I hated my top teeth, especially my two front gap teeth. My bottom teeth were fine, but my top teeth left me feeling embarrassed and upset. I begged my parents for braces, but like many, they couldn't afford it. To matters worse, I usually never visited the dentist (my first visit wasn't until after elementary school) and braces seemed out of sight.
This year, things were different. I made a visit to the orthodontist after Christmas 2010 and was even told I could begin the process soon after. I had to reconsider (the cost was the main factor) and held off until February to get my molds. I had to wait over a month to get them on, but it wasn't without a bit of drama. The day of my appointment, the orthodontist called to say that the braces had not arrived. I had to rework my schedule for the braces, and was obviously upset that I would have to wait a week longer. Thankfully, they arrived that same day magically.
I arrived and everything went smoothly, until they found something. Two cavities on my back teeth!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Since that day, I got my cavities filled, the rest of my braces, and have broken seven brackets. That's right, seven brackets in four months!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
The first few were from being careless, but number 4-6 occurred during my sleep. I sometimes even wake up realizing that I'm grinding my teeth. My orthodontist didn't believe me, but it seems impossible to convince them.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
I now smile a lot more and tend to be not as shy now! It's been obvious to my friends and is apparent from all the recent facebook photos I've been tagged in.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
If all goes as planned, I should have them off late August 2011. My teeth still need much work though! I'm worried that the breaking brackets may lengthen the process, but my efforts to stop breaking them never work. I'm trying not to let it bring me down since I'm trying to be positive.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I'm considering a move to California or New York by this time next year, so I'm worried how this braces situation will work out (I live near Washington DC). Thankfully, I still have a year to think about that!
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Telling my story is exciting since I've realized that I've gone from a shy person, to being one that loves to smile and talk!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I'll keep this updated and hopefully include pictures really soon!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)