Brace Face As An 18 Year Old, With Help From SpongeBob And Friends | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Brace Face As An 18 Year Old, With Help From SpongeBob And Friends

I'm not in middle school anymore, really doc.

351
Brace Face As An 18 Year Old, With Help From SpongeBob And Friends
Pinterest

Braces. Braces. Braces. Most were kids in middle school when they had braces, not me. I was lucky enough to get my braces on at 18 years old (sense my sarcasm). Right in the middle of high school graduation and beginning my freshman year of college, I became a brace face.

I wanted braces ever since middle school, but, according to my parents, it was never the right time. I believe they thought my teeth would straighten automatically, once my baby teeth were all in, at least that's what the dentist told my parents (crazy). Nope, wrong. I, for 18 years, had a big, kinda cute, gap right between my two front teeth. All of a sudden my parents started asking when i was getting braces, what?! It was finally time to get them, but now I was an adult.

I went through with the braces, realized I cared way more than anyone else did about having them in college, and now am just waiting to get them taken off.

The cast of "SpongeBob Squarepants" helps me explain my thought and feelings, with humor.

1. My first appointment, yay!


Clarification here, I am SpongeBob, Patrick is my mom. One of us was clearly more excited. In your case, roles might be reversed, but I couldn't help it, I was ready.

2. How I first felt when I got my braces on.

After initial consultation, the doc and I made arrangements for me to come back in a few weeks and have the braces put on. I started that day off nervous and ended it hungry.

How was I supposed to close my mouth with these huge brackets, wires and bands on my teeth?! My mouth feels huge. Do I even fit through doors? Do I look 12 (the answer to that is yes)? I can't wait to eat. Why did I do this to myself. Take them off! Everything all at once.

I wanted to eat pretzels, popcorn, peanut brittle, chew gum and bite into apples.

3. Brushing my teeth, it takes forever.

And what's with the floss threaders and five different mouthwashes? I Just end up drooling everywhere and giving up.

4. Me once I realized I could eat everything they told me not to.

That big list of foods to avoid, well I tried. I eat everything I'm not supposed to (except popcorn) and haven't broken anything, yet! I think it is partially a scam to get us to develop healthy habits and eat right, but it's smart.

5. How I feel going in for check-ups and being the oldest patient in the room.

Hey doc, remember I'm not in high school or middle school. This girl is in college, yes, really. Also, to all the small children in the chairs beside me, I hope you like those braces, you will have them forever!

6. But then treating myself to ice cream because I'm an adult and I can.

The bad thing was getting everything changed, the new bands, and the adjustments. The good thing, I drove past a Dairy Queen every time I had an appointment. I didn't have to ask mom. Winning!

7. The emotions every time my orthodontist told me I was “Almost finished."

OMG, the day is almost here. I am getting these off! I was originally given an estimation of eight to ten months, start to finish with my braces. That was a joke, my ten months was up a long time ago.

8. Followed by being told I am not getting them off this appointment.

Just kidding, kid. I have gotten used to people asking me how much longer I will have these suckers on, so I just tell people, "Who knows? I think my orthodontist is just playing games now."

I just can't wait to get these braces off and see the beauties that are beneath! Braces aren't the greatest thing, but honestly, I can say they aren't that bad. It can be frustrating, especially having them on exponentially longer than I was originally told, but I know it will be worth it. The gap was cute, but the straight teeth will help me in my professional life, after college.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

47
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

458
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments