When I went to my last orthodontist appointment, I got the best news! My teeth, which had developed a few stubborn gaps in the spring, started behaving. The gaps were almost gone, and Dr. Harrington said that we could move up my “de-banding” date. That means I’ll get my braces off in just one month!
It’s hard to believe how much my smile has changed since the beginning of this journey. Remember this photo? It was taken the day after my braces went on:
Do you see how crooked those two front teeth are? I can’t believe how much they stuck out then. They actually hurt sometimes because they were pressing so hard against my upper gums.
The bottom ones were a serious mess too, although you can’t see them in the photo. The root was sticking out so far that I had a lump in my gum below one of my bottom teeth. Dr. Harrington had to work major magic on those bottom teeth! And he did!
It’s been a major change. Check out this photo, taken last weekend:
I feel so much better about my teeth, and I’m excited for my smile to be band-and-bracket free! In fact, here’s a countdown of the top five things I’m looking forward to doing after my braces come off:
5: Eating apples. I’ve nibbled a few slices over the last year and a half, but I really can’t wait to just take a big bit of a nice, juicy McIntosh.
4. Not finding little rubber bands all over the place. I stashed bags of elastics in both bathrooms, my bedside table and my purse, and they have somehow managed to get everywhere! The bottom of my purse is covered. I figure they will come in handy.
3. Whistling. Getting braces made me unable to whistle! I think it’s because I can’t hold my lips close to my teeth anymore. It’s not like I walked around whistling constantly before, but for some strange reason, I am looking forward to being able to do it again!
2. Easy brushing and flossing. Before my braces went on, my teeth were so crooked that brushing and flossing was a major (and painful) chore. It’s become easier as my teeth have gotten straighter, but brushing around braces can still be a delicate process. I can’t wait to have everything out of the way so I can brush and floss with ease!
But of course, the thing I’m most looking forward to is:
1. Seeing my brand-new, straight smile. I’ve gotten a little taste of what it’ll look like, but I can’t wait to see it uncovered in all its glory. I have a feeling I won’t stop smiling for a long time afterward. I can’t wait to share it with you!
Meagan Francis is a mom of five and an author, writing about motherhood, family life and more.
Payton Taylor is a country music recording artist based in Southern New Jersey. 
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
That is great that you’re getting your braces off soon! I have had mine for a year and a half and I hope I get them off soon as well! (I also have small gaps that have to close first.) I hope you enjoy your smile!
Just wait…the first few days, not only will you keep smiling, but you will also keep checking your teeth for food every time you eat. It took my son about a week to finally stop checking his then gone braces for leftovers.
Happy braces off anticipation! You forgot KISSING! LOL. I loved this post even tho I have never had fun with orthodontics. Good luck and ENJOY!
The time required for braces is long and with metal braces it is also painful. The end results are good, but in mean time most people suffers from lip cuts and some other problems. Now, there are new options for the braces that are less painful and some of them are easy to remove and wear.
great and exciting news
. im 20 and turning 21 real soon, and i just have to tag along to your story haha. i will probably have my braces off this coming summer. my god is it worth it. being able to smile without any worries or fear and feeling good about your appearance. i dont have my braces off but im already smiling and laughing with joy knowing what is to come. enjoyed reading your blog and now im even more excited for that day 
cheers!!