tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15429894279618409282024-03-13T20:10:13.367-07:00My SARPE and Jaw SurgeryAt 22 I made the decision to go on the NHS waiting list to correct my 12mm type 2 Malocclusion (where my top teeth where 12mm in front of my bottom teeth/overbite) This process consisted of SARPE (Surgically assisted rapid expansion) Train track braces for 2 years and jaw surgery to move both my upper and lower jawNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-11215614931379371232009-07-15T04:14:00.000-07:002009-07-15T04:19:23.415-07:00Wonky wonky!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2Ax4LH1KwUXiojw7D9uQ5K1dTDeyypfQc_LJdRJJbWz-hRyvHyqnvXeCDZnztcb7j2XW0AIdlURWXACbYguMVAtb28beUIuZwbeUgJ8L7v9LODNnbAuTVQ2NTyS4pjxEpDNo_AF3uN4/s1600-h/Gap+closing+fake+tooth+filed+2+weeks+after+previous+photo.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2Ax4LH1KwUXiojw7D9uQ5K1dTDeyypfQc_LJdRJJbWz-hRyvHyqnvXeCDZnztcb7j2XW0AIdlURWXACbYguMVAtb28beUIuZwbeUgJ8L7v9LODNnbAuTVQ2NTyS4pjxEpDNo_AF3uN4/s200/Gap+closing+fake+tooth+filed+2+weeks+after+previous+photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358644037681680626" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">T</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his picture was taken about 4 months post </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">SARPE</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> surgery and although the gap is closing (good times!) as mentioned previously it didn't close attractively (bad times!) something I wasn't very prepared for! This wasn't a </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">particularly</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> good part of the whole journey as I always felt a bit like a </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">witch</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">!......you know those fake teeth you can buy for Halloween to make you look really ugly! </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luckily</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I had the best family friends and </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">boyf</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> around me who somehow always found a way to make me still feel pretty. Thank you all so much! xx</span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-21601955334268734112009-07-15T04:08:00.000-07:002009-07-15T04:13:56.974-07:00Wow what an overbite!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPClPYZF8y5GqV7UPlyknvpFaD0hi-vAiipblHN20q51HADW1A0MpRUu8ELAJI5lun6KwSAo6ja0vUwUTApUeO92g4l_cLgj2I6PaycTD-lnFalIWig7mk-0Z_0kHSTMUTW-37onbFgyc/s1600-h/DSC01979.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPClPYZF8y5GqV7UPlyknvpFaD0hi-vAiipblHN20q51HADW1A0MpRUu8ELAJI5lun6KwSAo6ja0vUwUTApUeO92g4l_cLgj2I6PaycTD-lnFalIWig7mk-0Z_0kHSTMUTW-37onbFgyc/s200/DSC01979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358642912980280210" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">I wanted to upload this image as it really does <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">show</span> the e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">xtent</span> of my overbite! I'm really pleased with the shape of my upper teeth/palat here but the amount the top teeth hang over the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bottom</span> teeth really shows why jaw surgery is so vital!</span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-2619230961257827092009-07-15T03:59:00.001-07:002009-07-15T04:08:31.906-07:00Goodbye Torture device!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsYpr8K-Dr65DMzYANb8_GbiJCvQIOYcHayodrB0rbyehlqKH_-dyIUuBNNPw2B9jCbrY1uIgfL0CI9Lv46Xd3VQlL-7qQ1Gn32NkZHTTYRVjJPFVS5NQ_G4qMauWKpmyHvBHwqC-_Bs/s1600-h/Replacement+expander.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsYpr8K-Dr65DMzYANb8_GbiJCvQIOYcHayodrB0rbyehlqKH_-dyIUuBNNPw2B9jCbrY1uIgfL0CI9Lv46Xd3VQlL-7qQ1Gn32NkZHTTYRVjJPFVS5NQ_G4qMauWKpmyHvBHwqC-_Bs/s200/Replacement+expander.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358640932122699010" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">This was a good day for me! The chunky <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">evil</span> torture device which made we slur and lisp was finally replaced by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">something</span> a lot more friendly and inconspicuous, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">woop</span>! It felt so nice to be able to touch the roof of my mouth <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">with my</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tongue</span> again and great to be able to say cheese instead of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">scheeze</span>!:0) </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Just for the record....my teeth never used to be this stained by the way. I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Corsodol</span> (an antibacterial mouthwash) for about 6-8 weeks after surgery when you're only meant to use it for a maximum of 2...