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Author Topic: Jennifer  (Read 65548 times)

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #90 on: 26. October 2022, 20:52:08 PM »
Chapter 40.

After about an hour of snuggling on the couch, Jen said to Mel "with Chrishty from Dr. Cooper'sh coming over in a few hours, I feel like I need to shtraighten up and maybe fixsh a little snack jusht to be hoshpitable.  Would you be up for helping me?"  Mel responded "Sure, I would love too!  I'm not really hungry yet, but I would love to help.  What did you have in mind?".  Jen said "I don't know, but shumthing soft.  I might want a bite myself".  Mel squeezed Jen and asked "Seriously, how is your mouth feeling?  It kills me to think you are hurting."  Jen replied "Honestly?  My mouth hurtsh.  It has for four daysh.  I haven't wanted to worry you.  But these shcrews in my palate are still really sore.  And they wreck my tongue.  I think the besht thing I can do is keep busy sho I don't think about it.  I know I didn't think about my mouth lasht night, other than what I could use it for" as she raised her eyebrows and gave Mel a sly smile.  Jen then untangled herself from Mel and stiffly stood up.  She cut her eyes down towards Mel, unable to move her head with her neck brace on, and said "I am going to go see what we might can come up with".  Mel got up and followed Jen into the kitchen.

An hour and a half later the living room and dining room had been straightened up, and Mel was removing the pizza bites and potato skins from the oven.  Jen was in the dining room, putting out three wine glasses and a bottle each of a cab and a zinfandel on the dining room table.  She also hooked her laptop up and powered it on.  Once she finished she walked back into the kitchen where Mel was carefully transferring the hors d'oeuvres to a serving platter.  Jen walked up behind Mel and wrapped her arms around her, whispering to her "I really like spending time with you.  And thosh smell delish".   Mel replied "I love spending time with you too!  But I do need to ask you something before Christy gets here.  This is the first time we have been with someone else socially since, well, since us.  How do we handle it?".  Jen responded with a "hmm... well I don't want to throw it in her face.  But I'm not embarrassed by it.  I meant it earlier when I said I love you.  I think we just go with it and cross that bridge when we get to it.  What do you think?".  Mel responded "I love you too, and I am not embarrassed at all.  In fact I want to go all Ron Burgundy and announce to the world 'Jennifer Collins and I had sex. And now we are in love'.  But I know that is not the right way to go about it.  Even if that is how I feel."  Jen squeezed Mel and said "you are just so sweet.  Let's just see what happens, and if it comes up it comes up".

Shortly before 2, the doorbell rang.  Jen, still wearing her neck brace, awkwardly looked through the peep to see Christy Thomas standing there holding a blue plastic tote.  Jen had considered removing the neck brace before Christy arrived, but she realized she had already sent her pictures of it and of her wearing it.  So, with the embarrassment already out of the way, she decided to just keep it on.  As Jen looked at Christy through the peep she realized she recognized her; Christy had cleaned her teeth before her braces installation on Wednesday.  But with her mind spinning that day, she had not connected the two when they had been texting.  Jen opened the door and welcomed her "Ms. Thomas, welcome and thank you for coming!  Please come in.  Do you need a hand with that?".  Christy replied "Please, call me Christy.  And thank you, but I've got it.  Just point me to where I can put it down."  Jen turned and said "Please, follow me, I was thinking we could sit at the table.  Mel and I whipped up a little snack, and if you like wine I have some of that too."

Mel stood up from her kitchen chair as Christy approached and said "Christy, it is good to see you.  And thank you for taking time out of your Saturday.  Just sit the tote down wherever there is room".  Christy replied "it is good to see you too Mel!  And it really is no problem.  I have never really had the opportunity to nerd out on 'teeth stuff' outside of the office or in continuing education classes.  Really, I love this stuff, so I was excited when Ms. Collins asked me to do it".  Jen jumped right in and said "Please, none of this 'Ms. Collins' mess, I am Jen.  And Christy, I have to apologize, when we were texting I didn't even realize who I was talking with.  I apologize".  Christy laughed as she sat down the tote and said "no need for an apology, you had a lot going on Wednesday, and I am sure a thousand thoughts racing through your mind.  But we can talk about all that now.  But before we do, let me compliment you both on wearing your facemasks. As a tooth nerd, I love to see patients being proactive with their treatment."




Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #91 on: 28. October 2022, 05:14:48 AM »
Chapter 41.

After the three ladies had taken seats at the dining room table, Christy said “you girls have put me on the spot.  I guess I should go ahead and put on my facemask too.”  She popped the lid off of the blue tote and dug around for a few seconds.  She pulled out a pink Petit facemask and a bag of elastics.  She deftly hooked the elastics onto her braces and then attached each elastic to either side of the horizontal plastic bar of the mask.  Christy said “there, that is more like it.  I really do need to do a better job of wearing my protraction gear and setting a good example”.  From her research, Jen recognized the mask as a Petit style mask, different than the Delaire masks her and Mel wore.  She asked Christy “Is there a reashon you have a different type of mashk than we do?”  Christy responded “I actually prefer this style over the Delaire, at least for day time wear.  It is less bulky than the Delaire.  But, because it does not have the strap like the Delaire, it is more easily dislodged from the face, especially while sleeping.  I do have a Delaire mask too that I wear at night, but for daytime wear I prefer this style.  They both accomplish the same goal, protraction of the maxilla.  I will get all into it, I have brought several different styles of protraction devices I will discuss. But before we get started, let me compliment you on your blog.  I think it is wonderful. You did a great job setting it up.  There is a lot of useful information.  I was hoping I could ask you if I could share it with some other people in the profession and with our current airway patients.  But I want to ask you first”

Jen responded “Of coursh, that is why I started it.  Well, that and sho I could shtay busy and try to not think about how much thish was hurting” gesturing to her mouth.  She continued “And thank you for the compliment.  I really had no idea what I was doing.  I shtill really don’t.  That is one reashon I asked you over, to get your input.”

