violet's story.

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#1 Post by **violet** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:08 pm

I've been lurking on this board for a while and have found all the stories really inspirational... I'm amazed at how fast some of you see progress! It's helped me get over the fear of having a metal mouth knowing the results are really worth it in the end! I've wanted braces for a while now, but have been both deterred by fear and by lack of support from the parents. Just recently, my dad finally relented knowing how important this is to me. So, I decided to join and share my story! I am 21 and am currently in university.

My teeth are really bad. In the mirror, they seem so much straighter, or maybe I made them seem that way in my head, but what people actually see is so much worse. A long time ago, my pediatric dentist informed my dad that I had no need for braces except for aesthetics. So, it was delayed, but my teeth have been bothering me more and more over the last couple of years. My left profile is the worst. I'm afraid to smile or open my mouth to speak sometimes. I've grown incredibly self-conscious, and being a quiet person already, I'm even more afraid to open my mouth to talk, or I try to keep it part-way closed, but my voice just comes out muffled and soft, so I'm forced to repeat myself a lot. I've also developed a habit of thrusting my tongue towards the one noticeably crooked tooth on my lower arch, resulting in a rather sore tongue... I can't wait to get a smile I will be proud of. I'm sure I'll be a more outgoing and confident person after this experience.

I almost got braces at 18, but I got scared and so it never happened. I had wanted clear ceramic braces, but all they could offer were the traditional metal braces. They showed me a mock-up on a set of fake teeth, and that alone was enough to scare me away from wanting braces for a while. I didn't want to start my freshman year of university with a metal mouth. I was afraid that it would deter me from wanting to meet new people. I had consultations and was told I would need 4 extractions. I have an overjet and crowding on both the top and the bottom. My two front teeth also seem to swing to the right a bit. Treatment time was estimated to be about 2 years.

Now that I am more confident (and hopefully older and wiser), and I know more or less what I want, I think I'm in a good place in my life to get braces. I would rather have straight teeth with braces than crooked teeth for the rest of my life. I'm hoping to get upper linguals and maybe lower Damon 3's, but I'm not certain yet. I really can't wait to get braces on and start seeing some progress! Bring on the pain!

Picture time:

First, a front view of my teeth.

An upshot.

Right side view.

Left side view.

Bottom teeth.

#2 Post by **New Metal** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 6:36 am

Welcome Violet, If you dont mind me saying, your smile is going to be beautiful. Just from looking at your pics now you gum line is perfect and all your teeth well formed. I say well formed 'cause I have a peg tooth that may require some bonding

I cant wait to see your progress pics

#3 Post by **Nervous** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:47 am

I'm glad you're taking the first step toward braces. That was always the hardest step for me

. Also, people will not care about your braces when you're in college. When I was in elementary, junior high, and high school I remember people being made fun of because of their braces

. People in college are more mature, so it makes the process so much easier. No one has said one thing to me about braces while at college. I'm sure people will be much more supportive of you at the university level. Good luck on brace day can't wait to see some progress pics !

#4 Post by **violet** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:24 pm

Thank you for the support and the advice. I can't wait to see progress either...

New Metal, wow, thanks. I never expected to receive compliments at this stage!

Nervous, I don't expect people to say bad things to me because I have braces, but it's certainly unusual to have them at this time, so I will be self-conscious of the stares. Thankfully, I do know of a few people currently in braces and a few who recently got theirs off, so that does make me feel more comfortable.

Meryaten, the particular orthodontist I have in mind seems to be very well qualified, and thankfully, specializes in adult orthodontics. I felt so old at my previous orthodontist's office!

#5 Post by **violet** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 4:18 pm

I've finally booked my appointment! It's going to be on May 31st. I've been so busy with school recently I just haven't had time and every time I called, the orthodontist's office was either closed, or the appointment times available conflicted with when I could come in. I'm somewhat excited.