My refinement trays are here!

Finally my refinement trays are here! The dentist has given me 6 sets for both upper and lower and he has kept a couple of more for my lower teeth til the next visit.

After removing all the attachments in the previous appointment, the dentist put another two attachments on my upper teeth. Unfortunately when I took out the upper tray for the first time (or probably the 2nd time), one of the attachments came out with the tray! Called up the dentist and was told not to worry but had to book a separate appointment in a few weeks time.

Comparing my last standard trays and the 6th refinement trays, to be honest, there isn't much visible teeth movement. Can you guess which ones are 'before' and which ones are 'after'? However, 1st set of refinement trays were pretty tight for the first hour, so I am assured that they are doing their magic. :)

The refinement trays appear to be shorter than the standard trays, i.e. the trays don't go up to my back teeth as much as my previous trays. And after closely scrutinising the trays for hours (literally!), I am actually starting to think the lower teeth on the old trays appear to be straighter! Is that POSSIBLE? Then I kept on bugging my husband for his opinion and he turned around said- didn't the dentist show me a clincheck?! What a good point- coz the dentist didn't! And the very next day I emailed the clinic and they confirmed that they did indeed have another clincheck to show me. Have asked them to email it through so I can share with all of you, so watch the space.

AND... here it is, my refinement clincheck:

Anyway, clincheck aside, after pondering for a good explanation of my new refinement trays looking less perfect than the old trays, I realised that the reason was actually quite simple... the new trays fit perfectly whereas the old trays have tiny gaps between the edges of my teeth and the trays themselves!

Last standard trays (L22):

New refinement trays (L01):

Oh I only need to wear the first set for 2 weeks and the rest of 5 sets for just 1 week per set! The dentist told me because the adjustments were very, very minor so that the 5 remaining sets only require 1 week.

Belated wishes, but hope everyone had a great xmas and new year celebration! Although I am not completely brace-free in 2010, it's getting there!