Christy responded “Of course, of course.  I think you did a first rate job, done by a professional.  I think this could really be helpful to other patients.  And I would love to help.  This is my jam” and laughed. “First off, I want to go ahead and apologize though if I bore you or drive you crazy getting down in the weeds.  And if you want to knock off at any time, it won’t offend me.  I don’t know what you have planned for later today.  Once I get to talking about this, I can ramble for a while.”

Mel piped in “well then, lucky for all of us we don’t have any plans.  Jen’s mouth is still hurting, so tonight will be a Netflix and chill kind of night.  With maybe some wine, mashed potatoes, and ice cream”

Christy responded “I understand, the first week is an adjustment. The first five days are usually the worst.  And you are on day four.  So the good news Jen is that you are on the downhill side of it. It will continue to get better.  Now, I am not exactly sure what you had in mind, but I have a bit of an outline in my head.  I was thinking I could explain at a high level traditional orthodontics versus current airway orthodontic philosophies.  I have brought a bunch of things to look at; appliances, protraction devices, etc.  Then I thought I could give you some actual examples of cases, starting with mine.  I also spoke with Diane, Josie, and Allison yesterday and they gave me the ok to discuss their cases with you in detail. I even took some pictures of them and their appliances.  If you have questions along the way, please sing out.  Does that sound good?”

Jen answered “That shounds great.  But before we get started, I know who Diane and Josie are, but who is Allishon?”

Christy replied “Oh, I’m sorry.  Allison is Dr. Cooper’s wife.  She has had a rather complicated and grueling treatment so far.  In fact, Allison was Dr. Cooper’s first MSE airway case.  She started treatment about 10 months ago, a month before I did.  I was the second case in the office.  I have had a few speed bumps along the way.  But Allison has really had some challenges.  She has been in a facemask 24/7 for the better part of these past 10 months, and then 2 months ago also had an aggressive tongue crib installed on top of the braces, MSE, and Herbst appliance already in her mouth.  But she has worn it all with grace and seemingly without complaint.  While she doesn’t officially work in the office, she is in and out all the time.  You will probably meet her sometime.”

While Christy had been describing Allison’s treatment Mel’s mouth had dropped open.  She asked “You mean to tell me she has been wearing a facemask 24 hours a day for 10 months?”

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #92 on: 01. November 2022, 00:06:43 AM »
Chapter 42.

Christy responded "Yes, she had springs installed the week after she had her MSE placed.  I will show you pictures and an example of it when I get into protraction devices.  It is very effective.  Traditional orthodontic theory was that you could not get protraction in adults without surgery; but new techniques used over the past few years have shown this is not true.  You can get protraction in adults with reverse pull headgear.  But the secret is it has to be worn consistently for a significant amount of time, 14 hours per day at least.  And more is better.  It doesn't do any good if it sitting on the bathroom counter or in one's purse. It has to be worn. That is why I was so happy to see both of you wearing yours when I got here.  Allison has had a couple of breaks in fulltime wear; Dr. Cooper removed the springs when they went skiing over Christmas and for their 10th anniversary vacation to the Bahamas.  He let her just wear it at night on those trips.  But other than that she has been wearing it 24 hours a day.  I will get into her case a little later, but she had a very retruded maxilla and constricted airway thanks to headgear and extractions when she was a teenager.  It is really amazing to see the changes that have happened for her over the past 10 months.  With that said, because of the severity of her case, Dr. Cooper has told her to expect to continue to have to wear it for quite a while.  She is looking at a minimum of 12 more months, and maybe more depending on how her bones continue to respond to treatment.  To make matters worse for her, she lives with her orthodontist so she can't really cheat" and laughed.

Christy continued "But before I get into individual cases, let me discuss traditional orthodontic theory.  For years and years, orthodontics has focused primarily on aesthetics.  A straight smile was the goal; the airway was not even considered.  So, and this was taught in school, orthodontists were quick to extract teeth and use retractive orthodontic techniques.  Think headgear.  I had it from the time I was 13 until right before I graduated high school at 18.  And two of those years I had to wear it to school. By the way, I know you are undergoing scoliosis treatment.  I can empathize.  In addition to having braces and headgear for much of junior high and almost all of high school, I too had scoliosis.  In addition to having the pleasure of wearing headgear, I also had the added indignity of having to wear a Milwaukee brace for the last 3 years of high school and until the end of my freshmen year in college.  You would have thought that by the mid 1990s the Milwaukee brace would have been relegated to the annals of history.  But, I am just lucky I guess.  I mean, I have never met anyone my age who wore one, not to even mention having to wear it in college.  And yes, you can imagine how much fun high school was with headgear, glasses and a Milwaukee brace.  And then, despite the relief of finishing my orthodontic treatment, having to continue to wear my Milwaukee brace off to college.  It was mortifying.  But, I lived and did eventually turn into a swan.  And the Milwaukee brace, if it didn't completely cure my curve, did keep me from having to have surgery.  I guess that is a positive.  So, I can completely empathize with what you are going through, both with your orthodontic treatment and with your orthopedic treatment.  It really is great the two of you are going through your airway treatment together.  When I read about it on your blog, it warmed my heart."

Jen jumped in "I don't think I would have been able to have handled all of thish" knocking the knuckles of her left hand on her back brace while pointing to her facemask with her right hand "if it hadn't been for Mel.  She hash truly been my lifesaver".  Mel reached over and took Jen's hand and said "Nonsense, I already told you have done as much for me as I have for you.  Maybe more.  And Christy, I don't know if you know this, but we aren't just going through orthodontic treatment together" as she lifted her Scoliclinic hoodie up showing her brace "but we are also going through bracing together.  Poor Jen's brace is just a little bit more intensive than mine".  Christy answered "awww, I knew you were a nurse over at the clinic, but I never noticed you wore a brace.  You have always hidden it while in our office.  I can't say I envy what either of you are going through, but I do understand.  Again, at least you have someone to share the journey with.  I wish I had had a "brace buddy" in high school instead of being the pariah I was.  But again, I lived."  Christy continued on, saying "my back sometimes still bothers me.  But I don't think I could handle wearing a brace again after my high school and college experience.  But enough about my high school trauma, let me get back into orthodontics."

Christy continued "so, traditional orthodontics can give a patient a wonderful straight smile.  But as we are finding out now, for many patients, the treatment they received years ago wrecked and constricted their airway.  Between orthodontics, the modern diet and sedentary lifestyles that many people live today, sleep apnea is an epidemic.  To mask the symptoms but not really fix the underlying cause, hundreds of thousands of people are on CPAPS.  And probably twice that number should be.  What current airway orthodontics is aiming to do is not just treat or mask the symptoms but fix the root problem.  We do this by opening up the airway.  We widen the jaw with maxillary tad expanders.  And we protract the maxilla forward.  This enlarges the airway and gives room for the tongue.  Then, combine this with myofunctional therapy, and we can fix the root problem in 2-3 years usually.  It is just a process to get there."

Christy continued "So, how do we do that?  Well you are already pretty familiar with most of it, you already have much of it in your mouths.  But, I will show you some examples.  Airway orthodontics in theory is pretty much the same for all patients; fix and enlarge the airway.  But, individual cases do vary and there are different tools, or appliances, we use."  Christy then reached into her tote and pulled out several white plaster molds of jaws and teeth, each with expanders on them, and a model of a skull with a bunch of lines on it.  She gestured to the models and said "these are examples of some of the different type of expanders in use. One is a standard 4 screw like you have Jen.  This is a six screw model.  This is what Josie has, and what you will be getting Mel. This is for patients with thicker palates.  And finally, we have this bad boy.  This is a tandem expander with tandem mechanisms and eight screws.  We use this on especially stubborn palates.  Like mine!.  I am lucky enough to be on my second one of these" she said as she tilted her head back and opened her mouth wide. Jen and Mel both peered into her mouth at the staggering amount of metal and screws in Christy's palate.  Mel said "wow, that is intense.  So just for clarification, I am NOT getting one of those?" and nervously laughed.  Christy answered "No, lucky you, you 'only' get a standard six screw expander.  Really though, I have gotten used to mine.  I mean, I still know it is there but it doesn't cause me a ton of problems anymore."  She continued on as she held the skull up "so this is a model of the human skull.  These zigzag lines are the sutures in the skull.  This main one in the middle of the upper palate is the one we split with the MSE expander.  The secret is the screws in the palate; by anchoring the expander in the palatal bone we actually can separate it and move it without surgery.  And, once that main suture is opened, these sutures here towards the back of the palate also loosen up.  And with them loosened up, we can simultaneously get forward movement with the use of protraction forces.  I.e. the lovely facemasks all three of us have on our faces.  The key time to focus on protraction wear is when we are actively expanding.  Once the suture splits, wear the facemask as much as you can.  If you notice, I have some pretty wicked gaps in my teeth.  I am towards the tail end of expansion and am actually on my third expander.  I had a standard 4 screw that didn't open my suture, so I got the more robust tandem expander.  It worked.  But, I maxed out expansion on it and had to have it removed and this new one installed.  I hope it is my last one.  I try my best to wear my mask 14-16 hours but it is hard and I often times fall short.  In fact, maybe now is the time I go ahead and get something out of the way that I was planning to save till the end.  It is a treatment policy change that Dr. Cooper is instituting starting this Monday.  But, first let me tell you about Josie's treatment, it will make sense why when I tell you about the new policy change".

Christy continued "so, you have heard me mention how important it is to wear your facemask during active expansion.  Josie's suture just split two weeks ago.  But, she can't wear her facemask likes she needs to.  Or at least she couldn't.  It wasn't that she didn't want to or try to.  But most nights she was taking it off in her sleep.  She tried several types of masks and the result was the same. She wasn't getting her time in.  Knowing how important it was to wear the mask, she allowed Dr. Cooper to install springs like Allison has for 24 hour wear this past Monday.  For 24 hour wear we use a different type of mask than we are wearing" and pulled out a facemask Jen and Mel had not seen before.  Christy continued on "this is a modified Grummon's protraction mask.  If you notice, it has a forehead pad.  But instead of a chincup, it has pads that rest on each cheekbone.  Because you still have to eat, drink, and turn the expander while wearing the mask, this is the best option.  The Delaire and Petit make it very difficult to access the expander for turning.  There is just not as much to get in the way with this mask, and also it doesn't 'bounce' on the face when talking like you notice from your Delaire masks or my Petit mask.  So, if it is so good, why don't we use it on all cases?  The reason is because it is the least comfortable.  It puts tremendous pressure on the cheek bones.  Eventually most patients get used to it, but the first few days are a period of adjustment.  An uncomfortable period."  She handed the mask to Jen and continued "to help, we install additional gel padding on the cheek pieces that you can see there. But even then it, simply put, hurts until the patient gets used to it.  And when Dr. Cooper installs springs, he uses 1,000 gram force springs instead of the standard 500 grams of force like you get from your elastics.  So not only is the mask just less comfortable, there is even more pressure on the face.  Poor Josie was miserable the first few days, that is why she was out on Wednesday when you had your installation.  She called me crying on Tuesday night, asking me if I could come take it off her. I talked her out of it, I explained she needed to do it, and also pointed out how Allison had adapted to it.  But, it has been hard on her.  Not only the physical discomfort, but also the emotional discomfort of wearing it in public.  She is a very pretty 25 year old blonde; she sings in her church choir and teaches a zumba class on the weekends.  She confided in me how self-conscious she felt wearing it.  To add insult to injury, she just got married three months ago and she is still in the 'newlywed bliss' stage, or was until she started having to wear the facemask all the time at home.  She was back in on Thursday, but yesterday she asked if Dr. Cooper would remove it.  Dr. Cooper asked her to just try to make it through the weekend and see how she felt on Monday, and she agreed.  He made a bit of a deal with her that impacts me, Diane, and all patients including you two.  At our Friday afternoon staff meeting, Dr. Cooper said he was instituting a new policy starting this Monday.  He is going to require all patients to wear all their appliances while in the office.  That includes protraction headgear.  He said he thought it important we set a good example for patients, and he said he hoped it would help Josie feel more comfortable not being the only one in the office wearing headgear.  And Diane had a come apart.  I mean, she is our office mom of sorts.  She was hot, asking Dr. Cooper why he was doing this to 'his girls'.  But Dr. Cooper is very persuasive and convinced her he wasn't doing this 'to his girls, but for his girls'.  He told us we all know we need to wear our facemasks, and what better setting then in an orthodontic office. Plus, he told us how much he thought it would help our current patients, including Josie, with their self confidence.  So, in summary, Diane is still not too happy with it.  But she accepted it.  So, starting Monday we will be the three amigos in facemasks.  That just leaves Sandra, the assistant that helped in your installation, as the lone holdout on treatment.  But Dr. Cooper is working on convincing her to start treatment.  It does seem to be pretty contagious in our office, and I don't think she is far from agreeing to it.'


