Then and Now and Thank you!

This was me then...

This photo was taken the day I put my braces on, over two years ago, on February 10, 2010.  That was me, smiling.  Do you see the open gap in the front; between my top and bottom teeth?  I had an open bite and an over bite!  My teeth were crooked and my mouth was just a mess. 

I struggled with the thought of getting braces for years.  I wore braces once before when I was eleven for about a year.  My teeth were straight after the treatment, but when my wisdom teeth came out, I was afraid to remove them and they eventually squeezed in and forced all my other teeth into places they should never have gone. 

I had to pull out four teeth and do several periodontal treatments before the orthodontist would even think of putting braces on me.  It was a long hard road, but I focused on the end the result. 

And now, two years and three months later...

This is me now!

This photo was taken as I was arriving home from the orthodontist.  It was all worth it and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  It sure feels good!

The journey is not exactly over.  I will be picking up my retainer on Wednesday.  I will have to wear it full time (except to eat and brush) for the first few months, and eventually only at night.  But who cares, right??

I just want to take a moment to thank my biggest supporters:  my husband, my daughters and my Mom who are always there for me, no matter what.  And of course, my family and friends on facebook and twitter.  Thank you so much for all your support these past two years.  It's such a blessing to have so many dear ones around me.

I picked up a dozen assorted muffins for the staff at my Orthodontist's office

to say "Thank you".  Since it would be impossible to send a muffin to each one of you,

I hope you will accept a virtual muffin as a token of my thanks and appreciation!  

Happy Sunday!  Wishing you a fabulous week, filled with wonderful

things to smile about! xoxo