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Another adjustment. I wasn't expecting an adjustment today since I just saw him two weeks ago. I thought I was going to get a new palatal appliance and that was it, but he did all sorts of new things today. I hope this is not going to put too much stress on my gum... Better not, damn it. I refuse to have another gum surgery, I tell ya.

I have damon brackets now. The latest self-ligating brackets. I've caught up with the newest trend here. Well, just on two teeth though. The lower right and left no. 6. The doc wants to "slide" these teeth forward now (that's the word he used). Apparently he wants to see the lower extraction gaps close first, and then see if I need implants on the upper. In order to help move the lower no. 6 teeth, I have to wear elastics all day (see the rubber bands on the right and left ends in the photo?). They are rather loose, and I don't feel that much pressure. He said they shouldn't be too tight at this point or it would hurt my lower jaw. So I have these little antennas on the upper wire to hook the elastics. Funny looking.

With the palatal appliance back on, I lisp again. Not too bad, but I do.

Cost me another 4725 yen today. When they charged me 3150 yen two weeks ago for "repair," I thought it was supposed to be instead of the usual adjustment cost. So I was happy it was cheaper. But it was just an extra cost. Duh. It is not like I broke the palatal appliance. He ground the pad, and it ended up hurting my palate. I’m a bit surprised that I was charged for it. OH WELL.

Cumulative total: 591,525 yen