My name is Sarah. I'm 19 and currently in my second year of college. I had my upper and lower braces put on on August 17th, 2012. I've been so busy reading everyone elses stories that I haven't had a chance to share my own!
I'll begin with my before-braces journey. Ever since I was little I was told I'd need braces due to my deep bite, but about two years ago I was told that I'd need them for an impacted incisor (I still have my baby tooth). Of course, I was a senior in high school at this time and I wasn't about to get braces before Prom, Graduation, etc, so I put it to the side.
Choosing my orthodontist was simple, I knew so many people who went to him and my dentist recommended him completely. Everyone who had him had the prettiest teeth when they got their braces off, so I was set on him being my orthodontist.
He told me my estimated time is 18-24 months. I'm okay with that estimate (even though I know I'll have them for close to two years). Whatever it takes to get my impacted canine down and in place (FINALLY!!).
My first step to my braces process was to get my lower wisdom teeth out. I didn't need my top ones out and won't for a few more years because they are hardly visible in x-rays. Getting those out was a piece of cake. It hurt for a few days after, but I avoided dry-socket in both and had barely any swelling.
I had my spacers put in (2 on top, two on bottom) on August 10th, 2012, and let me just say those were the worst things. I was in so much pain and could basically only eat yogurt.
I then had my braces on on August 17th, and I also hated that experience. It took them about 3 hours to put both the top and bottom on. I was also surprised when they put "bite turbos" on the backs of my two front top teeth for my deep bite. The turbos took such a long time to get used to, and all my tongue could do was fidget with them. Almost two months later I still have a slight lisp, but it's to the point where I'm the only one who notices it. I'll post some terrible quality photos soon.
Braces in college isn't easy. I have to scavenge in my dining commons for soft food, and presenting with a lisp isn't fun. But, I keep reminding myself that now is a good time to have them because not much is going on in my life. It's now or never.
P.S. I absolutely love this board! It has made me have hope that my canine will come down and move into place!
Now for some before pictures:
In the above photo you can see my baby tooth (it's tiny)
The above is a good photo of my deep bite. Looking back at this it looks as though my front teeth are very long!
This one shows the angle of my bottom teeth. My orthodontist says they are angled inwards due to the deep bite. They're basically straight now.
) I also have some ties on two of my top left teeth, these are twisting teeth because they seem to be a little rotated. 
Welcome to the board! You seem to have a wonderful attitude towards your braces. I’m in the same boat as you, in school with braces but it’s not a big deal to me at all…I actually kind of like them lol
