My teeth have a lot of crowding on top (the two on either side of my upper front teeth jut out from my gums and are rotated inwards). I am also congenitally missing two teeth on my lowers. My oh-so-tactful dentist once told me, "A lot of people whose teeth are much better than yours get braces." Since my parents could never afford to get me braces when I was in high school, I basically learned to accept my teeth...despite the self-consciousness I still feel when I go to a job interview or meet new people for the first time. Some of my friends have actually told me that they think my teeth are "cute" and a cool part of my smile, I shouldn't change a thing.
I have always looked young for my age, possibly because I'm short. A lot of people envy this and see it as a good thing, but I am worried that with braces I'll be mistaken for a teenager, and as an adult educator, this could be a big disadvantage in not being taken seriously. The cost is a lot to bear, around $8000 according to the estimate I got from an orthodontist. Another issue - going to the dentist and having molds of my teeth scares the hell out of me because of my gag reflex (I have a terrible fear of vomiting).
I guess I sound pretty neurotic (lol) but I'm actually a pretty well-balanced person.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Just wondering if anyone has any insight or wisdom to offer on this.