I am 24 years old, live in Indiana (USA) and decided to get braces about 7-8 months ago. Before I got braces, I was very self-aware of my crooked teeth. It affected everything in my life: my friendships, relationships, just everything. My top teeth (the front two) overlapped each other, so for me, it was very noticeable. People noticed it of course, but I was so sensitive and self-aware about it...I just couldn't stand it! Especially being around everyone who had straight teeth. I have a lot of goals in my life and felt that in order to get to where I want to go, I have to get braces and get past the years in them.
The day I got braces I was SO excited and felt very fortunate. Afterwords, though, I quickly had to overcome my embarrassment of having braces. I was SOOO embarrassed walking into work the first time with braces.
Even though I felt very fortunate to have them on, I was already wishing that the whole thing was done and over with and that my teeth were already straight! I felt like the whole world was staring at me...I was probably being too sensitive, but I couldn't help but feel the weight of their stares. But now, here I am, making progress.
I still feel self-aware about my braces but not nearly as much as I used to and I hope I become stronger personally because of this experience.Anyway, I'll be checking in here from time to time and thanks to everyone for sharing your stories - it has given me perspective that I'm not the only adult out there with braces!
Tomorrow is yet another appointment - wish me luck! Ryan
