I've been with my braces for 12 days now and thought I'd post my story from the day I got my braces till now as I know it may be encouraging to those who have just started to wear braces or those who are contemplating getting braces but are being hesitant to take the plunge.
Already there is a significant improvement. It's great! I love these braces now.
I'm Annette, and Im a 23 year old Forensic Science degree student currently living in London, England.
I'm also a singer/songwriter/composer
so as I got older, the more I became conscious of my teeth, hence making me feel very self conscious when I sang.I didnt really like smiling either due to my protruding teeth.
So, I took the plunge and did something about it.
I only went to one consultation as all the orthodontists in my area were quoting the same prices: £2500 to £3000. Also, the initial consultation was expensive and I liked the orthodontist and staff there.
A few days later, I went back for X-rays, and a few days after that I got my quote: £2950 (trust it to be in the higher end of the estimate) and treatment time. I was told I would need four teeth out before any treatment would take place however.
So, I got my upper and lower first premolars removed on the 23rd of July.
I hadn't really thought very long about getting my extractions. As soon as I could afford to get braces, I went to the consultation and less than three weeks later my teeth were out.
Obviously after that I couldn't then decide I didn't want braces anymore.
I guess that shows how much I wanted to sort my teeth out.
I'm hoping 18 months for treatment is accurate so that I won't still be wearing my braces in my graduation photo in a couple of years.
I'll then be wearing night time retainers for two years minimum.
So on with the pictures then!
This is me and my cheesy
grin on the day of my extractions! (I wasn't grining like this after my extractions, I can tell you 
) 
From the side it can be seen why I need braces.
And this is me three days later on the 26th of July a couple of hours after I got my new Damon 3's on.
Me, being clumsy had bitten my lip somehow when my mouth was still numb from the anesthetic so I have a horrible ulcer on my lip.
1st day in braces (above and below)
12th day in braces
I'm pleased with the movement so far. Hope it carries on this way!
I'm no longer feeling like,
but more like 
. Theres not much pain now and I'm starting to chew soft things rather than choking from swallowing bits of food whole. 
I'll keep everyone updated now and again!
Good luck everyone!
