Braces at 20

Having braces at my age is something no-one really wants. But for me I didn't mind. I've never liked my teeth; they began to misalign when I was about eleven and gradually worsened over time.

I'm pretty old to get braces by UK standards; most people get them on around the age of 14 or even earlier. I didn't. I've had terrible experiences with dentists so wasn't overly fussed on the idea of braces.

Things changed though as I grew older. I guess the turning point for me getting braces was from my formal photos. Lovely photos, but all I could see was the smile I hated (especially in candid photos). I began smiling less and less and when I did it was a conscious smile, with no teeth. 

After the NHS being very slow and not referring me on multiple occasions I finally got my consultation when I was around 18, after 3 years of badgering them. The consultation itself consisted of getting photographs taken of my teeth in their state at the time and getting moulds made. I was told I had to have 4 teeth extracted due to overcrowding and that I would have braces for approximately 18 months.

It was over a year before all 4 teeth were extracted so that I could have my braces fitted. Not the best time-wise and I did have a terrible experience with one extraction done by an inexperienced dentist. 

Braces were finally fitted just before my 20th birthday. A strange experience in itself. Not sore, just a strange sensation of pressure. Wasn't great for the first few days having them. It was strange to eat and was uncomfortable when I did - chewing wasn't fun at all.

The uncomfortableness subsided though after the first few appointments and didn't happen much afterwards - just sometimes the odd niggle or tenderness. The gaps in my mouth were a problem due to the extracted teeth; the brace wire was easier to break at the back. I only broke the back of them twice, both times for mauling pizza.

Other than the aforementioned first 'teething problems' (terrible pun lol) I hardly knew they were there. I did get my tongue bar stuck one time but it was easy resolved though I did freak out at the time. I avoided bread for the first month I had them on; it is one of those foods that gets stuck everywhere, unfortunately...