Brace yourself!

Today is a good day!

Today I got braces put on - woot!

I thought today would also be the day the "torture device" - i.e the expander - would come out, but I thought wrong! The expander has to stay in and help hold the teeth in place while "Fang" moves into position. Once it gets there, then the expander can come out. Dr. Mai said it should be by the next visit, so I'll be anxious for November to come along!

This whole process has just amazed me in how the body works to help itself! Seeing the jaw move to a wider position was amazing; and now, I get to watch Fang move to where it's supposed to be. It's crazy! Crazy cool, that is!

Look Ma, no teeth!

Well, this past Friday was pretty uneventful.

Woke up.

Went to the Ninja's office where he pulled out  4 premolars.

Went home.

No biggie :)


It really was an easy day. The worst part was the waiting! I got called in to the Ninja's office a little after 8:45am (appointment time). The nurse hooked me up to everything but the anesthesia and then I waited almost 30 MINUTES before the Ninja came in! He said his usual, "Good to see you, now open." Then he said "I'm going to put in your IV  - this will take about 15 minutes." "15 minutes to put the IV in??" I asked. "No, for the procedure." Duh. Next thing he said was he was going to start the IV and to tell him when I started to feel different. I said, "The last time I had IV anesthesia I...." and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room! I remember trying to talk but not being able to do so very easily - must have been those 50 pieces of gauze in my mouth! Luckily Ann, my ride that morning had a notebook so I was able to write a few things (Lord knows what I put!). I do remember when the Ninja came in I wrote "You rock" - because he does. After a while I felt good enough to leave so Ann took me home. I did ask her to take a picture of me in the recovery room - not sure if I asked her to send it to anyone but I DO know that I posted to Facebook. OMG. Oh well :)

The anesthesia really didn't last too long in my system. I literally took a few short naps during the day, but for the most part I watched the US Open tennis tournament and did some knitting. My goddaughter took frosty to me in the evening so that was helpful :) I took Saturday off from work and was back at it on Sunday!

So now I have A LOT of room in my mouth If my feet don't fit, by golly I don't know what I'm gonna do!!

(bottom - looks the same on the top. It's hard to take pictures of the roof of your mouth!)

2nd "Procedure" Coming Up!

I guess it could be worse...

This Friday I'm having my pre-molars extracted to make the last bit of space needed for this "new mouth." Again I ask myself "What have I gotten myself in to??" But at least it's not major surgery; although, I do have to have IV anesthesia which is kind of a bummer, BUT, that's what The Ninja said would be best, so be it. At least it means two days off from work?

Anyway, what are pre-molars? On the chart below, they are teeth numbers 5, 12, 21 and 28:

 

 

I only have two "concerns" with this procedure and yes, these are in order:

I wonder if I'll be able to get back to running a few days after the procedure?

 

and

 

NOW what am I going to look like?? As if looking like Goofy and sounding like Daffy Duck wasn't enough...ho hum...we shall see.

 

It's temporary, it's temporary...

Another Date!

Ok, ok...not "that" kind of date...darn!

The next date I have is to have 4 teeth extracted - 2 on top, 2 on the bottom - to create the last bit of space needed for my teeth to fit into. This procedure will be a piece of cake compared to the surgery! This happens next Friday (Aug. 30) - nothing like being drugged up and looking like a blowfish at work! I'll take the Vigil Mass off, but then I'll be back at it on Sunday morning - good thing we have a welcoming (and a forgiving!) community!

Steps in the right direction!!

It's been while since the last post. Not a lot regarding the mouth has gone on, but a little bit has...

Saw The Ninja (Dr. Quaroni) last week and he said my gums are healthy, everything looks okay and that the bone was good. He even said the bone could take on braces now instead of wait a few more months! I see Dr. Mai next week, so hopefully she'll have some good news for me like, "hey, let's take out that dumb expander and put some new 'jewelry' on you!" A girl can dream, right?

Anyway...the BEST news that came from The Ninja is that he said it was OK for me to start running again!! YYYEEEESSSSS!!! He said I could do all activities (not using my face, of course!) like normal. Those were the words I have been waiting to hear! My body has definitely missed running and oddly enough, my spirit has, too. Running has really done a lot for my life, so not being able to do so has been a little difficult. Not that I'm a fast runner or run races all the time - the point of just being able to be out and doing it matters a lot.

So, I'm happy there have been positive steps (pun intended!) in the right direction. I'll keep hoping for more!

To everything turn, turn, turn!

