What Does Happiness Mean To You?

I've asked myself this question time and time again. There are several answers to this.

• Happiness is...Family
• Happiness is...Good Health
• Happiness is...Good Friends
• Happiness is...Wealth
• Happiness is...NO BRACES!!!!!!!!!

I am officially free of my braces! Or, as Ashley would say..."Mom's no longer a brace face". :)

November 23, 2010...it's a day I'll not soon forget. What a wonderful and exciting day. My appointment at Dr. Gerlein's office began at 11:55 am and what transpired was something amazing. I can't believe how it feels! I can't believe how it looks! And to be honest, I haven't stopped smiling since that day! I've never been vain, nor have I ever been too concerned about my looks. I did this to get rid of the pain of several years and not for looks. But for right now, I'm going to just enjoy this a little bit and not feel the least bit guilty about smiling at each mirror I pass! The before and after pics are to your right....judge for yourself and let me know what you think of the new me!

Some quick information. All told, it took about 2 hours for everything to be finished. First, they attached my permanent retainer behind my bottom front teeth. Then, they removed the brackets and wires! Heaven! I got to brush my teeth - sans metal! Yippee!!! Then, it was Dr. Gerlein's turn - time to get the glue off my teeth. I have to admit, it hurt a little bit but it's because I have so much sensitivity right now in my mouth with the nerve regeneration. But, it was a small and sweet victory when it was finished...all trace of "brace face" was gone! :) Once everything was cleaned off, it was time for some quick impressions. First, an impression of my upper jaw so they could make my retainer. Next, impressions of both top and bottom - "records" for Dr. Gerlein. I'll be famous! Because of the severity of my jaw issues and the transformation (without issue) that has taken place, Dr. Gerlein will be sending my case and records off to the Dental Boards for study. I'm not sure if this is something to be excited about or not! LOL

I MUST give credit where credit is due! On my left, the most wonderful orthodontist in the entire world - Dr. Gerlein. He is amazing and fantastic and I know that my experience with adult orthodontia would NOT have been the same had it not been for him. And on my right, Connie - just one of the several awesome and wonderful ladies that work in the office - the one who had the honor of setting me free!