09/26/12 Time

I've always said at my age that I wouldn't wish time to pass by faster. Now that I decided to get my braces off, I can't wait for the day. I've found the past two weeks or so that things are rubbing in my mouth more and I'm having to use wax again after not having to use it for a long time. I honestly think if I knew now what I knew then, that I would take my chances and not get braces again. There are just to many issues having them as an adult causes. I did it to save my teeth, but have had one root canal done and would probably end up having more done because of the trauma to the roots and bone in my mouth. These were not problems that they told me about. The other thing I wish is that I would have gotten a second opinion from another orthodontist. If any one out there is considering braces as an adult, think long and hard about it. Ask a lot of questions and definitely seek a second opinion! Take care and have a great day! Ellen

09/23/12 More Waiting

I am frustrated with the orthodontist's billing office. I have not heard back from her at all about the total that I owe them. I am sure that I will have to give them the final balance before they will remove the braces. If it is more than what I think I owe, then I will argue it and hope that there is a waiting room full of people to hear my arguments. When they originally set up my payment schedule, they never told me that if I overpaid but didn't continue to make payments every month, that I would be behind in what I owe. I know that sounds weird, but that was what she told me on the phone. At this point in my life with all that is going on in my personal life and with my health, I don't need any grief from them. I can't wait until the 8th to get them off. Then I get the retainer on the 12th. I'm hoping that I don't have to see them to much after it's all said and done. If I could go back, I would NEVER do it again, at least with them and I won't be recommending them to anyone. Take care and have a great week!

09/17/12 Arguing Over Payments

I got a call from the orthodontists office to tell me that my final payment was only going to be $60. I was so excited! $60 is something that I can handle. Not more than five minutes later, my bubble was burst. She called back to tell me that they had already deducted from the total amount for the T.A.D. screws and that the amount would be over $300. She said the amount they deducted for the screws already was $460. They had told me that they were going to take off the original quoted price of $600 back in June. When I asked her why the amount I had to pay went up she didn't have an answer. I told her that they better figure it out or I would come in and have the things taken off now and they could again figure how much I owe. I still maintain that the amount would be around $160 if the deduct the amount they quoted me back in June. The girl wasn't smart enough to figure it out. Really I think they're upset that I'm having them taken off early and this is their way of punishing me for it. I was in the check out line at Wal-Mart and didn't feel like arguing with her there. I feel sorry for the poor cashier! I'll keep you posted. Take care and have a great day!

9/13/12 Decision Time

Hello to all,

I was eating some frozen yogurt earlier today and had it hit the molar on the upper left where I've been having a problem with the band. Wow did it hurt. I'm now afraid that with everything going on, that I'll end up having to have a root canal done on this tooth. At the last appointment he told me that he would prefer me keeping the braces on longer but that they could be taken off any time. I called the office on my way home from work and told them that I wanted them taken off and why. Even with dental insurance, a root canal on a molar would cost me over $300 and I just can't do that right now. She scheduled the appointment, but said she would give the orthodontist my message and have him call me if there's a problem with taking them off. Really I see no problem as they are my teeth, my braces and I can do with them what I want. I'll keep you posted on how this goes. It will be on October 9th and then get my retainer on the 12th.

Take care and have a great day!

09/09/12 Getting Anxious

I think because the end of my braces really isn't that far away, I am getting anxious to have them taken off. I think I am looking for any excuse I can to tell him at my next appointment that I want them off. I guess it will depend on what they have to say. I think at the very least I will have them do the final adjustment and then have them off in late November or early December. I would love to have them taken off before my son's graduation from the Navy's Basic Training. That way when I go for it, I'll be able to eat anything I want. Also, it would be nice to not have them on for pictures when I go.

There are so many things going on in my life, my son leaving for Basic Training, the possibility of a new job and not having a job next year regardless of whether I stay where I'm at now or take a new job at a different school. Oh well, life goes on!

Take care and have a great week!

09/03/2012 Decisions

Not that I've never said this before, but I am tired of my braces. I know at my last appointment, he said I could have them taken off any time now. I was going to wait and let them do the regular adjustment, then the final adjustment, then have them taken off which is what he recommended. That would mean getting them off in January. After having the root canal done and learning that it could have been caused by trauma to my teeth, roots and bone, I have decided that I will tell them that I want the final adjustment and then having them off. If they tell me no that they won't do it, then I will tell them to take them off and make my retainer. I can't imagine them telling me that they won't do it. After all, they are my teeth and it should be my decision. I am happy with how my teeth feel and look.

Anyway, take care and have a great day! Next appointment is on October 9th. I'll keep you posted!