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Braces for Alexis

  • Halfway there!

      31 March 2020
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    We are all currently collectively going through some crazy times here on planet Earth and so I have not shared our fundraiser much lately and have stayed mostly quiet.

    However today I can see that thanks to the kindness and generosity and love of all of you wonderful donators we are halfway towards our goal!! ❤️🙏

    This is wonderful and encouraging news. And just a beautiful reminder of the true goodness in people. The true spirit of community and I just cannot express my gratitude enough. My daughter's life is going to be forever changed for the better. I am overwhelmed and overjoyed.

    Bless your hearts 💓

    With love

    CrystalStarr

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  • Canker Ulcers

      15 March 2020

    Hi guys!

    So our latest update is rather an unpleasant one.

    Though only comes out of true commitment on Alexis' part.

    Canker Ulcers. That's right painful little sores that develop wherever the metal touches the gums or cheeks. Because Alexis has been so very disciplined about wearing her Twin Block appliance full time now she is unfortunately developing them.

    To treat these nasty things we recommend 'Frador' a product readily available at chemists throughout NZ. It numbs the area and allows it to begin healing. We apply it right before bed.

    We're also getting in to a thorough cleaning regime with the twin blocks. A scrubbing every day with its own special toothbrush (soft) and dishwashing liquid. And a soak once a week in denture cleaning solution. Also Alexis must brush her teeth before putting the twin block back in after eating so she carries a special kit with her now that has everything she needs in it.

    We also purchased a protective tooth mouse that she applies once a week.

    We are almost halfway to our goal now and I am overwhelmed with the response.

    Thank you to everyone who has donated so far ❤️

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  • Twin Block Life

      13 February 2020

    Happy New Year.

    We are now going in to full time twin block treatment.

    After easing in to the twin block in 2019 (4th December) by having her wear them in the afternoons and overnight, we now have Alexis wearing them 23 hours a day.

    Only taking them out to eat.

    Sleeping has been proving a struggle with her finding the discomfort and plain weirdness of wearing them keeping her up. This has in turn led to several cranky mornings and a lot of nagging (on my part) for Alexis to "put her twin block back in".

    I imagine this will become my mantra for the next 12 months.

    Alexis is going through a lot of changes as she grows too so adding the adjustment to this treatment on top has been tough, I won't lie, but I believe that she's committed to correcting her jaw. Despite the pain and discomfort.

    I made her a kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, denture brush and twin blocks to take to school and so far no one has bullied her too much about it. She speaks with a bit of a lisp when she has them in but that should improve with time too. I keep reminding her that it will all be worth it in the end when she has a functional mouth and jaw.

    We continue the fundraising efforts and appreciate all the donations from kind and generous people like you! 😉 😊

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  • Twin Block appliance

      6 December 2019
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    On the 4th of December 2019, just one day before Alexis' 12th birthday, the twin block appliance was fitted and the journey to Alexis' new mouth begun. Initially she will just wear it at night and as much as she can stand while at home. Not at school, not until 2020. It has so far been very painful and mostly a bit of a nuisance but Alexis is a trooper and committed to this process. So I have no doubts this treatment will be incredibly beneficial. And that she will stick with it. We have a follow up appointment next year. Thank you.

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  • Tooth Impressions Count

      21 November 2019
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    On the 20th of November Alexis had her appointment with the orthodontist to have impressions taken of her teeth. They will then send these away (to America I think) and make her Twin Block appliance based on those impressions. Alexis will wear the Twin Block for a year and visit the orthodontist every 6 weeks or so throughout. This is stage 1 of the treatment. This cost $2,000NZD for the appliance, along with all the appointment costs and trips back and forth it's a total of $3,000NZD to pay.

    Thanks to the support we have received here and funds contributed by close family members we have been able to cover stage 1 of treatment.

    That leaves us with 1 year to fundraise the further $7,000NZD needed for stage 2 of the treatment: braces.

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  • Second opinion update

      21 October 2019

    After our initial visit with the orthodontist we were on the path to Invisalign treatment for Alexis. After your comments and questions we headed to the only other orthodontist in the nearest city to us, New Plymouth for a second opinion. Check out the link below for more info

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  • Invisalign for Alexis

      17 September 2019
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    Today is 17 September 2019 and the Orthodontist has recommended Invisalign treatment for Alexis. At a total cost of $8,995NZD

    This treatment will involve a series of plates being used in Alexis' mouth to correct her very pronounced overbite (17mm) and to be worn 22hrs a day and only taken out for eating and tooth-brushing.

    We need to raise at least $4,000NZD by January 2020 for the deposit to go ahead with the treatment. Initial appointments will cost $300NZD to simply arrange the treatment plan.

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