If you could change something about yourself– would you?
At first thought I’d assume most of us are likely to say yes. Maybe I’d change my inevitable cranky mood I fall into when I get hungry or tired. Or perhaps my tendency to ramble when I’m nervous.
What about physically?
I’ve actually reached a point in life where I am pretty comfortable with this body of mine, but I’m sure if I were completely honest, I’d probably change something. I wouldn’t mind being a couple inches taller, having a few less forehead creases or perhaps having slightly leaner legs. Please don’t confuse this with not loving my body, because I truly do and I admire it for all it does for me, but yes, if someone could wave a magic wand I suppose I would change a few things on a superficial level, even if just for the sake of making clothes shopping SO much easier.
However, recently something had me wonder… would I really? Would I really change a physical aspect of myself?Over the past year or so, I started waking up with more pain from a tense jaw. My dentist called me a teeth grinder and highly encouraged me to get a mouth guard for nighttime wear. I wasn’t opposed to this, but since they are quite expensive, I wanted to make sure my teeth were how I wanted them before committing to the cost of the night guard. Though to outsiders, my teeth probably looked just fine, one bottom tooth had started twisting in and one of my front teeth had started pushing out. No big deal, but I was curious if these things could be tweaked. Invisalign, maybe? I thought I might like to straighten things up before investing in the mouth guard.
So, I decided to explore the possibility.
My dentist referred me to an orthodontist and I booked an appointment right away.
I was excited for the appointment. I showed up and was immediately impressed with the high-tech, snazzy office. The receptionist and woman who took me back to snap pictures of my smile were both incredibly kind. We took x-rays and snapshots of my smile from all angles, then I waited in a room for the doctor.
When he walked in, he quickly smiled at me but then got right to business. He glanced at my pictures, then put them aside, looked me in the eye and said, if I had a magic wand and could fix anything about your smile, what would you have me do?
I was a little taken aback, but then started blabbering away, showing him my twisted bottom tooth and explaining my jaw tension. Once I finished, I smiled uncomfortably at him, trying to figure out why he was silent.
After a brief moment… he said, quite plainly. “Are you sure that is all?”
I was a little confused and mentally started combing through my smile. I guess it can be a little crooked? Um… my gums show? I wasn’t sure what he was going for here.
Finally he broke his silence- “What if I could tell you I could fix your entire smile?” Then he started explaining in more detail: “two years of braces.. yada yada yada… pins in your jaw… yada yada yada… rubber bands… possible surgery… yada yada yada…” I sat there, a little stunned but trying to mentally keep up with all the options, until I was hit with the grand finale:
“You’re just too pretty to leave your smile like that.”
Like that. It’s been years since I’ve had the wind knocked out of me, but the sensation was brought back with that comment. I didn’t know how to respond to such a backhanded compliment. I can’t remember what I said, something about estimates and having to talk to my husband- whatever I could say to just get out of there quickly.
As I started driving home, my eyes started to sting with tears. I had gone in wanting to straighten a tooth and left feeling ashamed of my smile. I had always liked my smile for the most part. Had I been blind? Was I actually pretty terrible looking and no one had ever told me? Should I consider this extensive plan so my smile wouldn’t be so offensive anymore? Would I look completely different?
That night, I tried to tell David about the experience calmly, but ended up bursting into tears.
Lucky for me, I married a gem, who didn’t just tell me how beautiful I am, but got mad at the jerk who made me question it. For those that don’t know David personally, he doesn’t really get mad. He’s a pretty even keeled guy 99.9% of the time, so to see him get a little fired up assured me it wasn’t me. Like it always does, talking to David brought some sanity and perspective to my emotional reaction.
I realized that I know my smile isn’t perfect. Neither is my hair, skin or anything about me really. But over the last 32 years, this has been ME and maybe I’m more attached to it then I even realized. Maybe perfection really is highly overrated. So while I might want to fix a twisted tooth or throw some highlights in my hair for fun, when it comes down to it, I wouldn’t actually want to change a thing about the features that make me, me.
