It's a HUGE Commitment - Ocala, FL

I think I'll never get past having to wear my retainers every night-I feel afraid they will go crooked again in the middle of the night. But, on the plus side, I do have a tendancy to clench/grind my teeth, so I also don't have to wear a night guard--the retainer acts as that and I find I'm not clenching or grinding my teeth like I used to. Yes, my teeth may not be "textbook perfect" or "movie star quality" but for me, at my age, I am thrilled that they are 'straight' and I have no more jaw pain or cracking/popping.
I still feel like I've "forgotten something" by not having the trays in during the day. And I find that I'm slacking off on brushing my teeth after every meal because I don't have to rush to put trays back in. I see the hygenist in another month, so I'll see if my oral health has gone downhill. Hopefully not.
I'm still amazed at how fast this time seems to have flown by. 20 months ago I felt like it would last FOREVER, and I often wanted to quit, but kept telling myself "2 more weeks." I'm glad I stayed with it.
Good luck, if you're just starting out. It will go by quickly when you look back. Trust me. And, 'happy smile-congrats' if you are almost done.

Thought I would make it official...I am done with my treatment and have been wearing the retainers only at night for awhile now. So many people, close friends and strangers, have commented on how happy I seem/look. I know I smile more now...and probably a bigger smile, since I'm happy to show off my straight teeth. According to my ortho, they're not 'perfect' -- but for me they are since I really don't want to have my teeth filed anymore. And I saw the pics and don't care for the new shape they would have to be to move onto refinements. But I have about 16 months left to change my mind.

It was a long journey but it really did go by fast.

I've been done with the lower trays since January. I have my final lower retainer but not sure I like the material/feel. I was considering IPR and refinements for the uppers but I've changed my mind. I'm not looking for perfection and with overly sensitive teeth, I don't want to tempt fate. I have 18 months to change my mind. I've been done with the top since May and can go without wearing the tray for about 3 hours. The bottom trays I leave out now for 12-14 hours.