Clinical Notes: P.G., Mother of 3, High point, NC, 39+, 5'4'' 190 lbs:  Goal 125 pounds, Moderately active, Willing to dedicate 3 months to OJW for weight loss.  Weight loss if patient perseveres with discipline: 22 pounds. Email address: PamG810

March 28, 2002:
  
    Examination of teeth, gums, all soft tissues, extent of movement of jaws, and TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular joints) reveals that PG is in good health. Her medical dental history is unremarkable and the informed consent for jaw wiring has been signed and dated. No radiographs were warranted. She came with her husband "Mike", older daughter Melissa, and Dylan and Michael Jr. They were provide a review of the entire procedure and dangers an precautions. Begg brackets were bonded on upper teeth 4,5,6 and 11, 12, 13 and lower teeth 29,28,27 and 22,21, and 20. (the canines and first and second premolars). All of the teeth to which brackets were bonded had normal enamel with no fillings or crowns except 29, a crown and 22-20 which was a bridge. The brackets were "double bonded", in that a second layer of adhesive was place on the flanges of the bracket.  Mike  watched (and was taught) the method of bonding the braces on to the teeth. Melissa was shown the wiring method and practiced it on  Brian a staff member using the intraoral wiring training device under Dr. Ted's supervision with precautionary advisements. PG was asked to put her teeth gently together and the wiring was done with "deadsoft" .016 inch diameter stainless steel round wire.  Her daughter and Mike observed the placement and procedure of rebonding brackets and rewiring the jaws in the event that  a dentist/orthodontist is not available to do the work. They were shown how to use the wire cutter I gave them and  to snip the wire to allow the jaws to be freed when she was rewired, she said her jaws were very comfortable and that the jaw wires permitted her a slight bit of jaw movement. She was given instructions and practice regarding how and when to remove the wire. She was given instructions on how to exercise her jaws  during the 3-5 days she would be released from the wires and advised re the possibility of the joint becoming more limited in motion over time (two fingers of opening rather than 3 fingers).  Ps. PG was counseled to adhere to a 1400 calorie  low/no salt liquid diet.  She was advised to always carry her wire-cutter with her. Lacking a wire cutter a simple fork could accomplish the emergency removal of the wire. She had spoken to her local dentist and orthodontist to enlist their aid if needed It was hoped that local dentist/orthodontist would be enlisted to replace brackets/clean teeth and rewire or replace brackets as needed. As a precaution they were provided with a kit of instruments for the replacement of detached brackets and to rewire.  PG was  comfortable and happy.

April 2
    Thank you for such a nice visit to your office, you and your staff are all such kind, caring and professional people. My family and I had a great time with you all.
I have been doing very well on day #4 of my OJW procedure. I have lost 7 pounds!!!! I haven't been sore, and I have sneezed, coughed, and yawned, and although it is different with your jaw wired, it is not painful. I have been drinking slim fast since I left your office, and while vacationing in New York, but now that I am home I plan to add some variety to my diet with soups and low fat fruit smoothies. Of course, I am counting calories and staying in the 1300 range. Upon arriving home, I have had to answer the phone some, most people just ask if I have a cold or allergies, and I can live with that....as long as the pounds keep coming off! I will touch base again soon, and again thank you for providing the OJW, it has been the discipline I needed to get on track to a slimmer, healthier body. PG