wish it was later. Last night, I had my first night of no sleep because of worry and inticipation.

I'm being optimistic.

And I will tell you more....