Just need a little encouragement...

[caitlin1120]

Hey AW,

I'm so glad I found this place because I really need to vent and everyone in my life is sick of hearing me talk about my braces (I keep getting "they're not a big deal" "we don't even notice them anymore" ...yeah, because they're not in YOUR mouth!).

I'm almost done with treatment and am so happy with the progress - I've been taking monthly pics and will post once they're off - and I should be done sometime in mid-feb. I thought I would be so happy right now being so close but I feel miserable because I'm so frustrated and just want to be done!! I've gotten a lot better with my self-confidence since I had braces but I went out last night and just felt so ugly because of them, and I haven't felt that way since my first few months when I basically avoided the world because I felt hideous (note to braces newbies: DON'T DO THAT). To make matters more fun, I have to get a root canal after my braces are off because a tooth was damaged during the process and has turned a dull grey colour, so I'm going to have to pay an extra $1000 for a crown so I can get the smile I've been going through all this pain for.

Any advice on how to get through your last month? Its been a rough year for me for other non-braces related issues and I'm just so ready for a change...I feel like I'm in such a rut!

Thanks for any tips, commiseration, or for just reading. It's great to have a place to come to where people can empathize.

[sjeanine]

Hi I just wanted to congratulate you on getting thru all this! You're almost done!! I know I'm going to need at least one root canal when my braces come off....possibly an implanted tooth and/or a partial, some whitening but, just patiently waiting to get thru the whole year or two of braces first. I wish I were where you are today!! You are so lucky!! You're almost done!! A big pat on the back for getting thru this!! I've had root canals before...yes, costly but not painful. You'll do fine and even tho a bit frustrating, you're almost done!! Hang in there! Congratulations!!! ; )

[bottlecap1990]

Hey AW,

I'm so glad I found this place because I really need to vent and everyone in my life is sick of hearing me talk about my braces (I keep getting "they're not a big deal" "we don't even notice them anymore" ...yeah, because they're not in YOUR mouth!).

I'm almost done with treatment and am so happy with the progress - I've been taking monthly pics and will post once they're off - and I should be done sometime in mid-feb. I thought I would be so happy right now being so close but I feel miserable because I'm so frustrated and just want to be done!! I've gotten a lot better with my self-confidence since I had braces but I went out last night and just felt so ugly because of them, and I haven't felt that way since my first few months when I basically avoided the world because I felt hideous (note to braces newbies: DON'T DO THAT). To make matters more fun, I have to get a root canal after my braces are off because a tooth was damaged during the process and has turned a dull grey colour, so I'm going to have to pay an extra $1000 for a crown so I can get the smile I've been going through all this pain for.

Any advice on how to get through your last month? Its been a rough year for me for other non-braces related issues and I'm just so ready for a change...I feel like I'm in such a rut!

Thanks for any tips, commiseration, or for just reading. It's great to have a place to come to where people can empathize.

A tooth was damaged during your braces procedure?
you should sue your orthodontist then.

[BracketRacket]

A tooth was damaged during your braces procedure?
you should sue your orthodontist then.

Relatively certain that these things can just happen during the course of treatment (assuming there was no accident or specific incident involved) and that it is outlined in the contract that every patient signs before starting treatment.

[Ellebraced]

Hi Caitlin

WOW you are sooooo lucky to almost be done. I have a long 2 + years ahead of me and probably will feel the same as you when they are almost done but still have to wait.

I would suggest you write a journal about all you have accomplished the last 2 years and how you felt then and how you feel now.

Maybe write down 10 things you are going to do for your debrace day to treat yourself like.....Get your hair done, manicure, get your makeup done, buy a new outfit, get a fabulous lipstick. Maybe plan a debrace party for your new smile and go out with a bunch of friends and celebrate. Go buy something you couldn't eat or enjoy this whole process. I am already planning how I am going to celebrate.

Make it something that you look forward to and to celebrate that last few weeks of being braced.

Just think you are ALMOST there, this is the easy part. You can do it.

Good Luck, Can't wait to see your after pics!!!

Elle