34-yr Old, Finally Decided to Get Braces. Kansas City, MO

Haven't posted an update in a while! I am almost at the end of my treatment, and I can see a huge difference in my teeth. I remember before I got braces how desperate I was to have straight teeth, and how I researched all the gimmicky, quick ways that are out there, and I am so glad that I made the decision to do it the right way and get braces. I have so much more confidence now when I talk to people. I laugh without covering my mouth, which is something I would never do in the past. If my treatment lasts the entire 18 months then my braces will come off in August. My orthodontist assures me that it won't take that long. I keep going back for adjustments because my front teeth will close but they don't close properly--instead of being straight and side by side, they're closing at an angle. So after my last adjustment, I can see that they're now moving together properly and should close straight. I have the impala elastics and oh my goodness I can barely open my mouth! But I'm wearing them nonstop because I really want to finish the treatment as soon as possible. I'm only posting one update photo because I'm in a rush today, but I'll post more soon!

Last time I went in I had my power chain removed because my front teeth were beginning to overlap a bit. They've separated a little since the appointment, but the dentist assures me that this is normal. I'm actually quite pleased with how my teeth look right now because previously they were kind of slanted inwards. I will receive my final wire (hopefully) in October, and I'm so excited!

I've posted several photos at different angles so you can see what my teeth fully look like at this point. Since my front teeth moved so quickly, my teeth actually began to overlap in the front, so the power chain (elastic band) was removed, and I don't believe I'll need another one, although I could be wrong. I got a new wire and the Dolphin elastics. My teeth aren't very sore yet, but I'm sure they will be tomorrow. I also had more build-ups applied because my teeth were beginning to hit the lower front brackets when I chew my food. I'll go back for two visits in October--the first will be for X-Rays, and the second will be to reposition my brackets if I need to. If I do need repositioning, I'll likely get a lighter wire put on, and if not then I'll receive my final (!!!!) wire. At that point I'm not sure what my remaining treatment time will be, but I'm hoping it isn't too much longer than 8-10 weeks because I would love to have these braces off by Valentine's Day. If that happens then I'll have had my braces for one year. Fingers crossed!!!

On a side note, I haven't needed any wax or anything in several months. I haven't worn my elastics as often as I should but my teeth have moved very quickly without them (luckily!). If/when anything changes, I'll post updates!!