Tell us a little about yourself- name, age, location?

My name is Jamie and I'm a 21 year old girl currently living in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I was raised (mostly) in a small town in northern New Jersey but my family relocated to Virginia when I was 14 years old.


Have you always known that you needed braces?

No, actually I remember a friend in the 2nd grade having them and I wanted them so badly! Unfortunately (or not?) for me, my teeth were fine and I didn't need braces. Only two years later my two front teeth started to come in crooked and overlapped. I think this was a majority of the problem, but since my teeth were that way for over 10 years the bottom teeth changed to fit the shape of the top. At first my teeth didn't bother me but when I was 11 years old a boy in my class started making fun of them. Granted, he was the only one to ever do it to my face, but that stuck with me for 8 more years.


What kind of effect did your pre-braces teeth have on your life?

My "old teeth" were horrible. To me, they were ugly. It is very hard having a smile you aren't proud of. A person's smile is the most important thing about them, and it's horrible to grow up being ashamed of yours. As time went by my insecurity with my teeth grew. I tried to start the braces process many times but for whatever reasons things never pulled through for me. Finally in January of 2003 I realized just how much my teeth were impacting everything about me. I was too embarrassed to order food in resturants, I hated meeting new people because I was scared they'd judge me on my teeth. I thought I was ugly and worthless. I never met guys. I hate being in public. I would walk with my head down so no one could catch a glimpse of my teeth. I soon realized that when I laughed I would try to do so with my mouth closed or quickly cover it with my hand.


What made you decide to get braces?

Everything I said above. I finally said to myself, "This is no way to live. If you want to look different you need to DO SOMETHING about it!" And I immediately made a dentist appointment so I could get a referral to an orthodontist.


Do you ever regret getting braces at this stage in life?

Never. I am so proud of my teeth now (they aren't even completely straight yet!) that I show off my smile every change I get! I actually smile BIG in pictures and have no fears meeting new people. I am grateful for what the braces are doing for me and I would wear them for 50 years as long as I knew I was getting something I so desperately wanted for so long: A SMILE TO BE PROUD OF.


Is it awkward being an adult with braces?

Yes, I admit that sometimes it is. Especially when you're the only student in your college classes that looks like they are 13. :) It doesn't bother me at all though.