"Checking old pics every few months really helps keep perspective..."
This is spot on. I remember feeling like nothing was happening with my underbite too, but when I compared photos from 6 months apart, the difference was pretty clear. Hang in there, slow progress is still progress.
"slow progress is still progress."
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I'm about 8 months into braces for my underbite, and honestly, some days it feels like watching grass grow. I keep anxiously checking the mirror, thinking nothing's changing... but then last week I stumbled across an old selfie from before braces. It was kind of shocking how different things already looked! Still a ways to go, obviously, but seeing that subtle shift really helped ease my anxiety a bit.
I guess it's true that we stare at ourselves every day, so it's hard to notice those tiny incremental changes. Photos definitely help put things in perspective. Now if only I could stop obsessively checking my teeth every five minutes... haha.
Haha, this brings back memories... I remember obsessing over my teeth every single day when I had braces. Felt like nothing was happening until one day I bit into a sandwich and realized my bite actually lined up properly. Hang in there, you're making more progress than you think.
"Felt like nothing was happening until one day I bit into a sandwich and realized my bite actually lined up properly."
Haha, that's exactly how it goes... progress with braces is subtle until suddenly it's obvious. I remember feeling frustrated too, but trust me, patience pays off in the end. Hang in there!
I totally get the patience thing, but honestly, sometimes braces alone aren't enough for an underbite. I had mine for ages and saw minimal improvement until my ortho suggested combining braces with elastics and eventually a minor jaw surgery. Not saying that's everyone's case, but if you're feeling stuck, maybe it's worth chatting with your orthodontist about other options? Progress can be subtle, sure, but sometimes there's more effective routes out there... just something to consider.
