I Was Going to Get Braces But....

When I was elementary age, I fell off my bike -- and landed teeth first. I ate dirt. My two front teeth almost fell out. They were loose, but over the course of a few days they went back to "normal" (kind of). Ever since that fall, they didn't line up straight...they were crooked. Because of that, for the last five years, I have been talking about getting braces.

This picture was taken in 2009. The two front teeth sat back behind the others and they were turning grey. The color change was so gradual, I didn't even notice it until my dentist pointed it out.

This is the first year, I started taking action steps, to get braces. This spring, I met with an orthodontist. She gave me a $3,500 dollar quote and said before she could do any work, my dentist had to examine my two front teeth. I was so frustrated. At that point, I just wanted metal in my mouth and I knew if my dentist needed to do work on my teeth first, that was going to cost more money. Since I was serious about getting braces, I met with my dentist and over the course of several months, I've had two root canals and two crowns placed on my two front teeth. All this time, I had no idea the work my dentist was doing was actually going to make my two front teeth straight. Imagine my surprise....

So, I am beyond excited!!!!
1. I don't really need braces anymore
2. I've saved thousands of dollars (literally)
3. I can smile and not feel self conscious (that feels AMAZING)
4. And did I mention I saved thousands of dollars

Eventually, I might get more cosmetic dental work done, which may or may not include some kind of braces, but for now I'm really pleased with these results.

$mile big! Yesterday, I got fitted with my permenant crowns, they are pretty. So, no more cautious chewing for me. Someone bring me steak.
 
If Cheyenne needs braces, I'm going to get them for her. I think it's worth it.

About the above pictures. Trey said if I wanted to go running, last night, I had to make him chocolate covered pretzels. He's so demanding and spoiled. This morning Cheyenne had a hard time waking up, so I lured her out of bed, by promising I'd give her some...I'm turning into that mom. Haha! You know you can relate...