And so it begins....

Hello there - I wanted to start this blog to track my journey through double overbite surgery. I have found other blogs really useful and encouraging so I thought I would contribute my own story. I hope what I share over the next couple of years will help others who are going through the same or thinking about having jaw surgery. Okay, so some background about me...I'm 29 years old, living in the south of England. In my teens I had been given a retainer to fix my overbite, but unfortunately after a number of years using it I didn't see any changes so my teen self decided to give up. This week I had braces fitted and thought it would be a good time to start the blog. However there has been some added preparatory work before this that I thought I should mention. Before the braces (June) I had a 'Quad Helix' fitted. This a spring-loaded appliance that is used to widen your upper jaw. I had it fitted back in June. It was a bit awkward for the first couple of days but I got used to it much sooner than I thought I would. I haven't had any problems with pain, only some slight discomfort early on but I have to admit eating was a little awkward for the first week. Because the springs do not fit flush to the roof of your palate (this is a little gross - sorry) sometimes foods kind of gets a little stuck. Its nothing to worry about though, just expect a bit of a mouth work out! Here's an image...

I have had this in for a few months and this week have had my full braces fitted. I was hoping that the 'helix' would come out when my braces were fitted but alas apparently it still has a bit of work to do, so I have braces and the helix all at once - YIKES! I have to admit I really wasn't looking forward to having braces fitted. I felt really low during the weeks building up to getting them. If I'm being honest I felt very anxious about how they would look - but now I have them they don't look half as bad as I thought they would. However, I have to admit my first couple of days with them have been pretty uncomfortable, but friends who have had them in the past have assured me that this gets better. Its been quite painful to eat but the good thing is its easy to eat soft things i.e ice cream so not too bad hehe. I'll post some images tomorrow!