The Byrds had it right - turn, turn, turn!

I turned the appliance in my mouth 2 times a day starting May 27th and the last day I turned it was June 11th! Lo and behold that was just enough to get my jaw as wide as it needs to be! Now the bone can heal! It's a pretty drastic change.

Trying to take pictures of the inside of your mouth is a little challenging, but I tried. Obviously, the top picture is before surgery (pre-appliance, medical x-ray pic) and the bottom picture is my jaw now. Yes, the teeth are supposed to be that spread apart and look that terrible! My front teeth will close back together within the next week or so, creating space for "Fang" to have a place to live; then the orthodontist will apply braces (at some point) and straighten everything up!

 

Some Pictures...

Thought I'd share just a few pictures...no worries - nothing gross to look at. I told you before, if I can't stand to look at it, then I ain't posting it!

This first one is just a few hours after surgery. I cropped it, of course! I asked my friend to take a "thumbs up" picture to send to a few people letting them know I was ok:

The next one is the second day home from the hospital. This is the swelling at it's worst! Not to mention, looking drugged up, too! Not sure why the picture is so "squished" but, you get the point!

 



This is day 4. The swelling is starting to go down, but for a few days when I closed my mouth, my bottom lip went into hiding when my mouth was closed!

 

 



 This one is just for fun. When I got to take a shower I still had my I.V. in so the nurse thought of a creative was to cover and protect it. She just chopped the fingers off and left me with a thumb! She laughed when I told her I wanted to take a picture of it :)

Last picture. This is what I look like right now. My space as of today (Sunday, 6/9) is about 7mm wide. I still have at least 3mm more to go - it depends on what Dr. Mai says when I see her tomorrow.

(Seriously, you think I'd put an actual pic up? I'm not ready yet...)

More Post-Op

The story continues...

I was released from the hospital on May 22nd. The overnight stay wasn't too bad. The nurse (I wish I remember her name!) was awesome. Very low-key, not bossy and patient with me each time she had to give me my medication. By bedtime I was receiving my meds by spoon instead of the I.V., so that was a good thing!

The car ride home to my friends' house was very pleasant, albeit a little warm, thanks to Austin's weather! I stayed at their house the rest of the week and through the weekend. I was so grateful to be able to see my Goddaughter each day before she went to the sitter, and of course when everyone was home after work - being in that environment really helped the healing process begin with ease.

I saw the Ninja on Monday - Memorial Day. The office was closed but he wanted me to go in so I could begin the other thing I was kind of dreading...the turning of the appliance! We met him at 11am (after dodging a train and traffic) and he let us in the back door. He was, as always, his very calm and cool self.

He checked my mouth to make sure everything looked ok and then he gave me a mirror and the key and said to find the hole and insert the key. For a few minutes I could not find the dang hole to save my life. "There?" "No." "There?" "Close...go a little...no." "There????" After several failed attempts, I realized I had my glasses on (mind you, I can't function with the darn things on my face!) and took them off. VOILA! I found the hole! I practiced inserting and taking out the key a few times before he said to turn it. I did it once - that was to activate it - and then after a few moments I turned it again, initiating the process. Two turns a day for the next two weeks. The goal is to make a gap between the two front teeth 8 to 10 millimeters wide. Not bad, I can do this...

Every day since I've been turning the appliance I've taken a picture of myself - well, one of me and then one of my mouth and...

O.M.G.

The Ninja wasn't joking when he said it was going to be drastic. That sucker really has gotten bigger! Last Thursday (May 30) he measured it at 2mm and today, almost a week later, I'm really starting to resemble Goofy! Mind you, I'm not opening my mouth a lot when I talk and I'm avoiding smiling because I'm paranoid. I already looked a little funny with my friend Fang, but now...wow...whole new look!

I'll see the Ninja again tomorrow and then I'll see Dr. Mai on Monday the 10th. It just might be that the turning will be over soon and then Step 2 of this process can begin. Until then I will keep positive and relish in the fact that I - like many others out there - resemble a celebrity :)

2 Weeks ago...

I had the RPE surgery. Two weeks ago TODAY. Crazy! This is the best recap I have. It may take a few blogs, but here goes:

May 21
It was a dark and stormy night...Just kidding. It was a dark, calm morning when my dear friend picked me up (5:40am - aye!) to take me to the hospital. She is such a wonderful spirit - smiling at any hour of the day - so it was helpful to (somewhat) calm my nerves on the ride there. We got to the hospital - I signed what I needed to and then about 10 or 15 minutes later, a very kind nurse came to take me back to the prep area. She asked if I wanted my friend to join me and of course I said "YES!"

