Officially PwR

Today, I proudly announced to the world that I am no longer a PMT (Princess with Metal Teeth). I am now officially PwR (Princess with Retainers) for good, on 16 April 2014 at 12:35.

This is a huge milestone for me: the journey started since 7th July 2012; from the consultations with a dentist (removal of wisdom tooth) and an Orthodontics (the fixing of brackets). I have survived the 21 months by braving through the pain and discomfort.

Of course, I could have ended this torture 4 months back.  But I wanted so badly to correct my front teeth mid line, hence my Orthodontics continued this journey patiently with me. Came last week when I realised that I really had no choice but to give up my pursue, because the next procedure seem unsafe and will eventually add more stress to my body. I was determined to proceed with the "metal screw" procedure: a metal screw is to be drilled into my bones, so that I can "pull" my front teeth to the left by another 1 to 2 mm.

However, this metal screw procedure only holds a 50% chance for success, it may not stay put in the bones, and I need to go through GA (General Anesthesia) for it. After consulting my primary doctor, and a few others, I have painfully decided not to proceed any further. Just like what my Orthodontics had said, "sometimes we just have to live with imperfection". He was kind enough to console me that empirical studies has shown that "only a difference of 4mm and above, then others will be able to observed the mid line is "off" the mark".

Anyway, I will have to wear my transparent retainer day and night, for 6 months. After which, I shall only wear them at night time for the rest of my life. Wearing retainers is something that I have to do religiously, if not my teeth may shift back to its original state, wasting the past 21 months' effort.

Oh well, April 16 is a day I shall remember :) Thank you, Dr. Henry Ho, for giving me something to smile for the rest of my life!