I found this photo of my pre-treatment self on a friend's Facebook page. This is why I am putting myself through the treatment - I don't know how I could have left my teeth looking like this for so long.

Just in time for Valentine's Day (I should be so lucky), I have been back to the dentists. My canine had moved quite a lot, but the ortho was a bit concerned that the power chain had not been working to its full extent - the pain and pulling sensation from last session only lasted for a day or so.

She went for a different approach this time. She applied another power chain, and then - all praise the Flying Spaghetti Monster - she ...

... drum roll ...

REMOVED THE TPA!

Yes - the inside of my mouth is mine all mine again!! I wasn't expecting this, but after just over a year of having that bar in my mouth, I can move my tongue freely again. The bands are still in place around my teeth, but I have already forgotten the Scold's Bridle.

I have another Z-string around some of my front teeth, to close up the gaps, and this time the ortho has applied an elastic on my left side. She says I have to fit a new one every morning and evening, and advised me to remove it before eating and to clean my teeth before re-fitting it.

I have just had the first go at fitting it, after having supper. I really hope this gets easier, because the thing was pinging all over the place. I am thinking of buying a crochet hook tomorrow, to make this task easier. Seriously.

Never mind, though - the TPA has gone!