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wooops</span>! Still, nothing my dentist couldn't sort out as you'll see later.</span></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-36429367225865845222009-07-15T03:51:00.000-07:002009-07-15T03:59:04.384-07:0031/2 Months post SARPE Surgery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO0PthhNUiVl_4jpBsxQPi5lVOAF47cLILRKGKk2X4H8cMumIgXegvHQnFDYcJSUx8jYxf4t8LxjGjJGham7aS1LpmIM11FQWHgz2iCwiwHioj5z_5RV43NAtI-iP_u-1RVrkp_cL0ec/s1600-h/3+and+half+months+post+surgery.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO0PthhNUiVl_4jpBsxQPi5lVOAF47cLILRKGKk2X4H8cMumIgXegvHQnFDYcJSUx8jYxf4t8LxjGjJGham7aS1LpmIM11FQWHgz2iCwiwHioj5z_5RV43NAtI-iP_u-1RVrkp_cL0ec/s200/3+and+half+months+post+surgery.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358639019219957794" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGpyzLG5wQkGxTbgfP-_g2LVAi2rykZkzeZAIgmOKwAwK9NRRh2zSI5kyOUnk34o3EqO5DzXFWTYA9BHPUF7CfoFPI8e2M-eMjSPffwskdgkndOqjrA_6MTCduOGOg0APvEtdbGUqlRE/s200/Gap+Closing+filed+tooth+3+months+post+surgery.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358639008243152098" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3 1/2 months post the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SARPE</span> surgery and the gap slowly but surely started to close!! As the teeth moved inwards the fake tooth got filed and I became happier! I remember feeling a bit like a horse at this time....my teeth felt to wide and too big for my mouth and I couldn't get my lips over the brace.....I knew it would get better though!</span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-75602804229831036862009-07-12T03:34:00.001-07:002009-07-12T03:41:16.430-07:00The FAKE tooth!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSXerPr4LYS__neI_YF_Eogxi5NqpsQ7uPDuPReA3NC3PYhrCobHRz_wnePfwIBfQOBdDKYRJFgfZYg99QZI_PIlx6uNLS2dKwxM6ngxQ2pQSf0hjHeV9XoBHAUXju3sTurUk5oaNaw8/s1600-h/Fake+Tooth.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSXerPr4LYS__neI_YF_Eogxi5NqpsQ7uPDuPReA3NC3PYhrCobHRz_wnePfwIBfQOBdDKYRJFgfZYg99QZI_PIlx6uNLS2dKwxM6ngxQ2pQSf0hjHeV9XoBHAUXju3sTurUk5oaNaw8/s200/Fake+Tooth.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357520734072419058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luckily, when I went back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">orthodontist</span> a couple of weeks after we had stopped turning, I think they felt a little sorry for me due to the size of the gap and very kindly had a fake tooth made up for me:0) Although when you look closely it looks a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">weird</span> as it's just one pretty large tooth floating in the middle (attached to a brace bracket only) it did really help <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">with the</span> initial shock when people saw me, so thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shivani</span>; my lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">orthodontist</span>!</span></span><br /><br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-48845649323307422752009-07-12T03:23:00.000-07:002009-07-12T03:33:32.123-07:00Closing the gap!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoPhOgXLabRoWPxc84uFoMOb3XJs_yo_nowAklyuDy1H7atYlt299mTZQq40n3434IlvphNbmqvycEzTVDkN1JWkOvNcKvVtXurv8TWTXIR3PNYHkTqN-6bMJ91Q16I7vu8hRMEwfvlc/s1600-h/Bottom+brace+activated.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoPhOgXLabRoWPxc84uFoMOb3XJs_yo_nowAklyuDy1H7atYlt299mTZQq40n3434IlvphNbmqvycEzTVDkN1JWkOvNcKvVtXurv8TWTXIR3PNYHkTqN-6bMJ91Q16I7vu8hRMEwfvlc/s200/Bottom+brace+activated.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357519434886595154" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8ZyDlLZt3GZ41B0k1lmlwSg6jSosof-nu6EyHoKtWyFzkrhHtjSRGCouJmbyN6nUYEOZorjQpgKzkC6Z2Ni5pJ6rUEVALrfFzzYUauSRTG2Xc1mOhJ6BG2ryzwqkJqAk6PC-i2Yj-H8/s200/1+week+after+brace.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357519424539967154" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">So not only could we not start closing the gap <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">until</span> 6 weeks after we had stopped turning, but I really didn't realise quite how long it would take to close and that it wouldn't close very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">attractively</span>! To be honest, anything after having a gap that big was a positive so although it took a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">loooonnnng</span> time for my teeth to be back together I have to say that I kinda got used to it as did the people around me.