bRaCeS!!!!!

So I got my braces the beginning of January 2010. I never thought that I would get braces because I didn't have the money for it. When I was little I was self conscious and would try to hide my teeth when I would smile and would avoid taking pictures. Since I figured that I probably wouldn't get braces, I practiced smiling in the mirror so people wouldn't see my horrible teeth as much (especially the bottom). I guess I did a pretty good job at it because people didn't realize how bad I needed braces or they pretended that I didn't.ha ha. Well, these pictures I am going to show you are of my teeth..... and the process I have gone through straightening my teeth. I knew my teeth were crooked but didn't realize how bad and painful they looked (at least for me). Please ignore the chapped lips and close ups on my face??@#!I didn't know what to expect. -First day I got my braces

Braces were so painful the first day. I was on the verge of crying and wanting to go back to the orthodontist because I couldn't eat, floss, brush my teeth, or kiss my husband. I was wanting them OFF! My husband gave my a blessing and I felt mentally better but my mouth still hurt. I went to bed and my top teeth straightened out already!!!! I was so happy and I was so grateful that I was able to see that. It got me excited that I new that the pain was worth it! The pain continued for a week but got better each day.

-Picture of me the next day. I was in pain but I was happy that my teeth were straightening already.

Ouch! So I needed to get some teeth pulled. 4 exactly. I went into the dentist to get my teeth cleaned and came out with less teeth and a half numb face.

Story behind that: I had my 6 month cleaning and I told the dentist that my orthodontist wants some teeth pulled. Comes to find out my dentist specializes in that (bonus: I don't have to go to specialist and pay a lot). The other "exciting" news is that they have an opening right then and there so I don't have to wait a several weeks to get in. Also makes the process of my braces to go by quicker because the orthodontist cant adjust my teeth without more room.

Here is a shot that is kind of embarrassing for me. I always tried to hide my bottom teeth because they were so messed up.

Outcome of my teeth pulled. Lovely spaces.

Got springs to give my teeth room to move forward. One spring is left in this picture.

Tada! My bottom teeth aligned. Now I just need to get rid of the spaces.

I got my braces off!!! Well just the top.Bummer....

When I went to my appointment to get my braces off, the orthodontist looked in my mouth and went "uhh...". I replied with "Well that doesn't sound good". He told me that he doesn't know how one of my bottom tooth turned the way it did especially within 4 weeks. So the bad/good news is that I got another spring to give more room for the tooth turn back and then they will see if that fixed it or if it will be another 4 weeks til I get my bottom braces off.

I am just glad that I got my top braces off for now. Rollins and Peterson's Orthodontist does a rewards program that you can participate in. You get coins when you go to your appointments for wearing their t-shirt, having clean teeth, and keeping good care of your braces. I know its sounds childish but heck, I will participate if the only difference is wearing their t-shirt so I can get prizes like ice cream, movie tickets, or gift cards. My goal was to get the $50 Westcore shopping gift card. I was short 3 coins to get the gift card and since I have a few more visits to go I will get the gift card as well as few smaller prizes. That means SHOPPING MONEY!

Now when I smile or laugh, I don't have to worry or think twice about my teeth. Great feeling!