Lynn (the nurse) was terrific! She was an older lady and so calming in her speech and how she treated me. The first thing, of course, was to give me my oh-so-fashionable outfit for my visit - you know, the oversized, overly-revealing hospital gown. My favorite part, though, were the socks - I loved these!

As soon as I put them I had to take the picture. I told Lynn that I was journaling the entire experience and she just said do what I needed to. Soon after, the anesthesiologist came in and said that from what he could see, I was very healthy and that he suspected everything to be very smooth. He gave me "The $25 Pill" (this was the loving nickname I gave to one...ONE pill I paid $25 for to help prevent nausea after surgery) and left.

Time ticked on and no Ninja (a.k.a. Dr. Quaroni, the oral surgeon). My surgery was scheduled for 7:30am and it was getting pretty close! My friend looked at her watch at one point and said, "It's only 7:28 - he still has time" and sure enough just a couple minutes later the Ninja came in, said some kind words and left in his ninja-like way. Very shortly after, another nurse came in and off we went! The last things I remember before surgery were:

1. Moving from the warm cozy bed to the cold operating table
2. Putting my arms out and into some arm-hold things
3. Thinking "Oh my God, I'm about to get the anesthesia"

After that, I suppose the surgery happened!

And, it did.

I remember slowly waking up and trying to open my eyes to see a bright room, similar to the pre-op area and looking at a clock that, I think said 10am, or close to that time. The surgery had lasted 1-hour and I had been in recovery for about 2 hours (you can reference this with my friend - for all I know the surgery could have been 2 hours and I was in recovery for one!). The nurse in recovery was Katie. Young, cute (whoo!) and very nice. I remember I started crying (trust me, that was only the first time that day). Katie asked if I was in pain or if I was ok. I gave her a thumbs-up that they were happy tears. Frankly, I was crying because from the day I scheduled the surgery, I was afraid of the anesthesia. You just don't know how the body will react - healthy or not. I was sickened to fill out my Advanced Directive and had so many thoughts in my mind..."What if I don't wake up? What will happen at work? What about my goddaughter?" Terrible, the mind, but I guess that's only a small part of being human. Anyway...Katie started to talk to me and ask if I was ok and carried on a somewhat "normal" conversation. After a while a male nurse came to take me to my room. I remember asking him if he had "a license to drive this thing" (the hospital bed) and of course he said, "no" but he'd be careful.

The rest of the day is a bit of a blur, with some exceptions. Those "exceptions" I'll keep close to me. Not that they are bad, but good exceptions that only I would understand and appreciate.

I was surprised though, that I really didn't have much pain. I felt a lot of pressure in my face (go figure!) but my stylish ice packs did the trick to help. Who knew someone would invent something to help with facial swelling AND keep your drink cold at the same time? :)  I felt like a little Amish girl with those things wrapped around my head, but hey - they helped!

Thankfully, I was never sick from the anesthesia (another fear of mine). I only needed the nausea medicine twice, but those times, I didn't feel bad, only very slightly, so I figured play it safe than be sorry! The steroid medication kept me awake and the pain medication knocked me out! I cried several times that day and slept A LOT.

I ended up staying overnight and going home the next afternoon. Recovery and healing here we come!

Day before surgery

May 20th, the day before surgery...

My "to-do" and "to-get" lists are a little long, but they're doable.

My feelings are mixed...not mixed as in "I still have time to back out," but mixed as in I can't help but to think that the reality of this goal is going to start coming even more alive in less than 24 hours. I'm excited for the surgery, but nervous about the hospital. I've never been a fan of them. I know The Ninja" will do his absolute best; and I know those helping me (nurses, "angels", etc...) will do the same.

I can't help but be a little sentimental and think "today is the last day I'm going to look like this!" Not that my facial features will change, but my smile will. Unbelievable.

So, as I pack today and do the other things I need to, I'm going to keep a positive attitude by thinking happy thoughts and pray.

Not sure when the next post will be so stay tuned!

RPE Surgery - computerized!

I found this video on YouTube - it's a good demonstration of the surgery and what I'll be going through the next several months. No worries - it's computerized, so there's no gory images!

Last appointment with the Ninja

Had my last appointment with Dr. Q (now termed, "the Ninja") yesterday and boy, what it something!

