My problem is this, I'm 18 years old, living in Knoxville,TN and I have practically NO family. My mother NEVER took me to the dentist. (She cared more about other things I suppose...i.e. drugs) Anyway, I literally just went to the dentist for the first time 2 months ago (EXTREMELY embarassing...) and they said that over-all I've taken good care of my teeth. But there is one exception...I still have a baby tooth that I never lost...RIGHT IN THE FRONT of my mouth where everyone can see it. I honestly never realised I hadn't lost it, or that it was a baby tooth at all, for that matter...Until the beginning of this year when I realized I it was VERY loose. I'm afraid to loosen it anymore myself for fear of having an obvious (and large) gap in my teeth. Also, I have a tooth that has been pushed behind others because of overcrowding. I desperately need braces but I'm living on my own and supporting myself at 18 years old. I do have Tenncare but I'm not sure if TennCare can help me in this situation...
Does anyone have any advice for me at all? I could REALLY use it.
I'm a very confident person except when it comes to my smile. And I think that turning out as good as I did after having such a hard life, I at least deserve a good smile. Does anyone (in Knoxville or anywhere at all) have any suggestions for me? It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
-Tara

P.S.
I'm definately glad that I got a hold of this site! I really need someone to dicuss my dental issues with.