Unfortunately it took a brash orthodontist to make me realize it, but now I feel even more peace about my appearance and will continue walking around with a big ‘ol “imperfect” smile on my face. It’s the smile that my husband fell in love with. It’s the smile my kids smile back to. It’s the smile that shows my family and friends how much they mean to me.
It’s me.
Has anyone made you ever feel bad about “flaws” you didn’t even know you had?
If you could change something about your appearance, would you?
For a brief follow up: I did make an appointment with another orthodontist and am now 3 weeks into my Invisalign treatment, which I’m really loving!… as much as you can love plastic trays in your mouth. However, they’ve already eliminated my jaw pain and completely changed my bite, which is pretty darn exciting.
Sarah says
What a rude thing to say!!! I think you have a beautiful smile! 🙂
Reid says
You have a beautiful smile, what a shame that orthodontist had bad manners. And what a sweet husband you have to assure you that you’re not the odd one for feeling that way. I would have reacted the exact same way. I am actually getting my Invisalign trays in 2 weeks. My dentist said my misaligned bite was causing me to grind my teeth and my gums to recede, so I am excited to have a prettier smile but I am doing it more for health reasons. How long will your treatment be? If I could wave a magic wand, I would change a few things for sure, like my fine hair or need to sometimes have things go perfectly (which ends up just stressing me out when they don’t). But like you said being perfect is unrealistic and I am happy with how God made me. Thank you for such an authentic post!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Reid- thanks for your comment! My treatment is supposed to be about 8 months. My teeth really hurt the first couple of days, but once that passed, I’ve been really pleased. They aren’t very noticeable and they didn’t hurt when I switched to my second set of trays. And like I said, I already can tell a big difference which is awesome. I hope you have a great experience too!
Kate says
It’s really interesting to think about this question. Being a mom has made me more appreciative of my body. I used to feel bad about my knees, my thighs, etc. But now I feel great in my body – eating healthy and working out regularly surely helps with that, too – and I feel that pregnancy, giving birth, and being a mom has given me more confidence to embrace my imperfections.
And really, Brittany, you have a beautiful smile – that orthodontist was blind!
sherry says
You are perfectly YOU! With a beautiful smile and a beautiful heart. I want to hang that orthodontist by his—-rubber bands. Don’t change a thing about yourself unless you do it for you only!!
Karen says
How funny you should post something like this today since last night my husband and I had a very similar conversation regarding my new scar and the issues I am having with how it looks.
Recently, I had emergency surgery to remove a very large tumor and it has left me with a 12 inch abdominal scar that is not so beautiful. Granted, I did not have the stomach of a cover model before surgery but its still something that I am very easily bothered by. After my little meltdown last night, my husband assured me it doesn’t matter to him what it looks like…..he actually looks at it as a good thing since this surgery has changed my life so drastically already and I am only a few weeks post op.
So no matter what that dentist said or how he made you feel, remember that you are beautiful.
Smile:-)
Amy says
Honestly every time I read your blog and see a picture of you smiling I always think she has such a pretty smile. I think it’s pretty obvious that guy was trying to make some extra money.
Erin says
How rude! It is terrible that sometimes people try to make others feel bad about themselves in order to drum up business.
John J. says
The lovely Sherry (my wife) said it well and truthfully. To me you have always been beautiful, inside and out, and made me the proudest Father in the universe.
P.S. I have a “contract” out on that blind money grabbing orthodontist. 🙂
Jennelle says
I’m so sorry that you had such a terrible experience! I would have cried, too. 🙁
I’m also glad that you found someone else for Invisalign. I did it last year, and I’m so happy! I’m a teeth-clencher, too, and unfortunately for me, Invisalign made it worse. I was unconsciously biting down a lot to make sure the trays were tight, and it caused some crazy symptoms (neck pain, headaches, ear pressure and fullness). I even saw a neurologist because I was convinced I had MS. #overreaction
I just had permanent retainers (metal bars on the backs of my teeth) put in yesterday, so no more trays for me! I highly recommend Invisalign, and I wish you a speedy treatment. 🙂
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I’m so sorry you had to experience that. It blows my mind that people can be so insensitive. But like a lot of other commenters, I really think this guy was out to make a buck. So gross.
