Metal Mouth Message Board

41Braced wrote: ↑Mon Jan 22, 2018 3:59 pm I have to be honest, I was very uneasy and self-conscious about my BF even seeing my teeth. My teeth don't naturally show much when speaking and I NEVER smile with my teeth showing. I'm sure he caught glimpses of them but never said anything and didn't seem to care. However, one day after we moved in together and over a few stiff drinks (liquid courage, I guess), I spilled out my whole story about how I grew up, my lack of dental care, and my self-consciousness about my teeth. I guess it was extra hard for me to talk to him about this because he grew up in a super rich family, has perfect teeth, and has never really had to struggle for anything in his life. And you know what? He just said, well of course I know you're teeth aren't perfectly straight but I love you anyway for who you are. (which is a very kind way to describe my teeth as I would characterize them as totally messed up, but I digress...). That day I ended up opening my mouth up and showing him everything going on in there and honestly I have never felt so nakedly vulnerable in my entire life. In that moment, my teeth represented every messed up situation I dealt with as a child, and all the built up shame and anxiety, due to growing up so poor. And it was like I had just ripped off some mask covering my inner, fragile core. I suppose you could say that it was both terrifying and liberating all at once. In that moment, he focused on being accepting and showing how much he loved me but later he gently started encouraging me to see the dentist. About 3 months ago, I went to the dentist for the first time in many, many years. Prior to going in, my BF said, "I don't care how much it costs, we are doing whatever they tell you that needs to be done, we'll figure out the budget later. I just want you to be healthy and happy." So of course my dentist recommended braces, along with some other things. When I got back home and shared all this with my BF, he was so supportive and has remained unwavering in his encouragement. In fact, sometimes he seems downright giddy that I'm getting braces. He says its because he doesn't want me to get heart disease (which apparently happens when you have dental issues?) but I think it's because he knows I will be happier and more confident in myself when it's all said and done. I get my braces on this Friday and I have no concerns about how it will impact my relationship. The process is still going to be really hard and way too long but it is really great to have such a supportive significant other.