In a nutshell

It's been almost 6 months since I got my braces off and it's been quite the adjustment. I don't know how average this is, but my teeth and bite didn't feel like "my own" for about 4 months post-debracing. About a month or so ago was when I realized I was finally used to my new teeth, bite and smile, and it felt right. My teeth tried to move back to their original positions pretty vigorously during the first few months. But now, they seem happy in their new place. That bottom tooth that took ages to move is still missing its old home though. That's the only tooth that yells at me when I slip my retainers on at night.

As for my retainers, next month I am allowed to drop down to 6 nights a week as opposed to 7. But I won't. I plan to wear them every night, without fail, for as long as possible.

Even after my alveoplasty, despite my surgeon taking off tons of bone, my face is still crooked. But I do not care. For the first time in a very long time, I accept how I look. Sometimes I even like how I look. The low self-esteem and self-depreciation is still there, but it has improved a lot. I'm still completely infatuated with my chin. Yes, it's MY chin now. I barely remember being without it, and when I see old pics of myself, it startles me a little. I don't think about it much, but I still sneak peeks at my profile once in a while.

As for jaw pain, it's practically non-existent. I still get the pops and cracks sometimes when I open my mouth, but I can't even remember the last time I had a joint flare-up. Maybe they are healing themselves. My bite feels great and there's no more straining or posturing going on.

Now that's it's all behind me, I can still honestly say it was all incredibly worth it. Life has gone on. I'm used to the new me, so much that I no longer feel new. Just normal. Which is what I've always wanted.

Thanks to everyone, my friends, family, other bloggers, for reading and commenting and showing your support. For people who are researching orthognathic surgery and come across this blog, I hope it helps. Feel free to contact me anytime.