I had a similar experience but with a dermatologist. My skin is probably the one thing I’d change if I could. I’ve dealt with acne for what feels like my entire life, and while it’s getting better, I still have scars on my face that make me feel anything but pretty. And this dermatologist pointed that out to me in a not so subtle way. So rude! I literally teared up in her office. All I can say is thank goodness for loving husbands who know just what to say!
And for the record, I think you have a beautiful smile! 🙂
EmilyS says
I’ve been curious about Invisalign! Are you doing top and bottom? I have one pesky tooth on the top that drives me nuts! Do you think it impacts how you talk? So many questions – maybe you can do a post on it! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I will definitely do a post on it. Overall, I really like it. I am doing top and bottom. AT first I had a bit of a lisp, but that has gotten so much better. Most people don’t even notice I have it in. I’ll go into more detail soon too!
Lauren says
Before I got to the end I was about to suggest a second opinion immediately!
A similar thing happened to me. I must’ve had my braces off too early as a kid, because my retainer quickly got too tight and by 29 my bottom teeth bothered me.
First orthodontist wanted pricey braces on insides of my teeth, even in the top which hasn’t shifted, then jaw surgery to “fix” my weak chin. He said it would support my jaw so it didn’t happen again.
I wanted a second opinion after almost signing and breaking down and crying on the way home, thinking I needed it, etc.
Then I met with the other orthodontist, she was awesome! I got braces on my bottom teeth for about 6 months. Nobody really noticed them besides me. It was cost effective and quick and they were off before my son was born 🙂
At this point I wouldn’t change much, might make myself a little more even tempered and motivated about things related to myself. I’m eager to help others and get work done, but sometimes need a swift kick to do things for myself.
Caitlin says
It’s funny, all through my teens and early 20’s if you asked the question “what would I change about my physical appearance” I would immediately say the bump in my nose. Yet now, at 31 and after having my daughter – I can’t explain it well – but I truly feel happy with myself, appearance included. Sure there are things I can do to feel better (more exercise and healthy eats) but the idea of surgery to change my nose – just doesn’t feel right.
I also want to say you have a genuinely beautiful smile! I don’t understand how people can have such awful bedside manner – I’ve run into it with doctors, dentists and even personal trainers. It’s the least likely way someone would get me as a client!
I am looking forward to hearing more about your Invisalign experience and outcome. My bottom teeth have slowly started to twist and I’ve been thinking about it for a while!
Brittany Dixon says
Your comment really spoke to me Caitlin because I agree- after having my kids I have felt more confident in my body and myself than ever. I always thought it would be the opposite. I think it just gave me a whole new respect and perspective. Thanks so much for sharing your story and I will definitely share my invisalign experience.
Emily says
I’m so sorry he said that to you! I think you have a great smile beautiful inside and out! Don’t you love how husbands can react with logic when we get emotional? 😀Mine
Does that for me all of the time!! I have never had braces and my teeth are pretty
Straight however I have a lot of gaps. I have considered getting that “corrected,” (and it’s been suggested to me also) but I feel
Like that imperfection kind of just makes my smile unique to me. So the gaps will stay. 😁
Jenny says
I was so mad at that guy when I read this! When I see your pictures I can feel how happy you are and how much you love your family THROUGH your smile. It’s beautiful and infectious! I’m sure his job just got in the way of his mouth and he’s thinking like a car mechanic. You come in for an oil change, he says you need new wipers. Ha! Honestly, I don’t think I’d like any outcome. There will always be lines and fat and my short frame or my hair that frizzes and sometimes I think if I had the money I’d have something done but….there is always going to be something. I’m afraid in the end I wouldn’t fell like me. Ya know? I’ll keep my lines and fat and I have a good straightener. 🙂 wait….can you drink wine with the invisalign?!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, thank you Jenny!! And I almost spit out my water at the end of your comment — you better believe I can still drink wine! I just pop those suckers out 😉
Josephine sharpe says
Oh Brittany your smile may be flawed as mine is, we both show our gums when we smile, but it is still beautiful. I know my husband loves my gummy smile and thinks it’s cute. Beauty is in the imperfections.
