![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I was in at 9:00 despite blizzard conditions here today. It only took a couple minutes for the assistant to pop off every bracket and band. The CRUNCH when the bands come off is heart-stopping
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
BUT
Then they handed me the mirror
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
(happy teeth pix follow - pardon my spit!)
![Image](http://www.spragers.com/pix/teeth1.jpg)
![Image](http://www.spragers.com/pix/teeth3.jpg)
![Image](http://www.spragers.com/pix/teeth4.jpg)
Compare that with my teeth in October 2003!
(warning, wonky teeth pix follow)
![Image](http://www.spragers.com/pix/start1.jpg)
![Image](http://www.spragers.com/pix/start2.jpg)
![Image](http://www.spragers.com/pix/start3.jpg)
FYI my ortho must be cheap, all I got was a "congratulations" from the staff, no gift basket
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
This was then followed by three impressions (gag, gag, and gag some more), two X-rays, a wax bite impression, and an appointment to pick up my retainers on Monday afternoon
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
All in all it's been a long strange and at times annoying trip, but when I look in the mirror now it was worth every penny and minute of discomfort.
Now if my girlfriend can wait until Sunday to see them
![wink :wink:](./images/smilies/wink.gif)