Offline bracessd

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #93 on: 01. November 2022, 16:52:29 PM »
Nice job! I'd be down to be one of Dr. Cooper's patients

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #94 on: 04. November 2022, 18:45:00 PM »
Chapter 43.

Christy continued "so, I have given you a brief overview of the whole process.  I have pictures on my phone of my treatment, along with some of Josie's, Diane's and Allison's treatment.  Jen, would you mind if I email them to you so we can look at them on your computer?  That would probably make it easier for all of us to look at".

Jen replied "of course not, you can use my wifi too if you want.  You can just send them to the email address I emailed you from on Thursday."

Christy said "great, give me just a few seconds".  She pulled her phone out, connected to Jen's wifi, typed a quick message, attached the pictures and hit send.  A few moments later Jen's computer dinged at her, indicating a new email had popped into her inbox.  Jen slid her computer over in front of her and opened the email.  Christy stood up and scooted her chair over beside Jen so she could see the screen.  Seeing this, Mel followed her lead and scooted over too; leaving all three ladies sitting shoulder to shoulder looking at Jen's computer screen.

Christy continued "Jen, please click on that first pic and we can just go through them one by one.  I tried to attach them in the right order, but if I got one out of order I apologize in advance.  So, this first one is of my mouth before I started treatment.  You can see that I had a narrow smile; you can only see my front 6 top teeth.  And if you notice, I also had a mild crossbite, meaning my upper arch was not lined up correctly with my lower, and a bit of a class three bite, or an underbite.  You have seen my current expander in person today, but this next one is the original 4 screw MSE that did not split my suture."  Jen, clicked on it, and saw an expander that looked almost identical to her own.  Christy continued "so, as I told you earlier, my first expander did not work.  I guess I am hard headed, because it just didn't have enough force to split my main palatal suture.  The next picture is after I had it removed, you can see my traumatized palate".  The picture showed a palate with four angry looking screw holes, blood seeping from one of them. 

Mel piped in "so, I am completely expecting my installation to hurt a lot.  But how bad does the removal hurt?"

Christy answered "well, I would NOT do it for fun.  But it really isn't that bad.  And any discomfort is far outweighed by the relief of getting the expander and screws out of your mouth.  It is heavenly.  But, for me, it only lasted about 2 weeks while the lab made my new tandem expander.  And getting the expander actually installed doesn't hurt much as long as we do our job with anesthesia.  It is a strange experience, with a lot of pressure.  But the actual installation doesn't hurt until the days to follow. Here, in the next picture, you can see my first tandem expander after it was installed.  You can see the two jack screws and eight screws.  That was an experience.  It had twice the screws as my original, so it was twice as fun to get installed.  And yes that is sarcasm.  You can notice that the two jack screws are fully closed."

As Jen clicked on the next picture she said "if I am going to fast or two slow with the pics, let me know." 

Christy said "no, you are doing great.  Now this next picture is when my first tandem expander was fully expanded.  I still did not have the amount of expansion that Dr Cooper wanted.  So I got scanned for another one.  I kept that one about two more weeks until the lab had my new one ready.  From this next picture, despite not being where Dr. Cooper wanted, you can see I still had a giant diastema between my two front teeth.  You two will both likely get one too.  It bothers some patients, but I actually think they are kind of cute. So, once the lab had my new expander ready, which you can see in the next picture, I had the old expander removed and the new one put in immediately " as Jen clicked on the next picture. "Here she is in all her glory before she went in my mouth.  She is still in my mouth now 2 months later, but she is a lot wider now than when she first found her new home" and Christy leaned her head back and opened wide, again showing the ladies her palate.  "I am just weeks if not days away from being done turning her.  But, I still get to keep her in while the new bone of the sutures fill in. So that will be at least six more months.  I will be honest, I am ready to get it out.  And I hope I'm not scaring you Mel, but you will understand once you get your expander installed." 

Mel replied "well, I am already terrified of it.  What's a little more fright.  But I am going to do it, if for no other reason than I can't back out now since Jen already jumped into the deep end with hers".  Out of the corner of her eye, Christy noticed Jen reach her hand over to Mel's and caress it.

Jen looked Mel in the eyes and said "it will be ok.  And I will be here to take care of you just like you have been here to take care of me."  Hearing this made Christy turn and look at the two ladies, and how they were looking at each.  She cocked her head a little as she scrutinized them.  She wondered to herself "are they 'together'?".

With that thought still somewhere there in her brain Christy continued "So, that is where I am now in my treatment.  You already see the facemask I wear, at least my daytime facemask" as she tapped the forehead pad with her index finger.  "The only thing I haven't really addressed is the Herbst appliance which each of you have.  I do not have one.  I need more maxillary than mandibular protraction.  Nontheless, at night I wear six triangle rubberbands, three on each side.  This effectively wires my jaw shut and ensures my lower jaw moves in conjunction with my upper.  It is not fun; but Dr. Cooper let me choose that route instead of the Herbst. I guess he knew I would be compliant.  Even so, he told me if I didn't wear my rubberbands he would be able to tell and I would have to get the Herbst.  So, I wear my elastics religiously at night.