I have a large brown birthmark on my left hand. I never felt embarrassed of it, my parents always called it my beauty spot. Then one day when I was about 12 years old at a drama class another girl asked me what it was and said “oh poor you, how awful”!. It never occurred to me to question if it was ugly until that moment. I was stunned.
Now my daughter has inherited that same birth mark from me but on her right hand. I tell her it is her beauty spot too and she is beautiful.
SHU says
omg, that guy was clearly very sleazy and just wanted you to fork over $. and what a horrible tactic! I also think your smile is beautiful.
that said, i live in the land of plastic surgery (well, miami and LA probably both get that title). “mommy makeovers” are super common, and all kinds of other procedures. i am much less judgy of those who choose to get procedures than i used to be, and it does make me think sometimes of what I would want to change. and YES there are things (ahem breast lift would be on the list). however even the idea of it horrifies my husband so I will be content with the status quo 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
The idea of ANYTHING horrifies David too. I was talking about botox (casually) one time and he just started shaking his head. I love that he loves me just how I am but I found it funny how against it all he is!
Christina says
Wow. Just wow!!! The NERVE of that guy! I’m angry on your behalf!! I generally feel pretty comfortable in my body, although, 8 months into pregnancy #2, I’ve been having some meltdown moments. Right now EVERYTHING feels to soft and squishy. I think if I could choose one thing to change about myself, it would be my hair – my hair is definitely not straight, definitely not curly, and not a pretty “wavy” – I feel like it always looks like a mess! So, I’d wave a magic wand and have beautiful, shiny, hair all the time 🙂 Or, enough money to hire a hair stylist to do my hair every day!
Brittany Dixon says
Can I just add a big ‘ol DITTO to the daily hairstylist?! That’d be great 🙂
8 months into pregnancy #2– how awesome, you are so close!!
Julianne says
I love reading your blog posts but rarely comment, but your experience brought back memories of a similar experience I had with a rude doctor. I have a condition called hypohidrosis where my hands and feet sweat excessively. I have had this since I was a child and have learned to deal with it and with the rude remarks that people can make when they have to shake my hand, etc. When I was a teenager, my parents took me to a dermatologist to see if there was anything we hadn’t tried yet to help me. This doctor had me in tears and had the audacity to say to my parents, “You have a pretty daughter, I can see why you want to have this fixed.” As if being pretty has anything to do with why parents would want to address a medical condition their child has! Needless to say my dad never paid the bill for that visit!
Anyway, my point is that even things that people perceive to be our flaws can be what makes us ourselves. I have learned that those who truly love me won’t care that I have sweaty hands..they make me, me! And you have a truly beautiful smile and offer such a wonderful perspective of loving and embracing yourself in your posts! Thank you for that! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I love that your dad never paid that bill! I really think some people just have zero filter. Love the perspective you have come to have, and I am aiming to do the same. Thanks for your comment!
Kathy says
WOW! I cannot believe that orthodontist–well yes, I can. Unfortunately there are people out there like that. Glad you were wise to him but sorry it was an upsetting experience. Also glad you didn’t end your search there because –look at you now with your Invisalign and how it has improved what YOU wanted improved–not what the original ortho wanted.
Is there something I would like to improve? Yes, probably so. But I try and be happy with what I have and just eat and workout the best I can for me and I wear the results. 🙂
Have a great day!!