</span></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-51156346816321805672009-07-07T07:08:00.000-07:002009-07-07T07:17:53.357-07:00The Brace! 2 weeks after SARPE turning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod90bl4ys51BCVcg0QeGA5S80OTHZBrkStQCfY5hlZb5D5XhTHtflBUYo7RKhtDyKPK-YfsMcMbtkupt2H7xjVGNUl6YjiVWG5oJW5kuCCaierPA8PJX2JR4pp-Ks2jYtypXPzfzVZ_0/s1600-h/Brace+fitting+2+wks+after+turning+stopped.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod90bl4ys51BCVcg0QeGA5S80OTHZBrkStQCfY5hlZb5D5XhTHtflBUYo7RKhtDyKPK-YfsMcMbtkupt2H7xjVGNUl6YjiVWG5oJW5kuCCaierPA8PJX2JR4pp-Ks2jYtypXPzfzVZ_0/s200/Brace+fitting+2+wks+after+turning+stopped.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355721180806341730" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgkVAPrgidon5yYGLEwQR4jaIRIl0QCB1Bbd_RFfuq-_6m0yyuxYkwy2gEkRKmHIjV5HE1sAzsez32e2pGiHFqrwP56fhN7fCXecVFLhxv7m4vIG83UxWQkE2SCHjTCYHMIg1HfFz-Ig/s200/Brace.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355721170779807554" />So, a day after I had stopped turning I was finally ready for the brace! Yes I look hideous but at least with the brace it looked like I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">having</span> something done rather than just looking like I had no front teeth. The bar across the gap was a bit of a shock but there's no other way! Now all I wanted was for the gap to close but now that my palate was at it's desired width I had to wait for new bone to form which would mean at least 6 weeks of the dreaded gap before they even tried to close it....this sucked!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-49173617857402982792009-07-07T07:01:00.001-07:002009-07-07T07:08:26.488-07:00The SARPE Gap....13 days after turning and THE LAST DAY!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1ofOdL79aAG2QrklGvu-O7hWr9R7cc95u4g1xsStWSRlY7WKNkbcxL58cbtaOUN8IoN_kmZDsuBGlpMumz3jdUTH8B1Ak_MkVWAis1mxEK8QkTxRAyYe3THUK9VjPxLwy0U4loevoOs/s1600-h/Last+Day+inside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1ofOdL79aAG2QrklGvu-O7hWr9R7cc95u4g1xsStWSRlY7WKNkbcxL58cbtaOUN8IoN_kmZDsuBGlpMumz3jdUTH8B1Ak_MkVWAis1mxEK8QkTxRAyYe3THUK9VjPxLwy0U4loevoOs/s200/Last+Day+inside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355718358799717394" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcF6nYja_YiR9QR1gx_xOzJA-Vn9ucbYsUwGFmrc5Xe0NL5ycmFG1wVL608oCTLbg0pMHq1HVjx8DARpmP579oKcpl9rJZwGbRS3ag2A9HHdXDIDT0PZpYil9rQP8urE5ujMzGcVo5lc/s200/Day13+Last+Day+13mm.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355718352597637170" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">13 days later and a 13mm gap!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Pound coin my butt....try 4! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Yes I look like I have no front teeth and yes people stared and whispered! I made it my mission not to hide away though and still went out just as much as before.....not partying but shopping etc. if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">i'm</span> honest people are ignorant but so was I. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">regularly</span> heard the whispers of "oh my god that girls got no front teeth" and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">snigger's</span> of teenagers but I can honestly say the gap has changed the way I look and judge others. The gap was probably my low point and I wished people would just ask me about my teeth but I understand why they didn't. Off to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">orthodontists</span> again!</span></span></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-29270879659413189442009-07-07T06:54:00.000-07:002009-07-07T07:00:51.103-07:00The SARPE Gap....11 days after turning the spanner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGgNRESufazfDhtFDJKrcO2M4oP7cBzSwuiM-xebmpVQCVrH1yEinXxlwwyAl4Q2OIW-Z8jminZfM-tkk3OUSxWOpQkMtrX9JLuVSya1Fm6sCSGtw0tCnrC5CQRXxP4YvXg7PdyKKYAA/s1600-h/Day+Eleven.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGgNRESufazfDhtFDJKrcO2M4oP7cBzSwuiM-xebmpVQCVrH1yEinXxlwwyAl4Q2OIW-Z8jminZfM-tkk3OUSxWOpQkMtrX9JLuVSya1Fm6sCSGtw0tCnrC5CQRXxP4YvXg7PdyKKYAA/s200/Day+Eleven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355716965763001906" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">So now it starts to look like </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">i'm</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> missing a tooth!