Thanks everyone! It's so nice to have so much friendly support!
florencegal:
I didn't even look into NHS treatment, I guess I just automatically presumed there was no chance of getting it done for free seeing as my teeth don't particularly give me any "medical" issues (eg teeth-grinding, headaches, real bite problems) and I had just enough money saved up to cover the treatment anyway.
Yeah, I was surprised to get NHS treatment, as I only really want my teeth straightening for cosmetic reasons (although the fact that it will be easier to clean my crowded lower teeth will also be a bonus!) but apparently because I am a student and because I am getting the treatment in my local NHS hospital instead of a clinic or practice I am able to go for free. According to my ortho, "if you are treated in a hospital department you will not be charged", which I didn't know. I'm quite surprised by what you're all saying about the cost of the metal treatment privately so I am now feeling quite grateful that I've basically been offered over two grand's worth of treatment free.
florencegal:
I'm hoping going private might mean more flexibility re:appointments etc but who knows?
You are probably right there - I have been told that I have plenty of time to make up my mind as they have only just put me on the waiting list - I'm thinking I will probably not hear anything for a few months (hopefully I'm being pessimistic there, but this is the NHS we're talking about...!). Being an impatient type though, once I decide what I want to do I'll want to do it immediately, so the wait will be excrutiating! Maybe this whole thing will teach me confidence and patience! Here's hoping...!
I think I might go down south (I have family in the midlands) to get a second opinion from a private orthodontist, just so I can be sure that if I do go for the metals on the NHS I know that it really is the best option for me.
Natalie:
maybe if i'd have been older i would have had ceramic but i have decided instead to just embrace the whole school girl look and even got myself a tartan kilt type skirt the other day! ha ha.
Yeah, I think I have a tartan mini skirt somewhere in the back of the wardrobe - maybe I should pull it out and just go for the whole schoolgirl thing (I know my boyfriend would like it
![wink :wink:](./images/smilies/wink.gif)
)!
Thanks everyone - I can't tell you how much it helps to hear your stories. I'm sure everyone else will be more accepting than I am imagining - I think the biggest hurdle will be getting me to accept it!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I'll let you know what I decide...