Jess says
Thanks for sharing! This reminds me of something that happened to me a few years ago. I went to a plastic surgeon to get a mole removed from my upper lip. I had always loved it (Cindy Crawford has one! Haha) but it was getting bigger and I wanted to get it removed while my skin was young enough to limit scarring. The plastic surgeon made all these comments like ‘why on earth did ou wait so long to do this?’ And ‘I don’t need to ask why your here!’. I couldn’t believe it. It was half the size of a pencil eraser, hardly a gigantic eye sore. It made me a bit more forgiving of those who end up getting all kinds of surgeries done – who knows how they’re being torn down in those offices!
Nadine says
Wow, someone was trying to pay for that big, snazzy office. He was motivated by money and none of that had anything to do with you. It was him and the need for dolla dolla bills, yo.
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
I am so sorry about your experience with that a-hole orthodontist! You have such a beautiful smile and personality, and it’s upsetting that people think they can talk to other people like that.
I’ve always hated my teeth. My two front teeth are a lot larger (in my eyes at least) than the rest of my teeth and I was picked on a little for them growing up, but I’ve totally come to accept them. Recently, I was talking to a new co-worker about my blog and how I want it to grow and I want to eventually post workouts. Her reply was “yeaaah…you definitely need the body for that though.” I am still trying to figure out how she meant that, but didn’t bother me too much. Just came out of nowhere!
Brittany Dixon says
I just clicked over to your blog (I’ve been wanting to try Kid Cashew!) and saw your picture- you (and your smile) are beautiful!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
You have a beautiful smile! That jerk was trying to make you feel insecure to SELL you something. What a crock! I am so glad you did not give him your business and went somewhere else instead. I am sorry he made you doubt yourself, but I know how you feel . One comment like that can totally make you feel so bad. Hugs!
Kate says
Sometimes I ponder a boob job, but that’s most just wishful thinking. I don’t want it enough to actually put that amount of money on it plus it is an unnecessary major surgery.
Maybe you should send a message to that orthodontist and let him know that what he said was out of line. I find that a terribly tacky way to gain more business. I think your smile is actually rather bright and beautiful (much like the rest of you), but I know how we find little things to be bigger than they are. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Brittany Dixon says
I have a couple friends that have gotten boob jobs (totally because they wanted it for themselves) and I will say- it looks good! Ha- not sure I could do it, but I see the temptation, especially after nursing two babies.
Jan says
I think your smile is fine! I also think that the first orthodontist just wanted your money (as is the case all too often) to pay for that fancy office and such.
Keep smiling! 😄
Meghan says
This post is very well said and relatable. That orthodontist sounds extremely rude and wrong. Definitely lacking in conversational skills and patient satisfaction. I have heard that some orthodontists try to achieve textbook perfection with their patients which is usually not what people are looking for. It sounds like he was trying to do that- in an extremely insulting way. I’m glad you found one that you do like and can help you get the smile you want. I would love to hear more about your Invisalign experience. I have been thinking about getting it for years!
Brittany Dixon says
I will definitely share more about my experience, but overall I can say I think it’s pretty great so far! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Mary says
As the wife of a dentist, soon to be oral surgeon, it worries me when he looks at my smile now. I always think my teeth have to be ‘perfect’ because i’m his wife. In reality, nobody really cares and it sucks that the orthodontist was so brash. I find myself stopping my husband more often from going on tangents like these and reminding him that patient satisfaction is always paramount!!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
For the longest time, I wanted to be just a little taller, a little slimmer, have eyes a little lighter and hair a little darker…and finally I asked myself why I wanted it, and it was always for purposes of how I appear to other people. If anything, finding someone who loves me exactly as I am has made me more comfortable with myself than I ever thought I would be. Even though some would say you need to be secure enough in yourself not to need ANYONE else’s confirmation, I think I’ll always want it from loved ones. And I hate that orthodontist – he sounds like a slimy salesman!
