Sunday, October 19, 2003
Three Months Post-Op
Yesterday, Oct. 18, was exactly three months since my Le Fort Osteotomy SARPE surgery. I was hoping to have regained more feeling in my face by now and to be feeling better. I am still numb on the left side of my upper lip and all of my upper gums. I also have a stiff feeling underneath in my upper lip and nose. The numbness on the left side, and the stiffness, are still both quite bothersome to me. Meanwhile, my front teeth have moved back together but are now crisscrossed. My front upper teeth are still sore, but not as bad as they were. This weekend I started to eat toast with my omelette, and for the past couple weeks I have been able to chew soft, tender meats. Tonight I had some grilled chicken, cut up, in my black bean soup. I am looking forward to getting my braces on. I am looking forward to getting the hyrex expander taken out. But most of all, I am looking forward to regaining the rest of the feeling in my face and to feeling "normal" again.
Yesterday, Oct. 18, was exactly three months since my Le Fort Osteotomy SARPE surgery. I was hoping to have regained more feeling in my face by now and to be feeling better. I am still numb on the left side of my upper lip and all of my upper gums. I also have a stiff feeling underneath in my upper lip and nose. The numbness on the left side, and the stiffness, are still both quite bothersome to me. Meanwhile, my front teeth have moved back together but are now crisscrossed. My front upper teeth are still sore, but not as bad as they were. This weekend I started to eat toast with my omelette, and for the past couple weeks I have been able to chew soft, tender meats. Tonight I had some grilled chicken, cut up, in my black bean soup. I am looking forward to getting my braces on. I am looking forward to getting the hyrex expander taken out. But most of all, I am looking forward to regaining the rest of the feeling in my face and to feeling "normal" again.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
The Braces Are Scheduled
I had an appointment today with Dr. Weston. He examined my teeth, especially No. 6, which is the molar on the lower right that he is trying to yank back into line with the hook and rubber band. Dr. Han also examined me. It has now been two and a half months since the SARPE surgery and two months since my last activating turn on the expander device. Dr. Han said he is about ready to see me get fixed appliances (braces). Before we begin, he wants Dr. Hochman to see me. Dr. Hochman is a faculty doctor at NYU who in addition to being an orthodontist is also a periodontal specialist. Dr. han is concerned about my gum recession, and so he wants to get Dr. Hochman to offer his opinion on my treatment. There is also still the question as to whether or not to pull the one of the front lower incisors. This decision might be made at my next appointment. So I go back on Tuesday, Nov. 4 for Dr. Hochman, then I get braces the following Tuesday, Nov. 11.
It's Going to Be Metal, I Think
I have pretty much decided to go with metal braces on top. While the clear ceramic braces would certainly look cool, and would be more of a novelty than metal, most of the other factors point me toward metal. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, the ceramic clear braces are more brittle and more susceptible to breaking. They could also put my teeth at risk of breaking, although that is probably a very low risk. The ceramics are slightly larger than the metal brackets, so I would feel them more, although after a few weeks I would adjust to them just fine I am sure. And while the clear brackets would not stain, the rubber bands that hold the wire in place would stain after a week or two. Finally, there is the cost. It will be an extra $250 for clear, of which I would only get six. So I think I am going to keep my checkbook closed next month and go with the metal. I've pretty much decided to go with metal. At least that is where I am at now.
Still Lots of Facial Discomfort
I am still experiencing numbness, stiffness and some swelling in my face. While I am not in actual pain, I am still experiencing discomfort. My upper left lip is particularly numb, as are my upper gums. In addition, my upper lip and tip of my nose are stiff. I am still experiencing the phantom nose dripping feeling from my left nostril, which feels like my nose is dripping when it is not.
I had an appointment today with Dr. Weston. He examined my teeth, especially No. 6, which is the molar on the lower right that he is trying to yank back into line with the hook and rubber band. Dr. Han also examined me. It has now been two and a half months since the SARPE surgery and two months since my last activating turn on the expander device. Dr. Han said he is about ready to see me get fixed appliances (braces). Before we begin, he wants Dr. Hochman to see me. Dr. Hochman is a faculty doctor at NYU who in addition to being an orthodontist is also a periodontal specialist. Dr. han is concerned about my gum recession, and so he wants to get Dr. Hochman to offer his opinion on my treatment. There is also still the question as to whether or not to pull the one of the front lower incisors. This decision might be made at my next appointment. So I go back on Tuesday, Nov. 4 for Dr. Hochman, then I get braces the following Tuesday, Nov. 11.
It's Going to Be Metal, I Think
I have pretty much decided to go with metal braces on top. While the clear ceramic braces would certainly look cool, and would be more of a novelty than metal, most of the other factors point me toward metal. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, the ceramic clear braces are more brittle and more susceptible to breaking. They could also put my teeth at risk of breaking, although that is probably a very low risk. The ceramics are slightly larger than the metal brackets, so I would feel them more, although after a few weeks I would adjust to them just fine I am sure. And while the clear brackets would not stain, the rubber bands that hold the wire in place would stain after a week or two. Finally, there is the cost. It will be an extra $250 for clear, of which I would only get six. So I think I am going to keep my checkbook closed next month and go with the metal. I've pretty much decided to go with metal. At least that is where I am at now.
Still Lots of Facial Discomfort
I am still experiencing numbness, stiffness and some swelling in my face. While I am not in actual pain, I am still experiencing discomfort. My upper left lip is particularly numb, as are my upper gums. In addition, my upper lip and tip of my nose are stiff. I am still experiencing the phantom nose dripping feeling from my left nostril, which feels like my nose is dripping when it is not.
