I just recently registered to this forum partly because of the fact that I myself have braces, and I like hearing about other people's stories and also because I can relate to a lot of the problems other members are facing.
I have had braces for over 1 1/2 years now, and am due to have them come off in a couple of months. Over this time, I have been having mixed feelings on braces. Having orthodontists, dentists and jaw specialists examine and analyze my teeth and all of their...shortcomings so closely was like dropping a bomb on my already uncertain adolescent feelings about myself. Before considering braces, I really didn't notice them all too much. Sure, one was sticking out a bit more than the others, but it wasn't something I paid attention to. After reading 10 page reports on my many imperfections in that area however, I became so self-concscious that I could barely stand looking in the mirror anymore. I came home and bawled after talking to the orthodontist in the orientation about getting braces.
Despite the fact that after finishing with braces I will have a perfect bite, jaw alignment and straight teeth, I wonder if I'll ever be truly content with the state of my mouth again. Even as it is now, I notice every space, every slight protusion, every curve and gap that isn't how it's supposed to be. My orthodontist has no difficulty telling me of the problems with my bite, but he never once comments on how strong, healthy or white they are.
Braces will certainly improve my teeth, but they destroyed my self-confidence at the same time.
I don't mean to end on such a pessimistic note. I was just wondering if anybody had the same experience as I had, or had any thoughts they wanted to share. I know I will feel immeasurably grateful for them later in life, I guess I'm just having a bit of a low time with them as of currently, well, maybe just a bad week in general.
Ciao.
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