Braces. Braces. Braces. Most were kids in middle school when they had braces, not me. I was lucky enough to get my braces on at 18 years old (sense my sarcasm). Right in the middle of high school graduation and beginning my freshman year of college, I became a brace face.
I wanted braces ever since middle school, but, according to my parents, it was never the right time. I believe they thought my teeth would straighten automatically, once my baby teeth were all in, at least that's what the dentist told my parents (crazy). Nope, wrong. I, for 18 years, had a big, kinda cute, gap right between my two front teeth. All of a sudden my parents started asking when i was getting braces, what?! It was finally time to get them, but now I was an adult.
I went through with the braces, realized I cared way more than anyone else did about having them in college, and now am just waiting to get them taken off.
The cast of "SpongeBob Squarepants" helps me explain my thought and feelings, with humor.
1. My first appointment, yay!
Clarification here, I am SpongeBob, Patrick is my mom. One of us was clearly more excited. In your case, roles might be reversed, but I couldn't help it, I was ready.
2. How I first felt when I got my braces on.
After initial consultation, the doc and I made arrangements for me to come back in a few weeks and have the braces put on. I started that day off nervous and ended it hungry.
How was I supposed to close my mouth with these huge brackets, wires and bands on my teeth?! My mouth feels huge. Do I even fit through doors? Do I look 12 (the answer to that is yes)? I can't wait to eat. Why did I do this to myself. Take them off! Everything all at once.
I wanted to eat pretzels, popcorn, peanut brittle, chew gum and bite into apples.
3. Brushing my teeth, it takes forever.
And what's with the floss threaders and five different mouthwashes? I Just end up drooling everywhere and giving up.
4. Me once I realized I could eat everything they told me not to.
That big list of foods to avoid, well I tried. I eat everything I'm not supposed to (except popcorn) and haven't broken anything, yet! I think it is partially a scam to get us to develop healthy habits and eat right, but it's smart.
5. How I feel going in for check-ups and being the oldest patient in the room.
Hey doc, remember I'm not in high school or middle school. This girl is in college, yes, really. Also, to all the small children in the chairs beside me, I hope you like those braces, you will have them forever!
6. But then treating myself to ice cream because I'm an adult and I can.
7. The emotions every time my orthodontist told me I was “Almost finished."
OMG, the day is almost here. I am getting these off! I was originally given an estimation of eight to ten months, start to finish with my braces. That was a joke, my ten months was up a long time ago.
8. Followed by being told I am not getting them off this appointment.
Just kidding, kid. I have gotten used to people asking me how much longer I will have these suckers on, so I just tell people, "Who knows? I think my orthodontist is just playing games now."
I just can't wait to get these braces off and see the beauties that are beneath! Braces aren't the greatest thing, but honestly, I can say they aren't that bad. It can be frustrating, especially having them on exponentially longer than I was originally told, but I know it will be worth it. The gap was cute, but the straight teeth will help me in my professional life, after college.
