For many years I've always wanted braces because I just love a beautiful smile especially on women. The way I see it is that I am so focus on a beautiful smile that it has me drawn to that person so I would love that type of response in return. When I was younger my parent could not afford braces for me so I took it upon myself to get braces as soon as I got dental insurance. Fast foward to my age at 27 and now I have stepped up to the plate. For years I was able to get away with a not so perfect smile because of my full lips. Normally I smile like:
...but I always wanted to show my teeth but wouldn't dare to do so. Girls would tell me that they liked my smile either way but I was never fully happy with it. My orthodontist says that my situation was a case I/type I(whatever it's called) and that it would only take me 18 months give or take depending how my teeth respond. I was totally stoked and ready to do whatever it takes. In the past 2 months I've had my teeth filled, all 4 wisdom teeth removed and teeth cleaned. I finally got my braces on May 27, 2006. This is what my teeth look like now. This is my 5th day with the braces on. Brace yourself!
I have a pretty high threshold for pain so it was not bad at all. If anything I have 800mg of Ibuprofren and Vicodin

that was prescribed to me when I had my wisdom teeth removed. These bad boys will come in handy when I have my first of many adjustments. Overall the experience has been unique and I am taking it all in stride. I'm just happy that I'm on my way to a striking smile. I work just 5 minutes away from work so it is very convenient for me to brush my teeth during my lunch hour. I love my dental insurance as I only paid $220.00 for my wisdom teeth extractions as the total price was just shy of $1000.00. My braces costs me $2100.00 total without my insurance adjustment. I know you guys are wondering how the heck I got this price. I live in South Texas at the tip near the mexican border and there are many awesome doctors across the border. For my teeth cleaning and other dental related issues I go to my dentist here in the states. For my braces I go to Mexico with my orthodontist. So yes I am one lucky guy. I will be keeping track of my progress so feel free to check in from time to time. I love this forum as it has given me so much confident.
P.S.
Once my braces are removed I will get my teeth whitened by laser for just $80.00 in Mexico.

Awesome!!!!
-Mikey
Oh yeah I almost forgot. I play softball year in and year out so I wanted to wear a mouthguard for protection and this is what I use just in case any of you might need one. It's by a brand called ShockDoctor and this is specially made for athletes with braces.
