The Day You Get Your Braces Off

This is the day you've been looking forward to since the first day you were sentenced to braces.

You've dreamed about it, fantasized about it, and thought this day would never come. You've endured jokes and put up with nicknames like "Braceface". Now the magic day has arrived; this is the day you get your braces off!

It seems to take no time at all to remove the braces. Then comes the magical moment when you run your tongue over your teeth; it feels weird and wonderful.

The assistants and receptionist are overcome with how beautiful your teeth are. What you want, however, is to smile at someone whose salary isn't paid by the orthodontist, and get a true reaction.

Your parents are pleased. They should; they paid enough for the braces. Your best friend says you look great, and so does your posse. They're obligated to say good things because they love you. They're also the ones who have endured your drama, so they must be relieved. You should find one of those jerks who called you a brace face and flash a brilliant smile at them; revenge is sweet!

Hold up. There is something to consider at this, the outset of your braces-free life. Yes, you're free of those train tracks, you can eat caramels and corn on the cob again, and you have a totally new smile. All of these things are simply marvelous, but there's one thing to remember the day you get your braces off. It is not going to change your whole life.

It doesn't mean that your secret crush will suddenly fall in love with you, your life will not suddenly go all Bollywood, and you're probably not going to live happily ever after. Thinking that everything will change for the better is a dangerous expectation, because it just won't happen.

That's not to say, though, that some totally wonderful things won't be coming your way. You'll be more confident, be free of the complications having braces can add, and pronounce all the words correctly in French class. Just as all past problems didn't stem from having crooked teeth, all your present problems won't be solved because you have straight teeth.

Enjoy the benefits of your new smile, because that's a pretty amazing thing to have. Above all, make sure that you enjoy the day you get your braces off, because you deserve it.