</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">11 days of turning and </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">i'm</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> still going. I look pretty happy here and </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">surprisingly</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> I was! Although I looked a bit freakish I didn't care. People would look at me a bit </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">weird</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> but I kept a positive attitude and had THE most supportive people around me. This sounds pretty </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">gruesome</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">, but as I kept turning the spanner I could actually feel (and hear!) the bones moving and </span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">creaking</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">....yuk! but strangely addictive:0)</span></span></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-28109260019169081872009-07-07T06:44:00.000-07:002009-07-07T06:54:22.284-07:00The SARPE Gap.... 6 days after turning the spanner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MrYLBSpVawqhSSTAELXB3wF4fspYYwSUtw3wKHleIr9_6XzuHstmSDsB6U2MKecnsIJt7UKC2dkpAeMJfQkBDxvXG0_nNbWeACbuNelWMlTCnuYDwmxIGKyZzJPV5_oxgHxpXvmzWtM/s1600-h/Day+Six+bite.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MrYLBSpVawqhSSTAELXB3wF4fspYYwSUtw3wKHleIr9_6XzuHstmSDsB6U2MKecnsIJt7UKC2dkpAeMJfQkBDxvXG0_nNbWeACbuNelWMlTCnuYDwmxIGKyZzJPV5_oxgHxpXvmzWtM/s200/Day+Six+bite.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355715081046334338" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaTdi8ZEZg-kbLxU74d0fHvh_blZwAEr9gqPXrixhgG10DFMkB0twU6PVtac8p6tTmzjS-2yMhz2UjAcMfOb4Y27RPlSfRsCgItKorkvXdczNBaZIiCfMSa7oi97wsOQyFKpAFpZ39sU/s200/Day+Six+inside.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355715071369190914" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRSdIcGnXyTHxrVIhQEjUamKO3H1w9I1I-WcJmmTCm81udjTVnRfRx1quaxX9BPY1onSV9_AmdBtqi3mFEP0jRGNRBDCLbiSc-FHNBU4jKuhtv4_ovcn_Eu2sT33pJ5o6_6oJS-qUlEA/s200/Day+six.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355715068209059138" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So now you probably know what I mean when I say torture device! :0) </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Swelling had gone done a lot by the 6th day and I was off to the orthodontist hoping that now I could fit more than a pound coin in the gap the turning would be over!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Unfortunately I came home being told that my pallet wasn't wide enough yet and that I still needed to turn for at least another 5 days......The gap gets bigger!!</span></span></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-33274552465604394062009-07-07T06:39:00.000-07:002009-07-07T06:44:39.424-07:00The Sarpe Gap.... 4 days after turning the spanner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEcbGJ6IC0EhyAHUaoZCxSDmyscPZEPpZvGkw_JgPXOZJ-DdvBYp38_Vl42sNYfb2Nq6kHt1PR8QCqyeX2S7Rt5X6mY0OsaEhFZ_wdTXxUfOIAztnJwQTlCVsheBJnq7ZRIZ2_bFPDPw/s1600-h/Dayfour.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEcbGJ6IC0EhyAHUaoZCxSDmyscPZEPpZvGkw_JgPXOZJ-DdvBYp38_Vl42sNYfb2Nq6kHt1PR8QCqyeX2S7Rt5X6mY0OsaEhFZ_wdTXxUfOIAztnJwQTlCVsheBJnq7ZRIZ2_bFPDPw/s200/Dayfour.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355713079487246978" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So 4 days after turning and the gap already felt huge! Luckily my gorgeous other half James was extremely supportive and took me out to cheer me up:0) The gap seemed to be getting big quickly and I knew I had at least another 3-10 days of turning to go, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eeek</span>!</span></span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-89223331622152576922009-07-07T06:28:00.000-07:002009-07-07T06:39:01.387-07:00The Post op SARPE process!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevMtn8MXQ4PBEt29fu4D4kAM8uYJSAFXa4JGs4HCnmwvIYZ9kI9t6p-VCRjYqB2B8m5iV-LXcab4piHHWyVtK1ezKeWzplWrIs6_A4P2qSqq7KMp6tCfcWBhS6f4epP9YS8wPzXz3crw/s1600-h/Eight+days+post+op.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevMtn8MXQ4PBEt29fu4D4kAM8uYJSAFXa4JGs4HCnmwvIYZ9kI9t6p-VCRjYqB2B8m5iV-LXcab4piHHWyVtK1ezKeWzplWrIs6_A4P2qSqq7KMp6tCfcWBhS6f4epP9YS8wPzXz3crw/s200/Eight+days+post+op.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355710460437109922" /></a><br />So remember the metal torture device I spoke about earlier! Well 8 days after my operation I had an appointment with my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">orthodontist</span>. As you can see, the swelling had gone down quite a bit in just a week!<div><br /></div><div>As you will see from the picture I have a small gap in my teeth following my appointment. The torture device came with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">teeny</span> weeny spanner which at my appointment my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">orthodontist</span> placed on the metal bar and turned twice. before my very eyes my front teeth started to part and a gap formed before my very eyes......I could actually see them moving!</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the start of the palate expansion and I was told to turn the spanner twice in the morning and twice at night.....As I used the spanner the metal bar lengthened and my palate widened!