Removal of expander.

My expander is gone.
I decided to wait a few days before posting so I could share my whole experience, I still had issues to deal with after my expander came off.
But to the removal first....

This last Wednesday I had my most anticipated orthodontist appointment so far, I have been so excited that I didn't think to be nervous.
My Orthodontist explained to me the process, he will use a plier looking device to 'loosen' the side brackets from the tooth and glue and then the expander will come out and he will remove any left over glue by buffing it off. He also said that I may hear cracking noises, and that it is not my teeth cracking, but the glue and that I will feel intense pressure when he loosens the brackets, almost to the point of feeling as though he is pulling a tooth, but not to worry because he isn't. :|
Hahaha. We had a little laugh then.

I don't know why because it wasn't funny.

He explained it pretty well.
Now, I have read a fair amount of info on this topic online, Dr. Google is my friend usually. All the information I found in relation to removal states that it is not a painful process, slight pressure will be felt but no pain.
Well I am blowing all that out of the water now, because I have experienced it first hand and all I can say is OUCH.

A lot of pressure was needed to loosen the brackets, I heard cracking which was quite scary after spending money to break my own face, I was a little worried that my new palate bone was under more stress then it could handle. All the worry was nothing compared to the pain. It was so intense I was about to ask him to stop, but then he did stop and the expander was out in front of my eyes, (Grotesque looking thing) I was in tears, so I had to wipe my eyes and compose myself to actually see it was out.

He then buffed (most) of the glue off, this was a little tender as my teeth had just gone through trauma! But nothing compared to removal of the RME.

I rinsed after this and it was the first time I actually felt my new mouth, after spitting what looked to be a substantial amount of glue and food remains which have been able to hide from my water pik, I could actually appreciate the last four months of going through this.
My mouth is huge. It's amazing that this little device has done so much for me in such a short time frame.
So after smiling at myself I went back to see what's next, because there is always a next step in orthodontics, unless you're in a retainer.
My orthodontist said that he couldn't book me back in until I have my extractions done, as soon as I have booked that appointment with my dentist he will book me in with him two weeks later which is when braces will be put on! :)
So a small break for now, I expect to have the extractions done within two months. I am so excited to be getting closer to that!
:|

Anyway, the first day of no expander device was a bit draining. My teeth ached, my face ached and I just was tender in the mouth. I also found a small amount of glue which was missed and is driving me insane, but the most annoying was that the gum on one of the anchoring molars must have been encased under the expander for the last four months and was torn completely upon removal of the expander, I'm left with a small 'flap' hanging there. Gross. Annoying. And constant bleeding for about 6 hours afterward. This has (in the last 5 days) healed for the most part.

Other than the complaints, I am so happy I did this. My smile is wider, my face broader and I feel so many benefits.
I can breathe through my nose so much better.
My face has changed enough for friends to notice, it's broader, my cheek bones are finally as pronounced as they should be for someone of my weight and facial shape.
I have suffered no migraines since the expander went in, this is a massive plus for me. So much money and time went on finding a cause for my constant migraines in the past, do you think my doctor will believe me when I tell him that making my face bigger has eradicated them from my life?

My mouth is getting there, it is awesome to feel the amount of space I now have!

But this brings me to the end of my expander journey....
I may keep the blog going though, continue through until braces are removed... I will just have to see how interested I get.

If there is something I missed, or you want to know, feel free to ask. I will check back often. :)
Thanks for reading!