My only regret: why did I wait for so long to do this?

Despite first sitting in a dental chair at the age of 8 and clocking countless hours on fillings, a lifetime of photos with a closed-mouth smile was all I had to show for it. I am a teacher which requires me to show my mouth, tongue and teeth close up for pronunciation activities. As my confidence was sliding due to age related physical changes, I decided it was time to do something for my self-confidence and for my health. It was time to have a smile I wouldn't be ashamed to show.
Tickets and hotel were booked. Holiday and teeth, 2 birds with one stone.
Prior consultation from 15,000 kms away. Pics and X-ray shared, appointments arranged. I was greeted by a warm and friendly staff and reveived an extreme but flawless dental makeover by the kindest, most professional group of dental magicians who genuinely shared my delight and amazement as I looked at my new smile for the first time.
I now have to take a second selfie every time. It isn't easy to break a habit of closed-mouth smiling for 48 years.
My only regret: why did I wait for so long to do this?
Forever grateful to my dental family.