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Sunday, 22 August 2010

Wire and Cleaning Tips

Hello! I just just had my wire tightened, which has been painful for about three days. As I've said before, it's quite nice when it does hurt as you know it's really working, and unbelieveably, the gap I had in my teeth closed in just ONE day!

My teeth have been bleeding slightly - it's not painful but another indication that they are moving.

Wire Tip:

When you're at the orthodontist, check using your finger that your wire is not cutting into your tongue at all. As your mouth is open and your tongue uncomfortable and disorientated from the appointment, it's not the best judge of this. Checking using a clean finger is the best way and avoids irritating trips back to see your orth to get it sorted. I have made this mistake a number of times now. My orthodontist is always kind and patient with me but it's costs a lot in petrol as I live around 10 miles from the surgery! If you mention the problem whilst you're still there, before you leave that seat, your orth can bend it out of the way, tuck in sharp edges and even grind down any sharpness with a motorised file.

There is a slight error in my video about the wire. I talk about it having a memory which is why you can't bend the ends out of the way. Actually, I've since learnt that before the wire is put into your mouth, the ends are heated with a flame to remove this quality so that they can indeed be bent out of the way. The point I'm making is that it's hard to bend them back out of the way yourself - which is still true. You can have a go with bathroom tweezers but be careful - I've tried this and ended up in more pain! Ouch!

Mouthwash Tips:

I have been using the Listerine Total which I mentioned in previous posts. As the alcohol content is so high on this brand it does really clean away the bacteria which is good, but can really sting your mouth. You can water it down to reduce this and it still works well (and lasts longer, too!).

Keeping this type of brace clean is a big challenge - remember to use an electric toothbrush, interdental sticks and mouthwash, and clean them after every meal. If you have any cuts or abrasions in your mouth, use mouthwash regularly to keep bacteria to a minimum and speed up healing time.

Link to YouTube Video: Wire and Cleaning Tips

Monday, 16 August 2010

Celebrity Lingual Brace Wearers!







Wow! Everyone's talking about Myleene Klass' brace! She was presenting This Morning and was snapped with her mouth wide open! Look!


There's clearly a lingual appliance on her lower arch. Here's a link to a full article about it on the Daily Mail Website. After they had been spotted, she actually opened her mouth to point them out properly.

The article cites other celebrities who have worn them:

Steve Jones before Incognito...
...and after...

Sadie Frost before:

...and after...































Some pretty impressive results. Allegedly Kelly Brook has also had one, however there is no way of telling as she looks fabulous in every picture I could find of her!

Sunday, 15 August 2010

Canine Connected and Stainless Steel Wire on Upper Arch

Yay! I've finally had my lower canine connected so those wires can start to catch up with my top set. I've just had my first stainless steel wire attached to my upper arch - these are the thickest and strongest. With lots of arch re-shaping to do these are the ones I've been waiting for! Here is where Incognito comes into it's own and outstrips Invisalign - the orthodontist can put tailored bends into the wire to enable it to achieve the exact desired shape.

I am in some pain but can still eat normally. I'm expecting the canine to be especially tender. When your teeth hurt in this way it's a good kind of pain as you know it's progress. It's actually pretty disppointing when they don't hurt!

I've also just had a new puppy! Here's a picture of her. She was born on 1st June so is just 11 weeks old. She is a border terrier, though her grandad was a jack russell. We've called her Snicker! ♥

Quick Update and Mini Mouthwash!

I'm back from a great holiday! Whilst I was away a big gap has appeared around my lower canine so hopefully it can be connected!? Fingers crossed!! I'm off to see Mr. Orth in a few days and will update you again then as to brace progress!

I bought a baby bottle of mouthwash from Superdrug. Just 95ml. It was only about £1 and a great size for your bag! Remember you can always dilute Listerine a little as it's powerful stuff. I think you're better rinsing for longer with it slightly diluted rather than having to stop after 10 seconds as it's burning! Alternatively you can buy small refillable bottles from a chemist and pour a little of your mouthwash of choice into them.
Awww! Isn't it cute!?