"Little adjustments like that really do make a difference."
Couldn't agree more. When I had my braces, I remember constantly fiddling with the wires—felt like everyone could see them sticking out, even though they probably couldn't. Did anyone else ever try using orthodontic wax? That stuff was a lifesaver for me when brackets or wires started poking around. I used to carry a little container of it everywhere, just in case. Also, I totally relate to the waistband trick, haha. I used to loop my elastics around my pinky finger discreetly during meals so I wouldn't forget to put them back in afterward. Weird habits, but hey, whatever works, right? Trust me, these annoyances fade quicker than you'd expect... pretty soon you'll barely notice they're there.
Funny you mention orthodontic wax—I never quite got the hang of that stuff. Every time I tried to use it, I'd end up swallowing half of it during lunch without realizing. Still alive, so I guess it's safe, haha. Honestly, though, I found the more I fiddled with wires and elastics, the more aware I became of them. Eventually, I just gave up trying to hide or adjust things and embraced the awkwardness. Weirdly enough, once I stopped obsessing over every tiny detail, people seemed less likely to notice anything was off.
I get that crooked teeth can drive you crazy (been there), but sometimes obsessing over little imperfections makes them feel way bigger than they actually are. Took me years to realize nobody else cared about my slightly uneven bottom teeth as much as I did... go figure.
I get your point about not obsessing, but honestly, sometimes those little imperfections can have a bigger impact than we realize. I used to brush off my slightly crooked teeth too, thinking no one else noticed... until I finally got them fixed and realized how much more confident I felt smiling openly in photos or chatting face-to-face. Sure, people might not consciously notice minor flaws, but the boost in self-esteem from addressing something that's bugging you can be pretty amazing. Just another perspective to consider...
That's a fair point, and I've definitely seen patients who felt a huge confidence boost after straightening their teeth. But it's also worth mentioning that not everyone experiences the same impact. Some people genuinely embrace those little quirks and feel totally comfortable with them. If it's really bothering you, exploring options makes sense—but remember, there's no universal rule here. It's about finding what feels right for you personally... crooked teeth or not.
"Some people genuinely embrace those little quirks and feel totally comfortable with them."
Totally agree with this. I've had slightly crooked teeth my whole life, and honestly, most people don't even notice unless I point it out. But if it's really bugging you, maybe look into affordable options like clear aligners or payment plans—just make sure it's something you truly want for yourself, not just because you feel pressured by others.
