The next job was to close up the gaps left by the removal of two pre-molars in the lower jaw and the two gaps left by childhood orthodontic work by 'the school dentist' back in the 1960s. (No retainers in those days, so much of the work carried out then reversed itself over the years.)
Until now, it hadn't been explained to me what the little bits sticking out the top of the last brackets (out of the bottom on the lower jaw) were for. Now I found out: The front teeth were held together as a unit, with wires twisted in figures of eight across the bracket, then pieces of elastic 'chain' were strapped to the back bracket and stretched until it was hooked over the side bracket. One each side, top and bottom. Quite uncomfortable each time for a few days as the two sets of six front teeth were being pulled backwards.
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