Mel interjected "do you think Dr. Cooper would let us do that?  I really hate this Herbst appliance."

Christy answered "well, you can ask him.  But I can already tell you his answer will be no.  He has tried it with some other patients.  And I am not saying you girls would not be compliant, but history has shown us some patients aren't.  So, he now uses a Herbst appliance on more severe cases.  It removes patient compliance from the equation."

Jen then turned her head and looked Mel in the eyes and said "I haven't told you this, but Dr. Cooper was not going to use a Herbst on me, but instead use elastics.  I asked him for the Herbst."

A quizzical expression came over Mel's face as she asked "but why?".

Jen answered her lovers question with "I told him it was because I had a friend that I had seen it work well on, and if he thought it would work in my case let's just go that route.   But the truth is I did it for you.  I didn't want you to have to go through it, or any of this, alone." 

Tears welled in Mel's eyes as she turned in her chair and wrapped her arms around Jen in an embrace, laying her reverse pull headgear encumbered face on Jen's shoulder.  Christy thought to herself "yes, there is something going on there".




Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #95 on: 05. November 2022, 02:53:03 AM »
Honest question, am I getting too bogged down in the details?  I have some more major plot points that need to happen, and we might not get there before the asteroid takes us out.  But I like to tell the story in detail, especially when the ladies are talking about their elective treatment.

Offline TrainTrack

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #96 on: 05. November 2022, 05:13:00 AM »
I don’t think you are, but if you think you are, then change it! My stories tend to be more straight to the point, so it is nice to see someone who pays so close attention to details. Writing is about what you think, not what other people think about it. There is no way to please everyone.

Offline Braceface2015

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #97 on: 05. November 2022, 10:11:40 AM »
If you are happy with the way that you write, keep going. Write the stories you want to read for yourself. The rest of us will read what you write. You can't please everyone and shouldn't try to.

Offline bracessd

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #98 on: 07. November 2022, 18:06:10 PM »
I think you're doing a great job, keep it up!

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #99 on: 07. November 2022, 20:36:36 PM »
Chapter 44.

After Mel released Jen from her embrace, she stood up and headed towards their bedroom.  After she had left, Christy looked at Jen and asked "I know this is none of my business, and I don't want to offend you, and you can tell me it is none of my business; but are you and Mel a thing?".

Jen laughed and said "it is funny you ask, me and Mel had a conversation about how to handle this right before you came over.  And no, I am not offended, I don't think.  But yes, me and Mel are a thing.  And it all happened because of my back.  It is funny how things work out sometimes."

Christy replied "Again, it is none of my business.  But the way you two look at each other is beautiful.  I wish me and my husband still looked at each the same way."

Jen answered "this is all new to me; the full spinal brace, the orthodontics, and having a girlfriend." She laughed again.  At that time, Mel emerged from the bedroom door way holding a couple of tissues. 

Mel said "sorry about that" as she sat back down.

Jen grabbed her hand and replied "no need to apologize.  And while you were gone, I told Christy about us."

Mel's face contorted somewhat as she stammered "oh.... and....?"

Christy realized this was a question of sorts and answered "and you two are beautiful together.  The way you look at each other is something most people only wish to have.  And it is so great you have each other to go through this with.  Life is funny sometimes, but it seems like it usually has a way of working out.  What is that saying about being darkest before the dawn?  Anyway, I think you two are adorable.  And as I told Jen, I wish my husband Matt still looked at me the way you two look at each other.  And having said my peace, hopefully without offending either of you, I will continue talking orthodontics." 

Jen spoke for the both of them when she said "no, you didn't offend us.  And thank you for being understanding, I think this is something me and Mel will have to address more in the future.  But again, thank you."

Christy replied "good, so we are still friends" as she gave both Mel and Jen a big metallic smile through the bar of her facemask. "I guess next I will go through briefly the cases of the other gals in the office.  I will start with Allison, since she has the most complicated case.  But first, I need to email you some more pictures."

It took about 30 more minutes to go through the three additional cases.  Once she was done she said "And so, I think that is a good example of how theoretically the approach to airway cases is the same, but there are details that vary by each individual case.  Do either of you have any questions about anything."

Jen replied first "that was SO much metal in Allison's mouth; what with the expander, tongue crib, tongue spurs on the bottom, herbst appliance and wired in facemask.  How does she really manage?".

Christy responded "she manages fairly well.  It is no walk in the park for sure, and her speech has really been difficult for her since she got the tongue crib and spurs.  But she seems to handle it with a smile and a laugh.  I mean, I guess at times all you can do is laugh about things.  And like I mentioned earlier, she is married to her orthodontist.  Rob, excuse me Dr. Cooper, is not trying to make an example of her or anything, but he does want her to have an exemplary outcome.  Please don't repeat this, but if Dr. Cooper has a shortcoming, it is that sometimes he focuses 100% on the outcome of treatment, and not patients' emotional feelings during treatment. But you can't argue with his results.  And even he knows he can't really make an adult patient do something; all he can do is try to persuade them to do it.  But there is a little different dynamic with him and Allison than the normal doctor/patient relationship."

Mel then chimed in "I guess that is right.  But at least she seems upbeat about it all.  What about Josie?  You mentioned she was really struggling with the facemask.  I mean, even with it, she is still gorgeous.  But it has to be hard.  And how much more does that Grummon mask hurt versus what we are wearing?  I have worn my facemask to work the last few days, and I talk a good bit to patients, so it definitely does bounce up and down on my face a good bit.  Would the Grummon be a better alternative?"

