Hi everyone, just found you.

[welshone]

I wanted to introduce myself, I'm Liz from South Wales. I'm 27 years old mother of two and I have no confidence at all. My teeth are awful. The past year my front teeth have parted and I have a hideous gap. As well as both top and bottom teeth being all out of shape. It's all I think about, I'm not vain at all, I have no reason to be. But I've never had so little confidence. I haven't been to a dentist in 3 years due to the one I was with going private and not having the funds to pay. I don't work, but my husband does. As he isn't entitled to working tax credit I have to pay for all my treatment. I now have to make this a priority for the sake of my sanity.

I plucked up the courage to phone the dentist yesterday, I have an appointment next week. I'm so worried about what she's going to say as my gums have gone horrible in the past 10 months. I'm scared she'll say my teeth are ruined.

Anyway, hopefully I can get any treatment I need over the next few months then I'm going to seek having a brace fitted. I can't keep going on feeling like this. It's making me depressed.

This site looks very informative so I hope I can gain plenty of knowledge over the next few months. I've always felt very alone and embarrassed with my problem, on finding this site I suddenly realise I'm not alone.

Sorry for the long start. I hope anything I said makes sense, I'm babbling but I'm so nervous and excited to get out what's been on my mind for so long.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Sandpiper]

Hey Liz - welcome to the site! I'm sure you will find it invaluable. I think a lot of us can identify with your predicament, so don't feel alone. You're taking the first steps on a very interesting journey, full of highs and lows. Hope your appointment goes well - good luck!

[anniegirl]

Liz, you have made the right decision to get your teeth sorted, my teeth really effected my confidence too, and as soon as i started to see changes and improvements my confidence started to shot up! this website is brilliant for people supporting each other and giving advice! Good luck with your appointment, I'm sure it will go well, so try not to worry about it!!

[BBQ Grill]

Hey Liz, its never too late. I didn't go to the dentist for 10 years because I didn't give a rats ass about what people think about my teeth... It's wasn't that crooked until my wisdom teeth grew side ways n shifted everything...after a horrible dream about all my teeth falling out I went out n found a good paying job with decent insurance. First visit with the dentist he was like uhhhhh Ur teeth n gums r flower up ( uh really? I haven't noticed lol).... U won't be able to get braces cuz u will lose all Ur teeth... But well do a lot of work n see in a year. Well I had major work ... No gum surgery like he recommended but a lot of cleaning n keeping up on my hygiene.... BAM...gums came back healthy n now I'm braced up...n feeling more confident by the day... Ur teeth moves fast....my ortho said everything should line up in 3 months...woot woot....now go get em tiger

[Crafter]

Hi Liz, I am a newbie myself (first post!). Good luck with your treatment.

[lau]

Hi Liz,
i think it is great that you've joined the site and come for support. I am 37 and just got my braces put on. I had different priorities and I guess it never is a good time to get braces and the process is long and it is not 'pretty' but I figure it is something that i am investing in that is good for me, not just from a cosmetic sense but because it is important to have a nice smile - especially if its something that prevents you from feeling at your best. Your whole family will be better knowing that you are doing something for yourself, something that makes you feel good about yourself and you'll be able to take better of them.

[sea54change]

Hi Liz-
I'm 60 and have braces. I waited and waited and FINALLY said, "I have to do this for myself." I should have done it years ago when I was your age.

As Anniegirl said, my self confidence over the past 14 months has increased each month. My voice is stronger and I want people to hear what I'm saying.

You will be so glad that you did this for you.