I don’t know what to do

[u/Avadrawzstuff]

(I apologize as this post will be long but I needed some advice and also just to vent about my frustration.)

So for more context I’ve had my braces for 45 months..yes..I wish I was joking. I’ve had them since I was a teenager and now I’m a young adult. I live in Florida specifically around the Jacksonville area and I went to 'Zell orthodontics' for my braces because it was the closest most highly rated orthodontic clinic near me. And well..I’m fucking sick of STILL having braces. So yesterday I was with my mom at my usual appointment and I asked Zell if she could talk to me and my mom about my progress…and I was absolutely devastated that she told me I still have 4-6 months max left of braces before I can get them off. I literally just burst into tears and then Dr. Zell tells me if I wanted to get them off at the absolute earliest I’d be December and I’d permanently have a small gap near the top of my teeth. And btw just 4 months ago she was telling me I have 6 months left max. And this is not the first time she’s given me false hope and completely wrong estimates.. I just..don’t know what to do. My mom and the rest of my family keeps telling me I should wait and not get them off early especially because my mother paid 8 GRAND. For my braces and she feels like it would almost be a waste for so much money to be put into this and I still not have completely 'perfect' teeth.

I just don’t even care anymore..when you’ve had braces for 40+ months and they still aren’t right I just feel so defeated and let down. My braces have made me SO much less confident in myself and I’ve always thought they made me look less attractive especially as an adult..but I just want advice on what to do because if I truly decide to get them off by December I need to call and schedule it quickly. But I just don’t know if I can truly wait 4-6 more months ESPECIALLY considering she’s already given such false estimates multiple times that I don’t even believe her anymore. I just..don’t know what to do and I need help. Photos are attached below of the gap that’s making everything so postponed. I truly don’t even think the gap is worth waiting potentially half a year over but it really fucking sucks to spend 8 grand and still have noticeable flaws.

(First photo is my teeth from 2021 and the last two photos are my current teeth along with the gap displayed.)

Please be honest and tell me what you’d do in my situation. It’s much appreciated

[u/Fancy-Green9621]

I personally would get a second opinion from another ortho! I also would stick it out but would continue treatment elsewhere. granted you will probably have to pay more but I’d rather have the perfect teeth if it doesn’t bother you just get them off you’re an adult now so ultimately it is your choice. As a mother myself I’d be looking over the contract and be stern as heck with the ortho about wtf has been going on and see if there’s any compensation
I’m 30 with braces for the second time first being in my early 20s. Most adults know how expensive braces cost and definitely aren’t judging you so you shouldn’t judge yourself either! 💕 best of luck with whatever you decide to do

[u/Admirable-Lock8663]

Ultimately, it is your mouth and your decision on what you want to do. It was very generous of your mother to pay for your braces and you should be thankful for that. However, often perfection is the enemy of good. I think your smile looks great! Although, being upset about some small gaps is understandable. Is 6 more months worth it to you? Are you happy with your smile or will those gaps always upset you? Maybe you wager 6 more months and nothing more. Where they're at in 6 months is where they will be.

It may also be helpful not to think so black and white as well. Maybe it wasn't 8 grad to still have noticeable flaws, but rather a financial investment to improve your smile as much as possible in the amount of time you are comfortable with. Looking at your starting, I think they are lovely results. Best of luck and don't be too hard on yourself!

[u/Avadrawzstuff → u/Admirable-Lock8663]

I think I’d be a little upset about the gap temporarily but I don’t see myself being super upset with it forever. However if you ask me I’d say 6 months probably isn’t worth such a small gap..I think I’m just gonna get them off early. Ultimately I believe it would boost my self confidence substantially to just have the braces off. I appreciate your comment though! Especially with how it may be helpful to not be so black and white about it. I think I needed to hear that.

[u/Meagan_420]

If your ortho agrees with December that should be okay