Months flew by in a flurry of cleanings, adjustments, and check-ups. Each visit to Dr Santos' clinic brought Aiza a step closer to her goal – a straight, confident smile. The initial discomfort of the braces faded, replaced by a comfortable routine of brushing, and flossing around the brackets.
One afternoon, during a routine adjustment, Dr. Santos pointed to a dental x-ray on the screen. "Looks like we have some uninvited guests on the horizon," he said with a chuckle.
Aiza's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Dr. Santos tapped the x-ray, revealing two shadowy shapes lurking beneath the gum line in her lower jaw. "Your wisdom teeth. They're starting to erupt, and it looks like they might be coming in at an angle."
Aiza's stomach lurched. Wisdom teeth. She had heard horror stories about painful extractions and weeks of recovery. "What does that mean?" she asked, her voice small.
"It means they could cause overcrowding and potentially damage your other teeth," Dr. Santos explained. "We'll need to keep an eye on them, and depending on how they develop, we might recommend extraction."
A wave of apprehension washed over Aiza. The idea of another dental procedure on top of her ongoing braces was daunting. But then, Dr. Santos' next words brought a spark of comfort.
"Don't worry, Aiza," he said, his smile reassuring. "If it comes to extraction, you'll be in good hands. We have an amazing oral surgeon on staff, Dr. Smith. He's a wizard with wisdom teeth."
Aiza offered a weak smile, unsure if "wizard" was the most calming term for a dental surgeon. Nonetheless, Dr. Santos' confidence instilled a sense of trust. She knew she was in good hands with the team at the clinic.
The months that followed were a balancing act. Aiza juggled the regular maintenance of her braces with the looming possibility of wisdom teeth removal. While the thought of an extraction filled her with dread, the promise of a healthy and complete smile kept her motivated.
Each check-up brought updates on her wisdom teeth. Dr. Santos monitored their growth, and slowly, a plan began to take shape. As the day for her braces removal drew closer, the wisdom teeth situation also reached a turning point.
