The end of the road...

[chicago29]

Today, Tuesday January 18, 2011, is a day I will remember forever...

Bright and early this morning, I got up and went to the orthodontist and had my braces removed. Back on July 29, 2008, I looked at myself in the mirror and said I'm changing this. For months up until that day, I talked myself out of surgery and braces 100 times. Finally, on July 29, 2008, something clicked and I made a commitment that I followed through on.

So, after an UPPER and LOWER expansion surgery, 7 months with upper and lower hyrax expanders, an upper and lower bi-maxillary surgery, and 21 months in braces (along with spacers, balls of wax in my mouth, mouth sores, rubber bands, and so on and so forth)...today my teeth are NAKED!!!

The journey never truly ends (I will need some gum grafts and perhaps some cosmetic work at some point), but the hard part is over. Attached is a pic of the final results...

It has been an amazing road, and there is only one thing I want out of this post. That is for people to know this:
If anybody is contemplating surgery and you keep telling yourself "I can't do it" or "Is it worth it". Listen to these words: YES YOU CAN, and IT IS 100% WORTH IT!!!

Regards
Chicago29

[mamaneedsanewjaw]

Wow.....Chicago!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you! I had chills while reading your post!!

I couldn't open your pics though for some reason!?!

[mamaneedsanewjaw]

OK- now I can see your "after" and may I be the first to say you look fandamntabulous!!!!

[drgnchsr36]

Congrats!!! Looks great!!

[Carla]

Yes we can! Power of will really is the most important in all this journey. Congratulations chicago! You look great! And it takes a lot of courage to decide for this road, I think we're all very, very brave for going through with this. It really requires a strong person. Congratulations chicago. : )

[hduggan]

Wow, look at those perfect teeth!

Best of both worlds: Something to smile about and a great smile

[boatsink]

What a roller coaster ride it has been for you. But it seems like it was worth it? I'm not sure how you looked before, but wow you got an awesome smile! congratulations!

[ColoradoGirl]

W O O - H O O O H !!! That is *so very awesome*. Hooray and congrats; you look great.

[Rizzie]

Congratulations! You look absolutely fantastic! I started following your story in July, and I am so happy to see your "end of the road" smile! You are truly inspiring!

[sauerkraut]

BRILLIANT news and great results. Well done, you!

And thank you for all the advice, support and encouragement you've offered the rest of us along the way.

[asmileconnectsus]

Congrats Chicago!! Happy De-bracing! Enjoy eating everything and smiling big!

[suzanna]

Congratulations! You're smile looks amazing!!

[chipmunkcheeks]

congrats!!! awesome!

[chicago29]

Thanks for the nice words, everyone...It has been a week I won't soon forget, and I have to admit there were times I never thought it would arrive. In the end, every day was well worth it...

I may not be on the message board daily as I have been, but I promise to stick around and check in frequently. I don't think I can ever re-pay what I've taken from this message board. I mean it with 100% sincerity I wouldn't have gotten through this if I didn't come across this.

To those contemplating, waiting, or recovering...Keep your head up!!!

Take Care
Chicago29

[DRG]

As someone just beginning my pre-surgical appointments (surgery is four weeks from now), thank you, Chicago29, for the inspiring words.