The joy of braces.

Okay, so I have rather not straight teeth (as a nice way of putting it) and they do make my confidence feel lower and when talking etc. I don't like to open my mouth to much-my smile is VERY much a closed mouth one-. I had been called all sorts of names, small children used to ask if my teeth were wobbly (which they weren't they were adult teeth in wrong positions) and one boy even told me that both his parents were dentists if I "ever had any problems with my teeth." Gee thanks. For years, I have seen people come into school with perfect teeth or with braces on and I've been waiting and waiting for my braces to be fitted.

Forever ago my dentist knew that I needed braces and I have been told this since I was about seven, but when it finally came to the time that all my milk-teeth had fallen out and I was ready I was stopped shortly. The dentist hadn't referred me to an orthodontist and so continue the constant wait for 'nice teeth'.

Five years after waiting (I know! Why could it have possibly taken so long?) I finally had my first appointment and meeting which told me that yes I could have my braces paid for by the NHS (thank you British health system). A few weeks ago (after several more appointments) I had my braces fitted (at long last!). When I first got them on however it was not as I had expected, it was awful. I started looking at myself and seeing ugly Betty or calling myself Darla (the little girl from finding nemo!). I felt terrible about myself, braces are meant to help you look better right? Not like some crazy girl with a metal mouth. That's not even mentioning the fact that eating is ni-on impossible! Although the feeling that one day my teeth could look amazing was always deep in my mind.

Now I've had my braces on for almost a month, I've asked my mum to take a photo each Friday so that I can see how my teeth are changing and honestly it's incredible! They have already moved so much. I've had bumps along the way to now and feeling almost happy (one of the brackets fell off the other day and I swallowed it! Oops!). Although everyone is now getting their braces off I'm not too upset anymore and looking forward to the end result.

All I want to say is that if you have just had your braces fitted and are really struggling or having a rough time, it's okay. You can get through this! Just look at the end results and realise that that will be you in just a couple of years (that's what is getting me through this long journey!)

Like these amazing teeth!

 

Alice x