If you’ve seen me in the past month you’ve probably recognized something besides my new hair: I got braces. Not just any type of braces – but Utah Damon braces. It all started when I asked my dentist about getting my teeth straightened. He sent me to Pobanz Orthodontics. To be honest I was lukewarm on the idea of wearing braces. That’s why I put it off for months.
They documented my smile by taking pictures from all sides of my mouth. Then they pulled up the pictures on a computer and Dr. John Pobanz, the orthodontist (the office is in South Ogden) came in to explain my options.
I preferred Invisalign but once I understood the options I chose Damon. He showed me how having Damon clear braces would change my profile, my smile and my teeth. Treatment time is less with Damon + the brace brackets are less conspicuous. They don’t have rubber bands around each bracket which is good because I’d like them to be as invisible as possible. The top row is done with clear braces and the bottom has regular metal brackets.
So we’re not only straightening my teeth but we are also broadening my smile – you know for that movie star teeth. I’m already seeing results – my most crooked teeth are already straighter. I love, love, love that.
I really like that Dr. Pobanz is all about new technology – the latest – with everything he does. Case in point: he has an iPad in the office. While you’re waiting you can update their Facebook Wall (see www.facebook.com/PobanzOrthodontics) and enter to win a free iPad. He does SEO and social media marketing very well too. I’m doing some blogger outreach with his practice because a lot of his clients are moms and many are bloggers too.
Probably the fact that I hold on to most is that Dr. Pobanz said the majority of people are happy with the results after 8 months. I’m holding out for that magic number – that would mean I only have about 6 months left. I hate having braces – but I’ve talked to so many women who’ve had them for 2 years or more. I’m relieved that the longest I’ll have them is 18 months.
The best part of having braces is that it’s a great way to bond with people. I’ve had a lot of conversations with people I didn’t know about wearing braces. We have something in common. Every time I see someone with straight teeth I remember that it’s worth it.
My best braces tip so far is: wear the wax! The office sends me all the dental wax I want and I use it almost every day. When I’m sick of wearing my braces or they are irritating my mouth I put some on. It’s easier to talk and much more comfortable.
I’ll probably post one more time when I am celebrating getting my braces off. They make it a real party!