He showed on a copy of the x-ray where the incisions would be made; he discussed, of course the risks/complications that COULD happen, which, to my surprise were much more drastic (for lack of better term) than he had talked about at previous appointments. He was so calm the entire time...I felt like I was calm, but you cannot believe how fast my head was spinning - I could have passed out right there! I definitely felt more anxious once the visit was over - I felt like I was short of breath, I felt my eyes darting here and there staying focused on traffic (maybe they shouldn't allow patients to drive after the pre-op appointment?) and I definitely had a rough time sleeping. The last time I had major surgery was when I was 3 and 4 years old when my only care was to be sure my Frog was with me! Jump 32 years in time and...oh boy, have those cares changed!

Now those cares will be:

• Taking the pain medication as prescribed
• Not being stubborn and overdoing it on activity - this definitely includes work
• Living with the gap that will be between my front teeth - temporarily, of course, but still, it won't close up in a day
• Not being stubborn about eating - as much as I'll probably be crazing a taco, I need to take it easy and eat only what I'm able to
• Not being paranoid...about anything
• Being prepared for the next steps in this "new mouth project"

The Ninja really is a good doctor and I think he genuinely cares about his patients. He's the only doctor I've ever known to give his personal cell number to call him any time. His office even provided two recipe books - one with smoothies/soups, etc...and the other is an "eating out" guide that lists soft foods that can be consumed once chewing has started.

SO...a week from today is "the big day." Although I feel nervous, I don't have any reservations about going through with it - it feels like the right thing to be doing. I'm anxious about being in the hospital and the procedure; what the car-ride home will feel like; what it will be like at home...heck, I'm even anxious about receiving the Anointing of the Sick on Wednesday(!), but...I need to remind myself that God is good because He has blessed me with many angels - here and in heaven that help calm my heart - the Ninja included.

SO...in the meantime as I pray for EVERYONE, I will give thanks to them with a silent cheer each time I think of them.
**A "silent cheer" is when you cheer, like at a game, but with no sound!**

OMG, it's May!

I can't believe it's MAY. M-A-Y. May! Time flies a little too fast for me sometimes.

May 1st means that May 21st is very, very close!

I'm ready for it (the surgery) to happen. I need to stop reading all the horror-story blogs from other people who have gone through the same thing! It's easy to become entranced with them and think -

What if that happens to me?...Surely it can't be that bad?...Will I look like that? 

Hopefully I won't become one of "those" bloggers! My goal is to be as honest and humorous as possible!

Let the countdown begin! Or continue...!

I have a date!!

I actually have a date!!

Ok...not that kind of date (ho-hum!) but a date for the RPE (Rapid Palate Expander) surgery.

May 21st, 7:30am.

Dr. Quaroni was very good and quick this morning. He checked the appliance and said that it and my teeth look very good and clean. Then he asked if I had any questions, which, I did, like what the home care be like and if I have to wait a certain number of days/weeks before traveling (not like I'm heading for the ocean or anything, but, you never know!), but he said he wouldn't answer those until our final visit before the operation. *sigh* Fair enough. He patted me on the shoulder and left. His nurse and the surgical coordinator came into the room and asked if he was done and after I said, "yes," his nurse said, "Dang, he's like a ninja sometimes! He's in with a patient one second and then I barely turn my head and he's gone - just like a ninja!" Imagine that, my oral surgeon is a NINJA!!

 

I left the office thinking "Holy crap, I have a date. Holy crap, I'm going to have surgery..."

I'm still thinking it and now really feeling antsy. It's hard to wrap my head around how fast this is going and how much more REAL it is becoming. I'll settle down, but for now, I need to keep praying - I know in my heart this is what I'm supposed to be doing -  I just didn't know "God's time" would be so quick! I guess God is a "ninja" too :)

Pause in the action...

What a week this has been...the bombing at the Boston Marathon and then the factory explosion in the town of West, Texas - we've all, in some way, have experienced a bit of "darkness."

Last night I was very fortunate to be part of and event called "Walk/Run for Boston." A local running group, Gilbert's Gazelles, organized this event to gather runners in Austin (along with their friends and families) to gather for a vigil to honor those 180 men and women from Austin who ran in the Boston Marathon but mostly to remember everyone who was affected by the bombing, especially the three who sadly lost their lives to the merciless doings of two young men. Hundreds of people of all shapes, sizes, and running abilities gathered in the Stephen F. Austin High School parking lot for a moment of silence, to listen to a few word from Gilbert, observe 26.2 seconds of silence (26.2 = number of miles in a marathon) and then to hear "Amazing Grace" performed on the bagpipe. Afterwards - all of us joined in the unison prayer of running and enjoying each other's company, all while carrying various forms of light with us. Sometimes it's these "unintentional" and "non-traditional" prayers that are the best to offer. Just being "present" often speaks louder than words can ever express.

