I decided to get braces about a year ago, and finally last Friday (July 2, 2004) I got them put on. I had to have a lot of periodontic work done before I had the braces fitted, and I had 3 teeth extracted, 2 upper premolars and my bottom right incisor. So I was gummy for about 3 weeks before I actually got the braces on. 

I had the spacers fitted a week after the extractions, they were in for about 12 days. I have ceramic brackets on top and the metal ones on the bottom teeth. The metal brackets are fine, I barely notice them, they haven't irritated my cheeks or gums, so on that I count myself lucky. The top brackets are a different story, they feel so much bigger than the metal: I can't close my mouth properly, it's very awkward talking with them, and working as a receptionist I'm on the phone the whole time, so it's making things a little difficult. 

I feel very conscious about them, I've tried to practice ways of talking so they don't show, and smiling so they don't show, but of course, it doesn't work, they show. People's reactions have been fine, again I probably notice it much more than they because they're in my mouth. I haven't been in many shops or places where I've had to speak much, today is my 1st day back in the office and so far so good, well as good as can be. 

I know in a month or so, I'll look back on this and wonder why I am so uneasy and conscious of them, but at the moment they're all I see. I wouldn't change anything though, I've waited a year to get them on, and I can feel some difference already in some of my teeth. I know at the end of it all there will be a lovely smile, something I've never felt I had, and it will all be worth it. I do count myself lucky, I've had an easy enough time of it. 

The extractions weren't too bad, I healed up quickly, the spacers were fine and I've no pain since getting the brace on, and better still they braces actually ended up costing €600 less than I had anticipated, so I have extra cash to treat myself.