Well I finally did it, I got braces. I'm almost 29yrs old and have always hated my smile. I have an overbite and this really obnoxious crooked tooth on my right side that I've always had a complex about and pictures have never been too pretty with that look! I've always envied people with straight teeth and have wanted them for sometime now. I never had braces in my life, however, when I was 14 or so, I was told by the dentist that I did need them. At that time I was currently wearing a back brace 23 hours a day for Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and of course my response, being a young teenager, was there was no way that I was going to get stuck wearing two types of braces!

I guess I consider myself lucky in some respects because I have a really supportive family. Everyone, even my mom, who is very critical, agreed that I should get them! And my husband is currently in braces himself, for a jaw problem that he will eventually need surgery on. It was great, because he took the time to clue me in on what to expect the first day I get them. He was even so nice to come with me to my appointment that morning! My family has been such great support!

I was really anxious about the whole thing, but I have to say the process wasn't too bad at all. They started me off with just the upper set of teeth and moldings for the first day. The moldings and x-rays took a good 30 min or so. With the moldings, I felt like my teeth were sinking into whip cream or something. I picked the mint flavor, which I figured was the safest and it did taste pretty decent. Then they sent me back out into the waiting room. I definitely noticed at that time, I was outnumbered by kids! They are all so cute and brave! Finally, after what it seemed like a good half hour or so, I was finally called in again. Time for the braces to be put on! The only part of the whole procedure that was remotely uncomfortable, I think was keeping the inside of my mouth dry from saliva! They did a pretty good job though with the suction tube removing the build up. I decided on the ceramic upper, figuring that they might be a little more discreet that metal and this is what my husband has and he still looks very handsome! I'd say the whole process took 45min. After they were done and they removed the apparatus that spread my mouth apart, my lips felt like sandpaper! They were so dry it was incredible! Luckily, I brought Chapstick with me!

I had to go to work afterwards and I was really worried about that. It was almost noon by then, so I stopped on my way to work and bought some mashed potatoes and squash for lunch. What I was really craving was the chicken pot pie I saw though! My teeth really didn't bother me too much that first day or that first night. Definitely some discomfort, but nothing too unbearable.

Even today, the second day, other than the eating part, it really isn't that bad. Just make sure to stick with soft foods!

Next week after all that initial soreness is gone, I'm going to go get that chicken pot pie!

Good luck to all the adults that get braces! I think it is wonderful!