So I clearly remember being taken to the dentist when I was 9/10 years old and the dentist saying that I will have to come back in 12-18 months to a as my adult teeth were still coming through. That was the closest I came to getting braces as a kid.
A year after going to high school and making new friends (many who had braces already) a whole bunch of family stuff happened and basically my teeth were not a priority anymore.
A couple years in to high-school (age 12/14) many of my friends were now getting their braces OFF and I was still brace-less.
The last few years in high-school (14/16) pretty much everyone in school was in a relationship and as most of you can probably remember, as much as everyone at that age is insecure with themselves, looks were everything! I clearly remember thinking I want braces but I wouldn't (and couldn't due to family finances) do anything about it.
The next few years at 6th form and uni I don't remember thinking much about my teeth. In fact that was probably the only time I didn't really care(!).
After uni I got my first job and that's when I used to think "ok I'm going to do something about it" but helping financially at home and paying my own bills etc it was NEVER an option!
25/26 I remember going to an orthodontist for a free consultation about Invisalign. I remember walking out that surgery feeling so deflated after being told I wasn't a candidate for that treatment. I remember the lady Dr had the worst bedside manner! I was told (quite bluntly) if I wanted braces I would have to have several teeth removed, there would be gaps until the teeth came close together, I would only be able to get the traditional metal brackets etc etc. At this point I was working in a corporate environment and the last thing I wanted to have was gaps in my mouth or metal brackets! Yes I would rather have wonky teeth.
So after entering the 'dirty 30's' club, having a good job and being very happily single I thought it was THE time to make it happen. Did some research online and found a place not too far. After my last visit I was feeling super nervous. The first thing the dentist asked me "why did it take you so long,why now?" To which I told him the above story (shortened version). He did the assessment and happily told me that he could do the clear braces treatment, there would be no teeth removed and my top arch should take only 6 months, and the price £2600!, much less than I had expected or previously been told. I was elated!
He joked with me after saying "how was my bedside manner?". lol
So here I am, past the 1month mark and I will be getting my bottom set next week.
Financially I wasn't able to do this earlier, but my advise to anyone would be if you are financially secure then get it done as soon as possible. It's really not as bad as you're probably making it out to be in your head.
I just can't wait for the treatment to be completed, or to start seeing some movement. I'm glad that I can share my journey with so many of you guys that are going through the same thing, but I really do wish I did this sooner. Better late than never
