lisah

Fantastic that you got yourself a new job and as a counsellor I see that you're working with your own 'head' by the way you write.

I love your post, as you sound like a spoilt brat who knows that they are, but can't do anything about it! The beauty of your post is that you have moved forward and although you maybe allow yourself to spend a little too much time wallowing in self pity, you are trying hard to improve your attitude and for that you are to be congratulated!

Good luck with your work and life!

I know exactly how ya feel. I've had my braces almost 6months and felt self conscious when I first got mine.. you will used to them soon

Lisa don't for one second think that you don't have the right to hate your braces. I got mine when I was 30. Am 32 now, and am about a month away from getting mine off. And I have to be honest. I have hated every single solitary moment I've had my braces on. There's not a meal I eat that I don't loathe these damn things. I have hated every elastic I've put in my mouth. Every adjustment. Every sore. Every cut on my lips, my cheeks, and my tongue. I have hated PAYING for these things too. Now, that having been said, now that I'm at the end of my treatment, I am totally and completely glad I did it. However, I still get so annoyed I want to rip them out myself every time I eat. It's ok to hate your braces, yes we elected to have this done and yes, there are a lot of people who want braces but can't afford them. But that doesn't mean you have to like them. You're doing this for a better end result. It's like losing weight. No one wants to diet and take their lazy butt to the gym every day (ok some people do...) anyway, you HAVE to do it to achieve your desired end result. And when you put on those jeans that are 2 sizes smaller, well that moment makes it all worthwhile. So hate away girl, and share your misery and your joys because there WILL be a day when you get them off and you'll feel like a million bucks again!

Lisah awesome! You do appreciate them, but you can still hate them as well! I am in the same boat totally. My fiance didn't want me to get bottom braces and now having issues and I can't say a dang thing or I'll get "well you shouldn't have done it in the first place". I hate them so dearly. But I'm only expecting 7-8 months and at the end I have wedding pictures so I can do the race. Give your self a reward at the end I know it helps me. Well and actually for me I know when they are off will be the wedding and I'd like a little (read a lot) more time for planning.

Congrats on the job. I've been out of work for a while now as well And going on interviews is so stressful with my lisp. So YAY for you! Hope you enjoy it! Sounds personally rewarding.

I can totally relate and don't think bad about you disliking your braces. I hate mine (ok, hate might be a bit dramatic), but they are a real PITA! I sooo didn't realise it was going to be like this. Of course I understand I am lucky to be going through this and that I can afford it (just about), but I have alot going on in my mouth right now and I think it's natural to feel fed up and tired of it all.

But, we will get there in the end!

Go ahead and hate your braces. It is ok. No one said the whole process was easy and I'm sure we've all had that "What did I get myself into" question pop around. For me, it was the spacers, getting molar bands and having the wire replaced.

There is nothing wrong with bitching and moaning as long as you get over it. Sometimes we just have to release things before we become fine with it and move on.

On a personal note, thank you for working in the disability services industry. That is wonderful and keep up the good work!

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I really needed someone to "give me permission" to hate my braces without feeling like a self-pitying wimp! I do feel much better now; the combination of writing and getting it out of my system, and hearing that I am not alone in how I feel. Thanks again, you're all awesome.

LOL, Awesome Lisah you could not have said it any better. If anyone likes their braces as opposed to having a perfect smile they are $%^&##($&(#)# nuts!!!!

I love everyones comments they are all so perfect.

I HATE MY BRACES too, I hate not being able to eat a yummy kashi chewy granola bar when I am starving and have nothing to eat, I hate flossing, I hate how yellow my teeth are now, I hate it all but I have accepted them currently though give me another week or too and I will be loathing them again.

I must say this is quite the challenge and every time I think about another 2 years I get a panic attack. So like eating healthy, exercising, cleaning my house, paying bills, dealing with A&&holes I just have to accept it and BREATH and bitch a little to make it better.

Thank you for your honesty and putting it in words so perfectly.

Hang in there!!! It will be worth it, even though its the biggest pain in the ass.

I pray for serenity everyday so I don't punch someone out if they make a stupid comment about braces and a reminder of a 2 year sentence.

Lisa I forgot to ask have you at least seen any improvement that you are happy about yet???

Hi Elle! That is the other thing too I guess, is that I really haven't noticed any changes since maybe the first two-three weeks. No visible changes or feeling in my mouth that any movement has taken place. Secondly, I've really lost sight of what my end result will be - I can't visualise myself with no braces, straight teeth and a correct bite. I really have to ask my ortho to explain everything again next time I see her, because I think when we discussed my treatment in those early consultations it was all a bit of a blur, and you really don't understand it until the braces go on and you live with them everyday.

But I am feeling less down at the moment after writing this post. I still hate them, and I'm so tired of being hungry all the time, but I've gotten a bit better perspective and everyone has been so nice in their comments, it really makes the world of difference!