Emily says
My husband is a dentist and we often have conversations about how he much prefers “imperfect” teeth and smiles. People come to him and want movie star teeth and he thinks they look so much more attractive with a more natural smile. He does what they want, of course, but he doesn’t encourage it. I’m sorry you had a bad experience with someone like that first orthodontist.
Brittany Dixon says
Big high fives to your husband for not making people feel bad about themselves! I love natural smiles too 🙂
Emily says
I have found that orthodontists can be obsessed with the “perfect” smile/mouth, and forget that there is a human person attached to the teeth/jaw they are looking at! My orthodontists wanted to keep my braces on for another month or so to move my jaw one millimeter! I asked if it would affect my bite and they said no, so we decided to get them taken off. The doctor you saw certainly doesn’t have a good sense of how to talk with patients, though!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that is an interesting perspective- thank you for sharing! So glad you have yours off now- bet it feels great! 🙂
heather @Fitncookies says
I can’t believe he said that. In all honesty, I really wasn’t sure how to take that because your smile is one of the things that I just love! It has a way to just make everyone smile. I’m glad you got out of there, but also glad you are doing Invisalign and it’s helping you! My husband has a tense jaw and anything to help that get better is worth it!
Cammy says
Brittany,
I have never commented before, but have been reading for years. I decided to comment today, because I had something similar happen to me right after I had my wisdom teeth removed. I was still “knocked out” from the procedure, but I vaguely remember hearing the dentist tell my parents that with surgery, my “gummy” smile could be fixed. I was so hurt, but then I remembered that God gave me this smile and I am beautiful because I was made in His image! All that to say, you have a beautiful smile and don’t let anyone tell you anything else! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much for your comment Cammy and I’m so sorry that you had to hear a similar professional acting as though a gummy smile is a flaw to be fixed. I’m so glad you’ve come to love your smile. Keep smiling! <3
Jen says
You have a beautiful smile – that guy was just trying to make more money!
Heather says
Wow… I can’t believe how rude that guy was! If he had said it to me, I probably would have wept with joy because I really do have awful teeth, but yours do not need a full makeover.
You do bring up an interesting point, though, and I sometimes wonder what I would change. One day, when we can afford to, I would really like to get work done on my smile, but even when I’ve joked about plastic surgery, I’d never really go through with it. There are things I don’t necessarily like, but they are things I could probably change if I put forth the effort. :p
Alise says
I still can’t believe that guy… I love your smile; it’s the same one your daughters have, and it is contagious! I just got fitted for my “braces” today. Eeeew! They had to take out the bonding between my two front teeth that has been there since I was fifteen. (No point in getting my teeth fixed with a fake bonding impeding the results.) Anyway, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a gap, and you know what? It’s not so bad. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
When do you get them?! Exciting! I miss you!
Alise says
supposed to be “Eeeek!” but autocorrected the “Eeeew!” It was kinda gross.
Lauren Brennan says
Wow. Just wow.
I think you should send the link to this post to his office… Maybe he’ll think twice about insulting a beautiful person- beautiful on the inside and out!!!
Grace says
Incredibly well written post!
Hilary says
That is such a great thing to take away from your experience! I think we often forget that everyone is different and everything is different and there is no perfect person, image, smile! Thanks for reminding me of that today as well!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I can’t believe he said that to you. How rude and what a bad way for him to sell his products/services. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. David is starting something similar to invisalign next week but it goes behind the teeth. I love his smile but he’s talked about it for a long time now how he wishes his teeth were perfectly straight. It’s an expensive process but if it’ll make him feel more confident then I’m happy to support that decision. Keep smiling, Brittany! You DO have a great smile!
Michael Johnson says
I’m admittedly a sometimes-troll. But hear me out. You’re really pretty. Great smile. We all have our flaws. My teeth are quite crooked and I have an overbite. My parents couldn’t afford braces for me, and now that I can, I don’t really care too much, but it still bothers me everytime I look in the mirror.
