Day 78: Three Month Check-up

Today's pic:

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I traveled to UNC hospital two days ago (on Tuesday) for my three month check-up.  Dr. Turvey and Dr. Brookes were very excited about my progress.  I still have a ways to go with movement and numbness, but they don't see any reason why I won't have a full recovery as long as I continue with my exercises and physical therapy.  At this point, I am able to get 10 sticks in my mouth between my molars.  I am to continue until I can comfortably get 14 sticks in.  I also need to continue massaging my cheeks and around my mouth, nose, chin, and incisions.  Retraining my facial muscles is a big deal now if I want to gain back symmetrical movements on both sides of my face (as of now my smile is a bit lop-sided and I can only scrunch one side of my nose).  To do this I need to sit in front of a mirror while making exaggerated expressions and forcing my facial muscles to react the same on boths sides of my face.

As far as food goes, I have worked my way up to pretty much anything I can cut into pieces and fit into my mouth, as long as it's not too hard or chewy.  Steak and sandwiches are still off the table, but pastas, tender meats, and even pizza are options for me now.  It's nice to not have such limited options.  My jaw still gets fatigued at times, but that means I am getting stronger!

Next appointment with my surgeons is scheduled for the 12 month mark!  That will also be the day Mom and I eat BLTs at Merritt's Store and Grill.  We made a promise during my last appointment pre-surgery to eat BLTs for my one year post-surgery celebration!  P.S. If you haven't eaten a BLTs at this place before... It's worth the drive, so make it happen!

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Today was my second appointment post-surgery with my orthodontist.  Dr. Vanderwall is also extremely pleased with my recovery thus far.  I asked him today when he thinks I will be able to get my braces off, I prefaced by saying that I am by no means trying to rush perfection.  He is hopeful that I will be braces free in March 2014!

On last thing to mention... I no longer have to wear rubberbands all day every day (including at night).  I now only need to wear rubberbands at night.  And my rubberbands were changed from a square on my farthest back molars to a triangle around my eye teeth.

Before:

After: