Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Correction, Some Added Info, and Current Status

I got word a couple weeks ago that DNA does not stand for Do Not Adjust. I have investigated this by having a chance to glance at Dr Singh's and Dr. Krumholtz's  book "Epigenetic Orthodontics In Adults" and have confirmed that DNA is supposed to mean "Daytime-Nighttime Appliance". I have added an appropriate correction to earlier posts. I apologize for any confusion. I was reporting the information I got at the time. For whatever reason, that information was not correct.

I would like to add that in my brief look at Epigenetic Orthodontics In Adults I got the impression that a number of different kinds of appliances might be utilized in patients receiving E.O. treatment. While the DNA appliance might be commonly used, it is not necessarily used in every case. Or, a patient may have a DNA appliance and a different type of appliance as well. For instance one for the uppers, another for the lowers. Had I understood this at the outset I might have titled the blog differently, but I don't think it's an important enough distinction to justify changing the name of the blog now.

My current status is that both my upper and lower appliances are still "in the shop", which is to say, the lab. You may recall from previous posts that my upper was sent off for modifications, then I lost my lower and a so new one is being made. I hope to get them back soon. The dentist made a clear retainer for me for my uppers, so that should prevent any regression while I wait for the upper appliance. However, none was made for my lowers. I can detect a little regression there. Hopefully it won't be too significant, but obviously it will extend the treatment longer than it would have been had I not lost the appliance.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Don't Do As I Did, Do As I Say

 I will pay a high price for losing my lower DNA appliance, just as the dentist warned. It's going to cost me $750. Hopefully my mistake will a lesson to readers.

The trick is, how to prevent such a mistake? After all, one cannot very well effectively command ones self to never make an error- to never forget anything.

I think the answer is to have a system. (Review my previous blog entry on how I made the mistake if you need to.) How does one remember to never forget? My idea is this: Never go anywhere with your DNA appliance if you do not also have the carrying case with you. That's all there is to the system. Label that carrying case with your name and contact number.  If you ever need to take your appliance out, you will have your case with you and you will put it in that. It's less likely you will leave that behind, but if you do happen to leave it behind, it is obvious to others it is an orthodontic appliance, and you have your contact number on it. I think it's very unlikely to get thrown out. I would think the habit of always having your carrying case (or a spare carrying case) should greatly reduce the incidence of accidental losses like mine.