I’m saddened that you even went to see an orthodontist (who are mostly in it for the $$.) Seems to me you have to reach pretty far to even find something minimally “wrong.” Look, you’re beautiful, your family is the same, you have a mansion (by my standards) on a lake. You’ve probably been fortunate that you’re parents supported you and continue to. You don’t have to work outside the home. See where I’m going here?
Give something back, instead of going and looking for trouble. While I still think you have ED tendencies, (sorry, couldn’t resist) this post irked me. It was very Housewives of LA or whatever those crap shows are. You are the fortunate ones.
Elizabeth says
hahahahah!!! what a ridiculous orthodontist! he completely sounds like a salesperson!!!! remember that if you would have gone with him, that would be $ to him! surgery?! please. you’ve always had a great smile : )
as i’m aging, i’m having more moles pop up through my skin. it’s SO EXCITING – not. I have this one flesh colored one just above my nose in between my eyebrows. i don’t like it, i’ve had it removed by a dermatologist twice (it regrows?!) and then went to a plastic surgeon who said he was going to really remove it this time. it grew back again : / I don’t want it but now i’m kind of accepting it. Now I’m on the plastic surgeon’s email distribution list & get emails about botox & coolsculpting all of the time (i thought i was too young for this at the ripe age of 31). BUT – I will say that a couple of my childhood friends have never looked better & i swear they’re having botox or something. anywayz… that guy was a jerk & gives a bad name to orthodontist! oh.. this reminds me too… a girl that i went to high school with just had a HUGE boob job (ahahahahahahah!). It’s funny b/c i guess we’re at the age when people are starting to do a lot of this stuff. (i’m rambling, have a great weekend!)
Brittany Dixon says
I have a couple friends who get botox done “quietly” and must admit- they look great! haha 🙂 I agree though- when did we get to this point?!
Edye says
You have a beautiful smile! <3
Blessings,
Edye // Gracefulcoffee
Julie says
I’m so glad David was able to make you feel better. What a pig that orthodontist was! He was obviously just trying to get you to spend all the $$$. I don’t blame you for getting upset, though; I’m sure I would have had the same reaction. But just so you know: you have a beautiful smile that goes great w/ your beautiful face & more importantly your beautiful heart. I’m glad you came to the realization that to change that smile in any way would make you less recognizable to those who love you. God bless!
Elizabeth says
Dear Brittany,
There’s a special ring of hell waiting for people like that. I had the same experience as you when I was in college many years ago. I was referred to a an oral surgeon for minor TMJ discomfort and he and his orthodontist buddy tried to tell me I needed surgery and braces for 3 years to make the needed “improvements “ (I had already had braces for a long time as a kid.) eMy self-esteem was fragile then and it really did a number on me psychologically for a very, very long time. I felt like I was deformed for decades and couldn’t bring myself go to any dentist for years.
I just recently worked up the courage to see if I was a candidate for Invisalign. It took a lot for me to let someone evaluate me again but this time my experience was totally different and no surgery was mentioned. The ortho said my teeth should be perfect in under 12 months with the Invisalign. I’m hoping she’s right! In hindsight I see that much of my life was shaped by my negative experience with that awful team so many years ago. I wish I’d known what they were trying to do to me but I was just a young girl and didn’t know any better at the time.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so sorry you had to go through a similar experience. <3 I'm so glad you got the courage to explore a different path that feels like a good fit for you, but you're right, as young women it can be so damaging to our self esteem! Best of luck to you; invisalign was a great fit for me!
Cecilia says
This is an incredibly old post that I stumbled upon when I was reading through your Invisalign experience. I had basically the same exact experience!!! My dentist recommended an orthodontist. After I went through the whole x-ray process and told the ortho why I was there, he asked me to smile and said “Oh yeah, you’re going to need braces to fix that.”
When I had my next dentist appointment six months later, he said that I would be a lot prettier if I got my teeth fixed. Mind you, I’m 33 and without any cavities.
Needless to say I found a new dentist and orthodontist.