Tues. July 28 2009
Today marked my second trip to the orthodontist. [technically, the third, but I can explain the history of that later]. During the first visit, the orthodontist looked at my teeth and talked with me and mother about possible treatment plans. Today they created lots of records—panoramic x-rays, skull x-ray, hand x-ray, photos from various angles in and outside of my mouth, and molds of my teeth. Before today’s visit, I was told by some friends who have had braces that taking the molds was a nasty, awful, even nauseas, experience. Well, I am here to tell you that that is not so. Though it didn’t tast lovely or give me pleasureful sensations, making molds of my teeth certainly did not upset my stomach. It was kind of cool/interesting, actually. In fact, I’d say my visit as a whole was quite interesting.
To make the molds of your teeth, the dentist places a metal container [looks like a metal mouth guard] full of soggy [mash potato like consistency], pink stuff around the top or bottom set of your teeth. The pink stuff rapidly thickens and become rubbery [like really old chewing gum] around your teeth, forming an impression. Once the dentist removes the rubbery mold, you can see an impression of your teeth. Pretty cool! The dentist also uses a sheet of wax to make another impression.
Once all of the records were taken, I was able to view my pictures and x-rays on a computer screen. Wow! I had no idea just how messed up my teeth really are!! It was nice to have another perspective—reassuring me that braces and jaw surgery are necessary to fix my teeth.
The orthodonist gave me printouts of all the records taken today [including the cool molds of my mouth/teeth!] so that I can take them with me to the oral surgeon next Tuesday. Hopefully, all goes well there! staying positive!