Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi all! While brushing my teeth this evening and examining my teeth, I began picturing myself with straight teeth.... And u know what, I couldn't even imagine what I would look like with straight teeth! I have 2 canine teeth that sit very high in my gumline that need to be brought down (not to mention the rest of the crooked/skew/misplaced teeth! My teeth really are a mess! I also had extractions before having my braces fitted so the gaps make my smile even more unattractive haha!

What I would like to know... Has anyone on here started out their braces journey with really messed up teeth and felt like how I'm feeling? Do you feel like you look like a totally different person?

I haven't started my journey yet, i have just visited two orthos, but I think the difficult part is the decision. yes i cannot imagine myself with straight teeth and without this massive mouth. i always looked myself at the mirror and thought you are cute but this mouth is there.
many have said me that my problem isnt the crooked teeth but the BIG teeth so i am afraid that i will not have the best result-it is what it is. i cant imagine the final result so all i have to do is to take care of my teeth and wait for the results! but i don't think i will be a different person, but i will have much more confidence to laugh without the hand and to take photos!

Ah yes, I can't wait to have the new confidence to smile in photos or laugh without holding my hand over my mouth! Especially now that my sons are getting older, I am so so happy that I will be able to smile in pictures with them - especially when they start going to school and things like that - having messed up teeth really does hold you back!

Good luck on starting your braces journey - you won't be dissapointed, this is the best thing I could ever have done - just sad that I didn't have an option to do it sooner - but I guess, better late than never

I used to stare at my teeth and wonder the same thing. You should look at my Braces Story in my signature. I am about 8 months in, and the progress is astounding. I just came back from a professional conference, and I loved how I was able to confidently smile and meet new people. Having crooked teeth used to hinder my social/professional life. My picture came out on an industry-wide newsletter, and I love that I finally felt confident to smile in pictures. I can't even imagine how happy and confident I will be once my braces are off.

I also love biting into fruit slices and seeing the arch that is left behind. My bite looks nothing like it once did!

Thank you for posting a link to your story! I unfortunately can't access the pictures though? Don't know why, it's a pity as I would have loved to see them! In any case reading your story was great! I am so excited to have my teeth appear straight and be able to smile!

Totally understand! Im one month in and am already seeing an improvement and its strange. I was so used to my bite and crowding issues for so long its weird to see this slow motion change taking place. But Im looking forward to the end result!

*Left my intro in the Metal Mouth Message Board because I was confused about how this board works when I signed up last month!*

I cannot begin to imagine what I'll look like without the huge gap in my front teeth. The side ones have started to move back but the gap will be the last bit to be addressed. It's beyond the limits of my imagination, it really is!

T xx

I haven't started but feel exactly the same! I can't wait to see my new smile! Just wish I would've done it sooner!

I feel like my ortho is lying to me, like he can't really straighten my teeth. I just cannot in my wildest dreams imagine that it can be done. I have told him this and he laughs at me, tried to reassure me that he most definitely can straighten my teeth but I'm not convinced. Only time will tell.

jess1889 wrote:I feel like my ortho is lying to me, like he can't really straighten my teeth. I just cannot in my wildest dreams imagine that it can be done. I have told him this and he laughs at me, tried to reassure me that he most definitely can straighten my teeth but I'm not convinced. Only time will tell.

I totally get it. I still don't believe it either. I feel like it will never happen. But all this discomfort better be for something. Lol!

I can't imagine it myself either! Though I know I will look better when smiling and be less self conscious about my teeth than before!

Check this out!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSF1nCaCbAo

It's Geek to Freak's youtube channel about his braces. He has had one of the biggest transformations I have seen. And he sure went through a lot to get there. Check it out! He's very inspirational

I've only had braces for a month now (got the wire changed for the first time today, ugh!) and I really feel like I'm going to have an identity crisis the first time I see myself with straight, braceless teeth.

[quote="lazarus"]I've only had braces for a month now (got the wire changed for the first time today, ugh!) and I really feel like I'm going to have an identity crisis the first time I see myself with straight, braceless teeth.[/quote]

If this is the only "concern", I'll take it.

I havent started my journey just yet but am in a similar position to you... High canines and very crooked teeth! I also find it really hard to picture my teeth straight. I'm 33 and have wanted braces for so long but I do find it hard to imagine them after treatment! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful smile afterwards though and that it will all be worth it. I imagine most people find it hard to imagine what they'll look like afterwards, after being so used to your teeth before treatment. Good luck!