As you can see, my teeth were never really that bad, at least I thought so- it was only one tooth on my top right side, but after a brief consultation with the orthodontist, it looked like my teeth would be in rough shape in twenty years [the right side grinding against eachother, bruising etc], which finally brought me to the other side.
At first I pleaded for Invisaligins- but apparently my teeth were not cut out for them, so alas- metal brackets, here we go! This mortified me, especially since I am in College, and the last time I saw peers in braces was in the 8th grade, and even then my friend was ridiculed for having braces "so late" in life- then it hit me: how would my boyfriend react? could I still be attractive, or would he feel like a pedifile? how would I react? could I look at myself in the mirror? this was probably the first time I've felt self-conscious since puberty, and I wasn't liking it.
But, all of that aside, I realized the 21 months it will take [and that is the maximum apparently, I have some sort of sliding braces now which apparently take half the time as regular ones, hence why I couldn't get the plastic clear ones **another dissapointment**] would be nothing, and that I was in school still so I wouldn't be worried about job interviews and the like, and since I go to school in the USA [i'm from Canada] it would be 4 months until I see my boyfriend anyway, which would mean I will feel somewhat more confident and straighter no less (fingers are crossed!) so really- why was I worrying about? myself? how self-centered of me to be so involved in my physical appearance, something I pride myself in not doing so much- alas, here I am- day one of my metal mouth journey, typing in a community of other adults going through the same life altering progress.
So, here's the initial pictures: I hope I can soon look back and see an improvement like the ones I've seen here online! they are very reassuring and inspirational! thanks everyone
the blue plastic things are lifters- i'm promised that once my tooth gets to the correct side I can take them out- its really funny looking and I can't close my mouth
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BRACES OFF! Feb 9th 2007
thank you so much!
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for me, my baby caninegot stuck between my incisors, making the adult canine grow above it [well, not grow, come down 
... so I know all about the evil canines! any chance you'll have pictures up? I'd love to see your progress as well! 
I keep thinking i'm staring at the pictures too long and thinking i'm seeing progress, so I'm glad you all agree! 
