I joined this group in Jan of 2001, seven months before I got braces
for the second time. I had been in a serious accident and some of my
injuries included a head and jaw injury, along with incomplete spinal
fractures at C6 and L1. My dentist decideded that the best way to
deal with my chronic jaw pain would be to avoid surgery and try
orthodontics.

I agreed to see an orthodontist because it seemed like a good way to
regain the nice smile I had after my first round of braces were
removed in 1963. After a couple of false starts I found myself in
braces again at 52.

After almost three years in braces I was finally in retainers and
ready to start the next phase of my mouth reconstruction. Health and
insurance issues delayed the next phase of my treatment and
eventually my TMJ pain returned with a vengeance.

Now 58, I left my orthodontist' s office last week in full braces
again in preparation for jaw surgery. So, here I am again trying to
get used to braces again and an active member of this group after
spending the last couple of years lurking in the background.

Most of you have probably never heard of me but I posted most of the
pictures in the photo and files department under the name of
steel4jak or steel4jakk. My photo album is called Jax New Pix.
The last photo was placed shortly after I got my Hawleys and had some
cosmetic work done.

Here I am again...

Jack