Thursday, September 10, 2009

Brace Face No More

Alyssa got her braces off this week. Most kids can't wait until the day the braces come off, but my Alyssa was just scared to death. Anything new and/or remotely medically related freaks poor little Lyss right out of her pants. She did pretty good with the removal, but the impression for the new retainer was another story. And of course they had to do it twice because the first one didn't work. I seriously thought she was going to throw up she was gagging so bad. Thankfully she didn't and they were able to make the retainer.

Speaking of retainer, MY they have come a long way since I had to endure this process. She got to choose from about 50 color choices, and ended up with sparkly turquoise. (My choices were clear or red.) And hers is a little piece of plastic that fits on the roof of the mouth. The next step in this braces process is to pull her jaw forward. I had to have this same thing done, but I had to wear a gargantuan hunk of plastic that filled both top and bottom of my mouth. And then, since I would spit it out in my sleep, I had to have some strange strap device wrapped around my head at night to keep my mouth closed. I'm SO glad she doesn't have to do that! I have to say, I'm a little envious of the ease of her braces experience.
Crooked teeth before the process began.

First day with braces.

Nice straight teeth!

Now she wears this retainer while her body grows, and her bite readjusts, then we see if she will need further treatment in about two years.

14 comments:

Gina said...

Beutiful. All of them.
A) She looks like you.
B)Her face has matured a lot.

becky ward said...

oh my word! she looks so grown up with that mouth full of straight beautiful teeth. congratulations alyssa! now, i thought for sure you would be including a picture of you with that major contraption on your face!

Deidra Smith said...

Looking good Alyssa. And I don't blame you for gagging. Ugh! Who want people messing around in their mouth?

Mama Williams said...

Beautiful smile!

Grammy said...

Alyssa, your teeth look so good! I bet you're glad you did it now.

Tonya said...

Congratulations Alyssa, You always looked beautiful but now you really have the smile of an angel.

Tamie said...

if you've got a good DH---she (or he) will have you lean your head forward and down while doing the mold for the retainers (esp on the top) b/c then you won't feel like the stuff is trying to go down your throat (now you'll know for the next one...)
braces off is AWESOMENESS!!!! nice smooth teeth!

Shannon said...

Show off those beautiful choppers! ;)


We've been told Hannah will most likely need braces. So far, the same has not been said about Michaela!

CB said...

Her teeth look beautiful!

It is totally amazing what they have for the kids these days. They can choose the colors for their bands while their braces are on and then they get cool looking retainers. My son had a tiger one.

I guess the only thing that doesn't change is how freakin' expensive they are!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I have a referal for an orthodontist for Katie. I just haven't made the appointment yet. The expense scares me off. And I am sure that Madalyn will need them too!

"The Queen in Residence" said...

We are doing that phase I of many phases in the growing mouth of my kids. We hope to be taking off the braces soon here too and letting DQ grow.

Wendy said...

Glad to have that phase OVER at our house. Good luck with everything!

Nichole said...

Reed's teeth are awful. When did you start all the orthodontia? He is 6

Trish said...

Oh, wonderful! Congratulations, Alyssa!! Mayzie needs to get her braces on. She is not excited. ;)