u/jalapenocheezits

Started late October 2025 and do 2 week tray changes. This is supposedly my last round of bottom trays, and then I am 16/23 for my top trays.

I am hoping they extend it because I don’t think my gap will be able to close by then?

I also think my teeth in general don’t seem much straighter or better looking.

I know I grinded them a lot previously due to my bite being misaligned I think, so many of my teeth are short. Maybe they’d look better with some composite to lengthen/shape them once all the movement is done? Because I feel like maybe my distaste for my teeth shape is skewing my perception of my progress?

Thoughts? I know it’s hard to tell without the cheek restricted photos for more cite perspectives.

I’ll start by saying I am grateful to have a job where I am awarded a generous amount of 22 vacation days per year, as well as paid holidays/holiday breaks (University Counseling Center).

I usually try to take majority of them in the summer which is client “off season” at a UCC where my case load decreases significantly, however I want to get in the habit of taking some time throughout the rest of the year as well to mitigate burnout.

The trouble is we are fairly busy through the year. Taking vacation during the year would mean I would need to fit in any client sessions I would usually have while on vacation, into my work week when I return. So I end up avoiding taking vacation during the year and then scramble to use days up in the summer.

Ex: If I take a week off, as soon as I return I then need to have a full week of 7-8 session days. Which to me is absolutely exhausting.

Considerations:
- I am not paid per session, I am paid salary regardless of number of sessions.
- I don’t have a certain amount of quota clinical hours to hit, other than generally I should have space for about 4 clients per day blocked in my schedule. I am not penalized if any of my clients cancel, ask to skip their session, etc. nor do I need to “fill” their spot with another session or new client if they do cancel.
- Most of my clients are biweekly so a missed session would then mean 1 month without being seen, so I would feel bad to not offer to “makeup” that missed session, and most if not all would take the offer of a “makeup” appointment.

I don’t think there is any miracle answer here. Just looking for general feedback, discussion, or anyone who can relate.

Trays 16/23… Don’t feel much has changed?

How to use vacation days without “shorting” clients on sessions, or overloading schedule upon return?