Braces Face
I remember the day my dentist suggested I get braces. I specifically remember saying “No way, I don’t want braces and glasses.” It was just too much for me at the time. They recommended I get them for cosmetic reasons so we decided not to do it. Years go by, everyone else get braces and have them removed. Everyone else has their nice straight teeth and I’m left with my fully functional but slightly crooked teeth. Part of me wishes that I had gotten braces back then. The temporary pain for future pleasure. (Sounds like a good lesson.) But now it seems too late. Everyone’s already had theirs and I was left in the dust. Besides, it’s purely cosmetic, right?
This year, I start going to a new dentist and he explains to me this thing called Invisalign. They’re like braces, but instead of attachments and metal wires, there are a few attachments and removable plastic caps that fit over your teeth. There are a set number of trays which should get you where you want to be in a set period of time instead of a indefinite timing of braces. He also explained to me how it would improve my oral health. Straight aligned teeth will trap less bacteria and be easier to clean. I guess that was enough dental advice for me to convince myself that it’s not purely cosmetic but has some value. So today I begin my ~8 month journey with a mouth full of plastic (as opposed to metal). The temporary pain of these months will lead to the future pleasure and hopefully increased oral health.