A few members from the running team I'm on, Team FX, came together for this event as well. Our primary goal is to spread awareness about child abuse and to "Create a world without child abuse...one step at a time," but our goal last night was to support a greater community. It is so humbling to be part of a group of people who genuinely care for this world and are willing to give up, even small amounts of time, to share light with others. One of our own team members ran the Boston Marathon, safely coming home to us, so that made the evening that much more special.

I have to post this because this is so much bigger than a new set of teeth. Yes, the "mouth project" will go on, but it's important to check ourselves now and again and take the time to acknowledge that there are things and people that need us more than we need ourselves.

 

 

4/17/13 - The "Appliance"

Expander is IN!

Thankfully, it was painless and a little comical! Stephanie was terrific. She showed me the appliance and how to turn it with the key. She had me turn it a few times, which was very helpful since I "get" to do it myself. When she was putting it in to be sure it fit properly, she said "you'll probably feel some new sensations and you'll probably think 'what the heck is she doing to me' and that's perfectly normal."  While she was putting it in I started laughing, not because it felt very different but because of the amount of drool I was producing (which, thankfully, is normal!)! Dr. Mai came and did some finishing touches. After I have the surgery and when Dr. Q gives the 'ok' I will turn it twice a day for two weeks (gag!). I see Dr. Q next Thursday so hopefully I can schedule the operation then.

I'm definitely talking "funny" so choir should be interesting tonight! Good thing I have a group that has a good sense of humor! Both Dr. Mai and Stephanie said to practice talking, do it slowly and in time my speech will improve - it differs from person to person, so we'll see how much improvement I make!

Here it is:

4/16/13 - Almost...

Tomorrow I get the expander put in. I'm anxious...and ready...ready, mostly to get these spacers/separators out - they drive me crazy!

4/14/13 - I...HATE...SPACERS!!

Ever had something caught in between your teeth that you just couldn't get out? That's the feeling with these teeny-tiny annoyances between my molars! They were ok for a little while, but now, they're driving me nuts! But in the back of my mind I hear Dr. Mai saying that "they could fall out with your normal eating activities and even with brushing" and then I quit my whining and continue to count the days until I get..."the appliance"

4/11/13 - It's getting real, folks....

Today things started getting a bit "real."

Went to Dr. Mai to be fitted for the brackets that will hold the expander in place in my mouth. It was like fitting a ring - trying on various sizes until you find the one that won't slip off. It was easy (for the assistant), thankfully, but when Stephanie, the assistant, went to prepare the impression "goo" (watermelon flavor, yum!) it was a totally different feeling to have the brackets in my mouth. I could feel whatever part it was touching the insides of my cheeks and that was the "it's real" feeling..."This is what it's going to feel like...kind of..." Stephanie came back, did the impression, took the brackets off and put another set of spacers in my mouth (these held the space that was already made) and I was on my way. Next Wednesday will be totally different since that's when I get "the appliance"

Dun, dun, duuuuuuunnnn!

4/9/13 - 2nd Visit with the Oral Surgeon

Saw Dr. Quaroni today (oral surgeon) to talk about the procedure for the palate expander.  
 
*Side note about him - when you first meet him, he's very soft spoken and gives the impression that "I'm the greatest thing to happen to the maxillofacial world," but he's absolutely opposite of that! His demeanor is very calming and he takes great care to get to know his patients! 

He was great - he discussed pros/cons/concerns on how and where the procedure would be done, which of course, while he was talking I wanted to gag and pass out (I'm not the greatest with most medical procedures!), but I listened very intently and asked what I needed to. In short, the surgery entails him making three incisions in my mouth. Two will be on the top part of my gums and the third will be down the center of my palate (OMG!). The incisions will allow the palate expander to actually "expand" each time the key is turned. The key turned by...ME (OMG!), twice a day for at least two weeks. Dr. Quaroni will do the first two turns during the surgery when I'm out like a light!
So, although it's less expensive to have the surgery done in his office, there are far too many risks in doing it there. Although he's done it in his office, he prefers that his patients have his utmost care since this is an extremely sensitive part of the body, so having it in the hospital would ensure better care and outcome. Also, he's hopeful that I would only need the expander and not any other operation.