</div><div><br /></div><div>This may sound crazy, but I was so ready for the whole process that I actually looked forward to turning the spanner. I knew I was looking worse every day but I new it was all my decision and for a good reason! Positive mental attitude as they say!</div><div><br /></div><div>My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">orthodontist</span> told me that the gap would get to a size that I could fit a pound coin in.......at the time this seemed quite big but lets just say I was in for a shock!!!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-89839114098914114502009-07-07T06:14:00.001-07:002009-07-07T06:27:39.082-07:00One SARPE op and 4 less wisdom teeth later!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg322MCGLCRFInbOSXG7jhP37i0n7ODVHeLjX_Lrqeq5jrj5NvexNj8ahYaUrNipkRNKbSjDqDmLaqdigdB7PY7AyrebFLQ1TczmKTIRHfOAeSWWmYl3nj6gjk51SKxlR9CKo5zRV6ceG0/s1600-h/After+op+side.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg322MCGLCRFInbOSXG7jhP37i0n7ODVHeLjX_Lrqeq5jrj5NvexNj8ahYaUrNipkRNKbSjDqDmLaqdigdB7PY7AyrebFLQ1TczmKTIRHfOAeSWWmYl3nj6gjk51SKxlR9CKo5zRV6ceG0/s200/After+op+side.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355706881340318706" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XFTYIet80VrmNBJy6s_9fWPir6bu9p6Nx4-4j9DOkC7uLAHxQPs6Q8YwiJbjypWymI6dqT30kPf09Z8XeAPJgUceYEwiKhoe0HkamcOEqZQ9lANYGl3RoBRw7yN3CoFqttHkgMRxNeI/s200/Few+Hours+after+op.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355706876715548690" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">How much do I look like Princess Fiona from Shrek!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;">Lookign back now after Jaw surgery, the above piccies taken just a few hours after my SARPE op don't look so bad! I remember feeling very swollen and tender but the pain wasn't actually too bad. I was discharged from hospital the next day but unfortunately I had a bad reaction to codine (painkiller) which made me very sick. Being sick is awful when you cant open your mouth very wide!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_AaNdOiYohr_d05SQ9Kvobt5IJ1cjfnvIBUvN0OhWSBlZyiL74KWx6drxpbbvvs7Focw_IrrwpkHYflRSHebgKnYim1qXFITmXBOGWB-sA_x52gcsf_MUnrVJF6Y3OYexmmyaIV02nI/s200/Day+after+op.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355707981053369570" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitl4A1UMD0Avjzlu2l1-qCrdhHIMIGKTOZfyCzNYsFB9H2IwU4X3qcd2Nz-feb4C-djQvUopKF940yeD_1GdnL0RK_EGQScrWzQqzA3XnBEL9e84z_PAXsUONU4tiIu7GbBOlJVLjIQQ/s200/Day+two.jpg" style="text-align: right;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355708670492118274" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;">Pictures taken the day I left hospital after my SARPE operation and wisdom tooth extraction.....I look a bit like a hamster and very young!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#993399;"><br /></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-10093567737106349982009-07-07T05:55:00.000-07:002009-07-07T06:13:37.222-07:00SARPE (Surgically assisted rapid expansion) aged 23<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">I have to admit that the whole SARPE process was much worse than I had originally thought! </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">When you get past a certain age (probably your teens) your bones are pretty strong and do not move as easily as when you are younger. The reason for SARPE was to increase the width of my palate and the only way to to this sounds a bit barbaric so brace yourself (pardon the pun!)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The operation consists of you being knocked out and then a cut being made above your top teeth under your upper lip.....from here, the surgeons some how manage to make a cut in your palate (only the bone so all "internal") which later on enables the expansion required. You are then sewn up (with dissolving stitches) and then bought back round unless like me you also had to have all 4 wisdom teeth out due to crowding!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Prior to the operation I had this pretty torturous looking appliance fitted to the roof of my mouth. It was like a thick metal bar (shown later on) which attached to one side of my upper back teeth right across to the other side. When my lovely orthodontist fitted it I actually wanted to ask her if she was kidding! How could I possibly get used to this....Trying to talk was ridiculous, I had such a bad lisp!! The first time I tried to eat was part embarrassing part dangerous as I thought I was going to choke! I made the mistake of eating mozzarella which got completely tangled around the torture devise and I had to spend about half an hour "de-stringing" it!