Christy answered "well, why don't you try it?  I will even use the springs like Josie and Allison have so you can get the full experience.  I will simply hook them on the hooks in your mouth and then on the posts of the facemask.  You can see what it feels like.  The only difference will then be that I won't crimp the hooks closed like Dr. Cooper would for 24 hour wear."

Mel took off her Delaire mask, and Christy got up and stood over Mel.  After sizing it and adjusting the mask to fit Mel's face, she attached the springs to the hooks in Mel's mouth, and then holding the facemask attached the springs to the mask.  Christy looked down and said "so, you notice that you don't have a strap holding the mask on your face like your Delaire.  Using springs is a little more secure than elastics, so Dr. Cooper doesn't require patients to wear a strap during day time wear.  There is a velcro strap very similar to the one of your current masks though that he asks patients to wear at night while sleeping.  With the springs, the mask can't come off, but it can get knocked sideways.  The strap prevents that."  Christy held a mirror up in front of Mel and said "so, what do you think?" 

Mel moved her jaw up and down, noticing that it was nice not to have a chincup to deal with and said "well, I mean I can't say that I love it" and laughed "but it definitely makes it easier to talk.  Would you mind if I wore it until you leave just to see what it feels like?"

As Christy moved back to her seat she replied "even better than that, I will leave that one with you.  Why don't you try to wear it through until tomorrow?  That will give you a better idea of what it is really like.  And that reminds me, I need to shoot Josie a text and check on her.  She had her first zumba class today wearing her headgear and was super nervous.  I talked with her on the ride over and told her she would do great.  But I do want to check on her and let her know I am thinking about her.  Give me just a second please" as she picked her phone up off the table.  After some furious typing, she hit send.  Then she smiled as she had an epiphany. She looked up at Mel and Jen and asked "would it be ok if I took a selfie of the three of us wearing our facemasks?  I would like to send it to Josie".

Jen and Mel answered in unison "of course".  After taking a selfie showing all three lovely ladies smiling widely behind their three different styles of facemasks, Christy sent it along with a message.

C:  Josie, I know you killed it today.  Just because that is what you do.  But look at what I am doing right now! I am with two of our patients Mel and Jen.  And look we are all also wearing our masks.  Know we are thinking about you.  XOXO.

A few moments later a reply popped up.

J:  THANK YOU SO MUCH!  And it went ok.  I definitely felt mortified at first, and I got lots of looks and a few questions.  But once I started the class everything seemed to go pretty much normal.  I am headed home now. Now I am terrified of what everyone's reaction will be at church tomorrow, but I will cross that bridge tomorrow.  Again, thank you so much again.  And tell them thanks for the moral support as well.

Christy held her phone up so Mel and Jen could see the response and said "Josie lived, and she said thanks.  Speaking of which, this upcoming week is Josie's birthday.  And with everything going on Diane and I are going to throw her a birthday week party all week.  All of the girls from the office including Allison are taking Josie out for lunch on Monday.  Would you come?  The more the merrier, and you could meet Josie and Allison."

Offline TrainTrack

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #100 on: 07. November 2022, 23:18:57 PM »
I really like the stories of the three women, and I can’t wait to see what it is like meeting Allison and Josie!

Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #101 on: 09. November 2022, 00:23:03 AM »
Chapter 45.

Jen responded "sure, that sounds fun.  I am in.  And I am pretty flexible too.  When and where are you thinking?" 

Christy answered "we do lunch from noon to 1, so someplace close to the office and quick.  We will probably take a vote on Monday, but there are a couple of places we usually go if we go out for lunch.  There is a good little deli and a decent Mexican restaurant nearby.  It will probably be one of those.  Could I just text you where to meet?"

Jen replied "sure, that works.  The way my poor mouth still feels, I might be eating soup regardless of where we go. What about you babe?  You in?"

Mel thought a minute and answered "sure, we do lunch from noon to 1 as well, but I might have to leave a little early depending on how far a drive it is."

Jen looked at her and said "tell you what, I will leave the office a little early and pick you up at the door right at noon, and then drop you off right at 1 to save you some time.  I am pretty free to come and go as I please, but I know you have patients to see and appointments to keep.  Does that work?"

Mel reached over and grabbed Jen's hand and said "you are so sweet, and so thoughtful. Of course that works for me.  And speaking of an achy mouth, what if I pour us both a glass of wine.  It is after all the weekend and you went to the trouble to get them out of the rack.  Christy, would you like a glass?"

As Mel began to pour, Christy responded "I would love to, but I will have to take a raincheck. My husband Matt is actually taking me out on a date tonight.  I don't want him to think I was out getting drunk with the girls all afternoon.  Plus, I don't need to start this early, I am sure we will have a few drinks out ourselves.  And then later, well, you know" as she smiled at the girls and raised her eyebrows. "Let me get all my junk packed back up, I know I have taken enough of your time.  And again, thank you for the invite and letting me blab away most of the afternoon talking about orthodontics.  I enjoyed it.  And I mean that about taking a rain check.  Maybe me and Matt and you two could go have dinner or something one of these days.  I would like that."

Jen looked at Christy and said "Sure, we would love a rain check, that sounds fun.  And no, it is us who need to thank you.  I really appreciate it.  It gives me a little hope about this all getting easier.  I do have one favor for you in regards to the blog.  I love that you think this could help other patients and I am all for you sending it out to others.  But if you have the time at all, I would like you to help me with it.  I am a rookie at all this, but I am sure I can set you up as an admin too.  Could you maybe go in and fix anything I got wrong and add some of the stuff we talked about today?  Things I wasn't even aware of. "

Christy answered "of course, I would love to.  It will still be your baby, but I would love to help.  Just shoot me over a link and instructions when you have a chance.  I will get on it as soon as I get that.  Also, would you mind if I posted that selfie of the three of us in our facemasks? To a dental nerd like me, it was actually cute. The protraction headgear is the biggest issue for many patients.  Compliance is not what it should be for many, many patients.  Maybe if some of those patients know and see there are other people going through the process it will make it easier on them.  Speaking of which, and maybe to prove a point to myself, I am going to wear my facemask on the drive home.  I mean, I have always locked myself away in the privacy of my house when wearing it.  But starting Monday, I am going to have to get used to wearing it in front of lots of people really fast.  Might as well start now. Also, you mentioned your mouth hurting.  It will get better.  But did you notice something this afternoon?  Your lisp is pretty much gone.  That is about the right time frame, you are almost through day 4, and most patients are back to talking mostly normal by day 5.  That is if you have that little bitty 4 screw expander like you have instead of a huge mutant tarantula in your mouth like I do" and laughed.  "It took a little longer for me, but even I was back to talking mostly normal in 10 days."

