Tuesday morning, sitting in the orthodontist chair with my mouth open, getting the brackets put on my teeth, all I could think was "I want out of this now. I want them to stop what they're doing, get these things off of my teeth, and send me home just as I came in with less than perfect teeth, an overbite, and the smile that maybe I should just decide to love about myself." (I was at this point ignoring the fact that I also need the jaw surgery to stop my overbite from causing permanent damage to my teeth and gums.)
When it came time to choose a color I went with plain silver, thinking colors would make me look even more like a teenager. However, I'm already thinking about what colors I'll get put on next time. Hey, might as well have fun with them right?
I went home, not really sore yet but already very self conscious. I'm 21 years old and now when I look at myself in the mirror I see a 16 year old. I was already thinking "there's no way I'll make it through 2 and a half years with these things. I look ridiculous" and regretting not finding the courage to kiss the guy I have feelings for (and who has told me has feelings for me) before the metal went in my mouth. Even if he doesn't have a problem with the braces (which would make him pretty shallow, and he's not shallow) my self confidence has been lowered enough that I'm not going to ever make a move.
I work in an out of school care and the reactions have been interesting. Most of the younger kids have told me they look good while most of the older ones have laughed. One had said "I need to take a picture so that when I'm having a bad day I can laugh at your braces." I can't wait until these kids get braces
My boss and coworkers have been really supportive though, telling me to take time off and rest if my mouth is sore, and assuring me that I don't look too ridiculous with the braces on. By yesterday my mouth was sore. I can't really chew but I don't want to eat soft foods so I keep trying to chew. I am enjoying the fact that I can use this time as a great excuse to eat ice cream though
Milkshakes! YUM! My gums are sore. I think that's the worst part of it all (besides the self confidence issues). The Alocare mouthwash they gave me helped with that a lot though and I'm making sure to use the wax.
I'm glad I found this website. I was feeling really... alone in this. When teens get braces it's so normal but when adults get braces they're harder pressed to find peers also in braces. I should have gotten the braces in high school but due to depression at the time I didn't really care enough about myself to go through with it and properly look after them.
So now I've got the braces on. Approximately a year and a half from now I'm supposed to have the lower jaw surgery and then braces for about one more year after that. It seems like a long time now but it will go fast.... right?
and be proud of the steps you are taking. I bet you look great, I get told "oh wow those are so cute" I have purple ligs now but will have a bright pink Feb 25th. It will all be fine and we will all be here to boost you up when ever needed.. ((((HUGS)))) You be just fine! I have confidence. 