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">At the time I honestly thought that this was it for me...how was I ever going to be able to talk, eat or go out again but believe me, it's crazy how quickly you adjust to such a thing in your mouth!</span></span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1542989427961840928.post-4521246306927993962009-07-04T12:08:00.000-07:002009-07-15T08:03:15.177-07:00About Me...........<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hello!</span></b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm Natalie (now aged 25) and on 3rd July 2009 I had Jaw surgery at The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. I am starting this blog as I wanted to write down my feelings before and after surgery which will hopefully offer information, reassurance and support for others in or considering going through a similar process.</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At 18 I wanted to correct my 12mm overbite (where my top teeth/jaw hung 12mm over by bottom teeth) When I was told I would have to have train track braces for 18-24 months prior to jaw surgery I was horrified! but my decision not to go on the NHS waiting list back then was a decision I later regretted at 22 when I decided braces </span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">wouldn't be so bad.</span></b></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> So, at 22(and a half:0) I had just started up my own company and had decided that the complex I had about my side profile wasn't going to go away and was getting more noticeable to me.</span></b></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I booked an appointed with Dr Ken Sneddon at his Maidstone surgery in Kent (a jaw surgery surgeon who had been recommended to my mum) Dr Sneddon agreed that jaw surgery with a brace first would be the only way forward and so transferred me to the NHS waiting list at The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Here I stayed for about 15 months until finally I was at the top and it was my turn. I have started this blog as at the time and now I really struggled to find information on SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and Jaw surgery of someone in the UK who had gone through a similar process.<br />Braces as an adult are hard enough but walking around looking like you have no front teeth after SARPE and a face like a football after jaw surgery is even harder! At times I just wanted someone to chat to who was going through a similar thing.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b>So, first things first! The main reasons I wanted to go ahead with this were as follows:</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My teeth were straight but I hated my side profile!</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From the side my chin looked too far back an</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d I appeared a bit "gormless" if that makes sense</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One of the downsides of a 12mm overbite means that your can't actually shut your lips together and that your mouth naturally hangs open (not a good look!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Snoring and breathing through the mouth rather than the nose</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not being able to bite from the front and having to tear pretty much any food I ate....even a sandwich</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Advise which told me as I got older the problem would become more obvious and my hanging jaw would pull my whole face down causing premature aging and the possibility of jowls</span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When I had made the decision at 22 that braces wouldn't actually be so bad I literally wanted them right then and there and couldn't wait to get my jaw (or jaws as I later found out broken) Knowing I had to go on a waiting list was extremely frustrating and given the choice I probably would have paid quite a few thousand to bi-pass the waiting list but unfortunately as the process is a combination of orthodontics and surgery you are not able to have the braces privately and the surgery on the NHS...booooo! Unfortunately it's all or nothing and the purse strings meant NHS all the way!</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b>In Decemeber 2007 I was finally told it was my turn and that my treatment would start with SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) something I wasn't aware was even necessary! This meant an opperation before I even got the braces!</b></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#6600CC;"><b>On the 18th January 2008 (aged 23) I was admitted to the Queen Victoria Hospital for SARPE which was thevery start of the whole process!</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;font-family:-webkit-monospace, serif;color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00136449828238023704noreply@blogger.com0