Jen cut her eyes as she looked at Christy and said "little bitty huh?  It has felt like a bear trap was nailed into my mouth with railroad spikes.  But you are right, it does feel better.  And wow, I am talking clearer.  Wow!  And I hope you know I am just being a little sarcastic" as she gave Christy a bright shiny smile.

By now, Christy had finished packing up and stood.  She looked at Jen and told her "really, you are doing great.  And it will get even easier.  In another week, the expander will be a piece of cake.  The headgear will always be an albatross of sorts, but you will even get a little bit more used to it.  Now, wish ME luck as I navigate outside wearing mine for the first time.  I definitely have some butterflies."

Mel stood and told Christy "I understand completely.  I felt that same thing on Thursday as I made a break for my car wearing mine hoping no one would see me.  But you know what, once I was safely in my car, I realized the only person I really cared about what they thought was this one here" as she walked behind Jen and laid her arms over shoulders linking her hands over Jen's breasts. "And you know what, once I realized that, it made it a lot easier.  And I bet it is the same with you and your husband.  I am sure he has seen you in it, and I am sure he is ok with it.  I mean, he is taking you out on a date tonight so it doesn't look like a stupid plastic and metal mask messed that up.  So, who cares what a random stranger thinks?"




Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #102 on: 09. November 2022, 21:13:02 PM »
Chapter 46.

It was slightly before noon on Monday when Jen pulled up in front of the Scoliclinic.  She pulled into a spot where she could see the front entrance and sent Mel a text letting her know she was out front.  A few minutes later she saw Mel come out the front door, so Jen pulled her car over by curb.  She noticed that unlike last week when she had met Mel here for their picnic, Mel had not removed her facemask before heading out the door today.  Instead she was still wearing it as she opened the door, put her purse on the floorboard, and hopped into the passenger seat. 

She looked over at Jen and said "hey babe, thanks for the ride" and gave Jen a big metallic smile. 

Jen replied "aww, look at who is being all cute today.  Come here.." as she leaned over and gave Mel a hug across the console.  As she pulled out into the parking lot she continued "I would have loved to have kissed you too, but I guess that will have to wait till later.  Are you going to wear your facemask to lunch?  And how has that new Grummons mask felt today?  I know your cheeks were hurting yesterday."

Mel looked over and said "it is ok, I am getting used to it.  It is definitely a lot easier talking with patients with this on versus that other one. And yeah, I figure what the heck, I might as well.  We are going to lunch for Josie afterall, and maybe if I wear my facemask it will make her feel better about her whole situation."

Jen responded "shoot, I didn't even think about that.  I don't know if I am brave enough to wear mine out in public, but I should have at least brought it with me so I could think about it.  Instead, it is still sitting on the counter in the bathroom."

Mel replied "if you are serious about it, I can help you out.  I brought my Delaire with me to work today in case this one got too painful.  I have it in my purse.  And I know it fits you well enough.  I still remember that first night we spent together.  I remember putting it on you, even though you didn't have braces to hook the elastics to, and it fit you ok.  And I also remember you putting it on me, and the jolt I felt when you brushed your finger against my cheek.  And I also remember falling asleep in your arms wearing it, not even realizing at that moment that I was right in the midst of falling for you" and ran her hand up and down Jen's shoulder.  Jen looked over at Mel with love in her eyes and Mel snapped "eyes on the road young lady! I don't want anything to happen to my momma's only baby girl.". 

This drew a laugh from Jen as she turned her eyes back to the road and spoke "aww, you are just soo sweet.  I would like to wear it into lunch.  For Josie.  And you.  I just don't know if I am brave enough to do it."

Mel answered "sure you are.  And I will be right beside you.  And know that if anyone does look at you, it is only because you are the most gorgeous woman in the world."

Parked in front of "Deli Delish", Mel pulled her Delaire facemask out of her purse and handed it and a pack of rubberbands over to Jen.  Jen hooked an elastic on the hooks in each corner of her mouth and then connected them to the corresponding posts on the facemask's horizontal bar.  Mel looked at Jen and said "you look absolutely gorgeous.  And I will adjust the strap for you" as she reached over and behind Jen's head.  After a few moments of tinkering with it to get the length right, she snapped it shut around Jen's head.  She looked over and said "Ready?"

For a long moment Jen just sat there frozen, not moving or speaking and staring out the front windshield with a thousand yard stare.  About the time Mel was going to say something else, Jen exhaled deeply and said "Yeah, I guess" and opened the driver door.

After both had exited the car and Jen had locked it with the key fob, Mel took Jen's hand as they made the short walk across the parking lot towards the deli. In Jen's mind, all she could think about is what a strange site they must make; two pretty 40ish year old women walking hand in hand, and both wearing orthodontic facemasks.  Her thoughts were broken when Mel squeezed her hand and said "you really are the sexiest woman in the whole world, I hope you know that". 

Jen answered "thanks babe, you aren't too bad yourself.  And here, let me get the door for you". She knew Christy and the gang were already there and had a table somewhere near the back corner per the text message Christy had sent on their ride over.  As she entered the deli, she looked to find them.  And if she had thought that the sight of her and Mel walking across the parking lot wearing reverse pull headgear might have been strange, it was no match for what she saw in front of her.  There, in the back corner at a large table, was Christy waving at her and saying loudly "hey! back here".  Seated around her were Allison, Josie, Diane and Sandra.  No, it was not an unusual sight to see 5 ladies sitting around a table for a quick work lunch.  What was very unusual however is that 4 of the 5 of them were wearing reverse pull headgear themselves.







