September 8th, 2008
As long as I can remember it’s been somewhat of an embarrassment and source of awkard uncomfortableness for me. Though I dislike its gummy appearance I don’t let it hold me back from smiling and being myself, but I do always thinks about it when I smile or laugh. No one really understands how much it bothers me. I’m always told that it’s not a big deal, hardly noticeable, or fine.
I am truly not a vain person; I mean, I don’t think I am. I would like to look good and be satisfied with my appearance. I would put out money if it meant that it would help alleviate some of my self conciousness. I say help because self concisousness cannot be reclaimed by surgery or cosmetic procedures, I know that. I know that it will / would / could be one thing after another that I make me unhappy about my appearance. Trust me. this is not the only thing that I would change.
Is that vain? Sounds vain.
Regardless, a smile is something that I find very important, it’s kinda like a window into one’s personality. I want mine to reflect more me. I’ve had a lot of money put into my mouth over the years -with braces and my wisdom teeth removed - and yet I still feel that it hasn’t quite gotten to the point where I am comfortable.
I went to see a periodontist today about gum recontouring. I’ve been thinking and talking about it for a long time. It’s expensive; not like here’s-my-baby expensive, but enough that I have to consult insurance (and my husband) before setting the appointment.
[Side note: something I found out today - braces can prevent your teeth from fully growing in length. Weird! But that's the case with mine. There is still 2mm of tooth above my gum line which he would expose.]
Now I’m wishing that I had investigated it sooner and I could have done it while I was working (since we had more income then). I’m impatient like that - I want it now!
I’ve made up my mind now that I’ve met with the doctor and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. I’ve come to the realization that it’s something that I need to do, for me.
So, now I scrimp and save for that eleventy million dollar smile.
:::
Being a Rookie (Mom) Challenge for this week has been extended for another week. I realize it’s new and maybe a little complicated, but I’m working with some talented girls to make it into something really awesome - and EASY! to participate! Bear with me, okay?
Gum recontouring? I can only imagine what that’s going to entail—aside from a case of Valium. Ouch!
But if that’s something you feel you need to do, then go for it. Don’t forget to share all the gory details when it’s done!
Mo’s last blog post..Deck the Halls
September 8th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I say DO IT. I fixed some problems with my teeth a few years ago, and it did me a world of good. In my head. Who knows, who cares, if anyone else noticed?
Peace of mind is worth every penny.
patty’s last blog post..responsibility
September 8th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I understand. My front teeth were uneven along the bottom for so long. I hated the way it looked. I finally had them ground down just enough to be straight across, and it made a world of difference in my attitude. I don’t hate my smile anymore.
catnip’s last blog post..life’s little irritations #8
September 9th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Do what will make you feel better! Good luck!
Brenda’s last blog post..Yes finally
September 9th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Good for you, do what you need to do for you. I always put myself last and it sucks. When I had my braces taken off, it took a small spot of enamel with it and now I have two horrific stained spots right in the center of both front teeth. I should have it fixed, not a big deal but I just keep finding other things to do for everyone else. I end up having to do the stain removal myself about once a week.
justmylife’s last blog post..Finally a weekend update!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
@Mo - I don’t think it’s as bad as it sounds… but then again, I don’t really know. LOL The procedure takes about an hour and the Dr. said recovery is about 1- 2 weeks and would only require Tylenol.
Here’s to hoping he’s not just saying that to make money!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
ugh, I hate my smile, too. We’re slowly working on it, but holy moly is it expensive!
Once I’m finally done with all the NON-cosmetic work, I think I’ll get veneers.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I had that done!!! I have such little teeth and way to much gum.. Those bastards used to call me gummy bear in grade school. haha.. wicked funny… assface!
But let me tell you, I am such a baby.. like you need to hold me down to take blood, type of baby. I did it though. The doctor even prescribed me an anxiety med to take before I came in, since I explained to him how nervous I was. Which means I was pretty much napping the entire time. I felt nothing. The part that sucks, is the stiches.. they were annoying.
And you def need to talk to your health insurance, cause mine covered a huge chunk of it.
Let me know if you need more info!
YoYo’s last blog post..Sold!
September 10th, 2008 at 7:38 pm