#toothtalk

“I was prepping for my usual morning leg-stretching while I realized something felt different. Actually, it could have been night as well, who knows? It literally took me a few years to understand all those technical terms about time. Morning, evening, night; It’s so ironic how those worthless words could have become so crucial in my daily life. So, as I was saying; I stretching my long leg- which was getting more and more longer- My biggest pride by the way- when suddenly I had the sensation of being pulled from my cushy hat- which is my gums for those who have no idea what I’m talking about. See, I learned a lot from you guys... For example, I never thought my leg was a root; it was there to help me stay anchored, stay attached. So, my head was slowly getting out. I couldn’t see anything yet but oh boy I could feel! Stormy rainy vapor over my head. It wasn’t uncomfortable or anything, just different; new.  My big discovery of the outside world was precious for the most part. I met some cool people since day one, such as tongue. We bonded automatically; with all that tickling, and refreshing scrubs, I had to like the man. Who doesn’t like tongue?? He is always around to take all that crap out. Did I mention that I had no gums around me at all?? Lonely world in a 6 months old baby.”

was horrible.

I went to see an ortho who was recommended to me by my dentist. 

His office was a little creepy, and I could tell right off the bat that he was an old school kind of guy. After evaluating my teeth for 3.5 seconds, he told me that Invisalign couldn't fix all my problems, that he doesn't really like Invisalign anyway, and that it was looking like braces for the next two years.

Excuse me?

No.

I am 25 years old. Braces is not a socially acceptable option (vain, but true).

This would NOT work.

I knew I needed a second opinion, but I went from hopeful to worried in no time. Invisalign can't fix me?? BRACES???! TWO YEARS....??!

All I have to say is thank goodness for Yelp!.

I found a guy that came very highly rated by every single one of his patients. Lots of people had taken the time to write small essays on his amazingness (Yes, I am aware that amazingness is not a word), how he went above and beyond for them, how his prices were so reasonable, and... AND... how he trained with the man who invented Invisalign! This was my man. 

And as it turns out, I was right and he was awesome.

Despite feeling 15 years older than every. other. patient... they made me feel super comfortable, they assured me that Invisalign could do it all, and they told me it could be done in (get this) NINE MONTHS! 

I signed on the dotted line that very same day.

And now, the moral(s) of the story...

-There is hope!

-Don't settle for the first thing you're told.

-Don't believe that braces are the only way. 

Me: No... I can't wear lipstick...

Friend: Why not?!

In fact, by normal standards, my teeth aren't even that bad.

But I can't stand them!

In middle school I had braces for about two years. I refused to wear my rubber bands when I had them, and I refused to wear my retainers when I didn't. For the most part, however, they stayed pretty straight. 

But as I got to college (read: got more self-aware and self-conscious), they really started to bother me. I hated taking pictures (the freshman 15 didn't help), and I wanted to do something about it.

So, almost 5 years post-braceface, I convinced my parents to pay for Invisalign (HELLO, I was in college... Braces were an absolute NO, and so were my crooked chompers).

I somewhat (read: kinda-sorta, most of the time, until the end when I got sick of it...) followed the Invisalign protocol. And when the treatment was over, I was generally, although not entirely, satisfied with the end result.

THEN, maybe a year later, I was pushed to the ground by a friend (No, it was not meant to be aggressive, and yes, alcohol was definitely involved), and I fell flat on my face, effectively chipping 5 of my front teeth, and sending those puppies into shift-mode once more.

Slowly but surely, they have moved into what is no longer a pleasant, toothy, happy, aligned smile.

And it bugs the crap out of me!

I don't like that I am now 25 years old and in need of orthodontics, AGAIN.

So, instead of bitching for all of eternity, I am doing something about it.

A big, expensive something.

NO, not veneers, although I wish I could afford that!

We are talking Invisalign here people. Again.

And this is my journey.

From drab to dazzling.

Mostly I'm doing this so that I can document the transformation; for my own sake.

But I'm also open to sharing the experience, and to helping others who are looking for advice when it comes to their grown-up teeth and what to do about them.

Wild. I know.