29 and Getting Braces... Scary Road Ahead of Me! - Palos Heights, IL

I have always been unhappy with my smile, but my family was extremely poor growing up and dental hygiene/oral health was the lowest thing on my parents list. I am now 29 and married and have an amazing man who loves me the way I am. The problem is, I look in the mirror and cringe. I hate all pictures of me if my teeth are showing and when we got our wedding pics done, I practiced my smile so you couldn't see my teeth. Any pics of me with my ugly teeth are hidden to never be shown to the world! I know that even with my messed up teeth, my friends and family accept me as I am but I am at a point in my life I'm ready to change it and be the best me. I've noticed that it's really hindered me in job interviews or meeting new people as I constantly worry they are judging me.

l had an orthodontic consult with a highly recommended orthodontist about 40 minutes from me a few weeks ago. There are other orthodontists closer to me, but my priority is getting it done right and done by the best person instead of settling for someone that's the closest to me. Although I hate smiling for people, he made me feel very comfortable and didn't act like I was a freak or that I had the worst teeth ever (even though I feel like I do.) I originally went into his office asking for Invisalign (he is a premier provider), but one look at my teeth and he said that braces would work better and faster... DARN IT! He told me that despite what people think, that most people aren't an optimal candidate for Invisalign. He also said if I really wanted to go that route, he would see what he could do but I might not get where I want to and may still require braces in the end. He told me I have overcrowding and an underbite. I have an appointment at my general dentist for a routine cleaning and to have 2 cavities filled, then the orthodontist wants me to have my dentist pull 4 teeth due to my overcrowding. I always knew that overcrowding was the biggest issue as some of my teeth are hidden behind other teeth. Once the teeth are out and healed, he will take my impressions and put my braces on at the same time, that way I don't have to miss two days of work. I asked for the least noticeable ones as possible, so I think he is going to do the porcelain ones on me. He said that if everything goes excellent I could have them off in as little as 18 months, but he is predicting 2 years. Thinking of being 31 with braces just scares the heck outta me but I have really been wanting to get this done for years so I am ready to do it. My husband is also great moral support and is very happy for me.

The orthodontist quoted me $5200, which from reading other reviews on this site, I think that's pretty standard. My insurance covers $1500 of it, and I've taken out a FSA for this year and will take out one for next year to cover my cost. He told me that this covers the impressions, the initial appointment and exam, any emergency appointments should something come loose and one retainer. If I lose it or should my dog eat it (which will be a strong possibility as I have a dog who likes to chew on everything!!) they only charge whatever the lab chooses to make it with no additional fees or mark-up.

I truly believe that I have found the best man for the job and am excited, albeit a little nervous, to start this journey. I have taken a lot of before pics but will feel more comfortable uploading them once I have a little bit of change in my mouth.