Battered Gums

Went back for my ortho review last Saturday... and was eagerly anticipating the temporary removal of my braces for my pre-wedding photography... Unfortunately, dentist said that one of the front teeth (top jaw) is a bit long... and hence, the next 3 week's focus will be on that particular tooth...

Was rather disappointed... but nevertheless, went ahead with what the dentist recommended. Today is 2nd day after the visit and my gums are swollen and sore with a propensity to bleed as and when touched / moved... cos the tiny wires are cutting into my gums... it is sooooooooo painful and sore now... but since it IS the final final push... will just have to bear with it...

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]

It's F.O.C cos I've finished paying the entire amount... which was supposedly $6,000.00 but YTD... $7,841.00. Honestly, the top teeth are perfectly aligned now with all gaps closed... but the bottom teeth are still moving pretty slowly...

The deal now is to have the braces removed in the next 3 weeks and thereafter... continue treatment only after the wedding... That means... that I will be braces free for at least 4 months... So sad... the entire duration was supposedly 1 year 6 months... It is now exactly 1 year 6 months but am no where near completion... :-(