Offline mr_90proof

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #103 on: 10. November 2022, 21:02:08 PM »
Chapter 47.

Jen and Mel made their way over to the table.  Christy stood and said "Perfect timing; we haven't ordered our food yet.  I did go ahead and order you each a water and saved you each a seat.  But before you sit, let me introduce you to a couple of people.  First, Mel I think you two may have already met, but Jen I want to introduce you to the birthday girl herself.  Jen, this is Josie, Josie this is Jen."

Jen stuck her hand out and said "it is such a pleasure to meet you in person Josie.  We heard a lot about you on Saturday in case you wondered why your ears where burning.  And don't worry, it was all good."  As she was talking she had unzipped her purse.  She continued "Mel and I didn't know what size you are, so we spent a lot of time making sure we got you something that fit" as she handed Josie an envelope.

Josie took the envelope and replied "It is nice to meet you too.  I am sorry I missed you on Wednesday.  I think Christy told you I was having some issue with this" as she pointed to her facemask.  "And thank you so much for the gift, you really didn't have to.  But thank you.  And thank you for wearing your headgear in here.  Actually thank all of you. At least I don't feel like I am the only one everyone else in here is staring at."

Mel answered "Josie, if anyone is staring it is just because they are blown away by a table full of such beautiful ladies."

Christy replied "She is right you know.  And speaking of beautiful, let me also introduce you two to Allison.  Mel and Jen, meet Allison.  Allison, meet Mel and Jen."  As Mel and Jen shook hands with Allison, Jen realized that Christy wasn't kidding when she said Allison was beautiful.  Tall and striking, Jen thought she could be a model.  Well, if not for the orthodontic facemask she was currently wearing.

As they shook Allison said "It ish show niesh to mee you two ladesh.  And kudo'sh for wearing your faschmashks in public.  By the way Jen, how ah your treatmentsh going?  I heard ya justch got your bracshes lasht week, I hope Rob ish taking goo care of you."  As she spoke, Jen couldn't help but notice her mouth, and the large tongue crib that hung down so low behind her front teeth.  It was so visible when she spoke, even if her mouth was obscured behind the bar and elastics from her facemask.  She wondered how she could speak at all with that much in her mouth.

Jen answered "well, it has been an adjustment for sure, but I have had a lot of people to help me so far.  Mel has been a lifesaver, and both Christy and Diane have helped me out bunches too.  But so far, so good I think."

After the ladies took their seats, Christy looked at Josie and said "well, are you going to open it?" gesturing to the envelope. 

Josie opened the envelope and pulled out the Happy Birthday card.  As she opened it, a gift card slipped out and onto the table.  First Josie read the card and she then picked up the $100 gift card and looked at it.  Her face beamed as she looked at Jen and Mel and exclaimed "Thank you! But it is too much.  But it fits perfectly!".  This brought a laugh from those at the table.

Jen replied "I am glad you like it.  And it is not too much; it makes me that happy that you like it."

Christy handed menus over to Mel and Jen and said "I don't know if you two have been here before, but everything is good.  I really like the chicken salad wraps, and their strawberry and pecan salad is wonderful, though you will have to ask them to hold the pecans, ya know, because of our braces."  As Christy had been talking, Jen had been examining her face.  As soon as she had entered the deli, she had noticed that all four women were wearing Grummons face masks.  But after sitting down across from Christy, she had noticed that instead of elastics coming from the corners of Christy's mouth, she now sported springs.  She had noticed the same on Diane.

Jen looked at Christy and fished for an answer.  "So... I feel a little out of place wearing this clunky Delaire facemask instead of that sleek mask all of you are wearing."

Christy laughed and said "I wondered how long it would take you to notice and say something.  But yes, I am now wearing a facemask like Allison and Josie.  And like them I am now wearing it full time.  Yesterday, I did a lot of thinking about some of what we talked about.  And about what I had been telling Josie all last week.  So yesterday, after talking with Matt and making sure he wouldn't disown me, I decided I needed to walk the walk too, instead of just talking the talk.  So this morning, I asked Dr. Cooper to install my springs.  He was more than willing of course."

Josie looked at Christy and said "really, you didn't have to do it.  You were doing a good job wearing your facemask.  I am the one that was having trouble. I am sorry, please don't blame me for..."

Christy cut her off and said "no sweetie, there is nothing to apologize for.  I did not have to do it, but I needed to do it.  I needed to do it for you.  But I also needed to do it for me.  Now, tonight when my cheeks are on fire I might answer differently.  But even then I won't blame you" and laughed.

Diane interjected "well, you might not blame her, but I might" and laughed herself.  Sitting between Josie and Christy she put her arm around each of their shoulders and continued "but when Christy surprised me with what she did this morning, I knew I couldn't let my girls go through it alone" and hugged them tight to her.  "So here we all are, wearing our facemasks full time.  We are all in this together now I guess.  Well, all except one of us" as she locked eyes with Sandra.

Sandra lowered her head to break eye contact with Diane and spoke for the first time since Mel and Jen had arrived.  She answered "I know, I know.  If I start treatment will all of you cut me a little slack?"

Diane answered for them "I don't know if we would cut you any slack, but we would become your biggest cheerleaders."

Sandra sat in silence as all eyes at the table looked at her.  After a long and uncomfortable amount of silence she defeatedly slumped her shoulders and said "ok, I will tell Dr. Cooper I am ready to start."

Christy gave an excited "Yay!" as Diane got up and made her way around the table.  She hugged Sandra as she whispered "I promise, we will take good care of you."   

Offline blueblur1997

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Re: Jennifer
« Reply #104 on: 10. November 2022, 23:22:47 PM »
Nothing like a little peer pressure to get the last holdout to join. Love it.