Happy New Year!

Normally most people take the new year holiday to reflect on the past year.  I usually follow suit, but thanks to Facebook memories, now I am thinking about 10 years ago!  This picture with a friend from the UK was 10 years ago when he was visiting.  I was 22 and hadn't seen a dentist in probably a decade, so this was even pre basic dental work.

This picture reminds me just how much has changed.  I've definitely aged.  Shift work has not helped me with that at all!  And my teeth have changed so much too.  Despite how whacked out my results are from the first jaw surgery, just the ortho alone plus a few of the changes from upper jaw impaction, has overall made my smile a little better.  Still a TON of issues, especially in the functional areas, but in general it's better on the eyes.  Here is a more recent photo to compare-- taken a little over a year post op just before I got my upper braces back on to start the revision surgery process. 

What a difference 10 years makes!  Since then I've had SO much work done.  The biggest changes probably from the gingivectomy, bonding my front teeth, braces, and the first jaw surgery.  Even though my results aren't right and I am getting everything redone, some changes have at least inched me closer to a better cosmetic improvement.  Can't wait to get the functional improvement with it...as well as even more cosmetic improvement....hopefully.  So, there is a lot to look forward to in 2016.  Hopefully I can finally put this teeth and jaw mess behind me.  Hopefully down the road when facebook reminds me that my more recent picture was 10 years ago, I'll be able to look back on that one and compare it with an even better picture. 

So, happy new year all!  Good luck to anybody with an upcoming 2016 surgery date!