When I saw the orthodontist, he said to me, "I hate seeing you with that gap." I think he's as eager as I am to get it closed! It is now at 7.14 mm and has closed 4 mm overall in the past six weeks. The braces go on Monday so hopefully that'll mean that the gap will start closing even more quickly. I have a wedding to go to on the 11th and it would be nice for that gap to be gonzo by then. :)
I found out that while braces go on Monday, I am coming back on Tuesday to get the TPA (trans palatal arch) to replace the expander. Apparently they have to measure it with the braces on before they can have it made.
Below are some pics. My smile today and the progression over the past six weeks. A lot of progress!