A few things to expect with the surgery:

1. I will be on a liquid diet at least 2 weeks after surgery until Dr. Q gives the ok to move into a soft-foods diet (soft foods = baby food)
Hey, why not? I could afford to lose a few pounds!

2. Since we're expanding the upper jaw, I'm going to have a larger-than-life gap develop between my two front teeth. It will close on its own, but there WILL be a gap.
So I'll look a little funny, what's new?

3. I'll experience some pressure when the key is turned - like a bad sinus headache, but only lasting about 5-10 minutes.
Uh...this is Austin so sinus issues are normal!

4. I won't be able to sing for several months
This stinks! Maybe it's a "sign" that I should practice playing (organ) more

5. I won't be able to run  or do strenuous exercise for several months
ARGH!

6. There's a possibility of some changes to my facial features
Hmm...

I couldn't help but leave his office that day thinking "Holy crap!!"

Most of these are temporary...I have to remind myself of that. And I have to remind myself that although the first few months will most likely be the roughest, the outcome will be good and worth every minute.

4/8/13 - Trading Spa-cers

Today the metal spacers were traded in for the normal, blue, rubber ones (the pic is just an example).

 

 

Dr. Mai sent me home with some extras just in case one falls out. IN CASE ONE FALLS OUT??? *panic* I'm supposed to be able to floss them in if needed - she also said I could call in and go for help. I'll just be EXTRA careful until Thursday when I go back to be fitted for brackets and have an impression done

4/4/13 - It Begins...

**I had already met with Dr. Mai and Dr. Quaroni the month before to talk about details - this is skipping ahead in time to the most current events**

Today (Thursday) I went to see Dr. Mai (orthodontist) to talk about what the process would be to start this project. She was very good - she had all my pictures, x-rays, etc...up on the computer to explain everything. Regardless on the route I/we decided on, it was inevitable that I would have to have the RPE surgery - a.k.a. Surgically Assisted Rapid Palate Expander. Children, because their bones are still developing don't need the surgery, but adults do because everything is already fused in to place by the time we're in our 20's. I knew that part had to happen, so after she and I talked some more, she asked if I wanted time to think about it and I said, "no, let's do this!" and lo and behold, she had an opening in her schedule THAT DAY at THAT MOMENT so she could put the separators in. Separators are used to help create space between the teeth so that brackets can fit easily around the teeth. Since my teeth are so compacted, she had to use metals ones to start with (these have springs that can be placed between the teeth easier):

These will get the movement between the teeth started. On Monday I'll have the rubber ones put in (the rubber ones work faster than metal ones).

Here we go!

No one is born "perfect." We all have our outward flaws - some have big noses, some have teeny-tiny ears, skin issues, hair problems, etc...Me? Well, I don't have a perfect smile. I've lived with it for 35 years, so of course, I'm used to it, but I'm not happy with it. The dislike started in high school once my "flaw" started becoming more noticeable. I would smile, but not naturally and I would be very guarded in opening my mouth too much (unless I was around my family and closest friends). This "flaw" you ask? I call it...THE FANG!

Noticeably, you can see (on your left side) that the one canine is higher up than it should be. This is due to having an upper jaw that is too narrow to fit all my teeth correctly! All the other teeth were apparently fighting for places to grow, so this poor little fella had no place to go but "up" if you will! After consulting with my wonderful orthodontist, Dr. Mai Ferrera and the oral surgeon Dr. Andrea Quaroni (I'll talk more about them later), the solution to helping better my smile and overall dental health is to widen my upper jaw, not only to fix dear Fang, but so that my bit can be "normal" and so my teeth can fit in their places properly. You'll see below that Fang has even stepped into the limelight and is practically in front of another tooth:

It ain't pretty, but it will be! There's also the other issue in that my mouth (or my face, it's hard to tell!) is not aligned, so the "centers" don't meet like they should (you can determine this yourself by looking at the first picture!).

I've lived with this for 35 years, but now, for some reason, I feel it's the time to do something about it. With God's help and support from friends I know the outcome will be pleasant, albeit a little painful and a good test of patience, I'm sure!

I'm going to post pictures along the way to show the progress - no fear, I won't post anything that will make your stomach churn! Heck, if I can't even look, then why should you??

I'm not sure who will read this, but maybe, just maybe someone will be able to relate to it and hopefully I can help that person along the way in their own journey.

So...here we go! First "before" pic: