IN 40S, SHE CAN SMILE PROUDLY WITH BRACES

(Cleveland) Plain Dealer

(c) 1996 The Plain Dealer. All rts. reserv.

08087039 IN 40S, SHE CAN SMILE PROUDLY WITH BRACES Plain 
Dealer  (Cleveland) (PD) - Tuesday, March 28, 1995 By: LOREE 
CELEBREZZE Edition: FINAL / ALL  Section: EVERYWOMAN  Page: 3E 
Word Count: 601

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   COLUMN:  HER SAY

TEXT: After  several  years  of  putting  it off, I finally made a decision to do 
something  about  my  appearance.  The children were getting older and 
more independent.  It  was time I did something for myself. No, I didn't go 
on a diet or change my hair color. I decided to splurge and ... get braces on 
my teeth.
   Before  I  took  the  plunge,  there were important factors to consider: 
appearance,  timing, tooth extractions and money. During checkups, 
dentists would  discuss  my  bad  bite  and crowded teeth. I have an 
unusually small mouth  and  I  have been told that if I ever need dentures, I 
will need jaw surgery  -  a prospect that didn't excite me. Getting braces 
was actually a preventive measure; with properly aligned teeth, I wouldn't 
need surgery.

    My  teeth  have  shifted over the years and I was aware that during the 
past  few  months, I had become self-conscious about giving a full smile. I 
felt  like  a  hypocrite  lecturing my children about proper dental hygiene 
while  I  didn't even take care of myself. I finally decided to investigate 
getting braces. My dentist recommended an orthodontist where I could go 
for a consultation.

   Before  my  appointment,  I  discussed  my feelings and concerns with 
my husband,  Mike.  He  wholeheartedly  supported me and said braces 
would not only make my smile look better, but I would, without question, 
look younger than  he. Since I just turned 40, this was just the moral 
support I needed. I also talked to my children: Rita, 7, and Mark, 4. They 
said it was a good idea because there was one "funny" tooth that would be 
fixed. Then they ran off to play, as if there were better things to worry 
about.
   Before  I met the orthodontist, I noticed other adults and children with 
braces.  They  carried  on  with  their  lives  with no problem. I tried to 
adjust.  It's  not like I would be bedridden, for goodness sake. Appearance 
wasn't  a  big  deal.  Doing  something about a problem is a big deal and I 
looked forward to my appointment.

   In  the  orthodontist's  lobby,  I  found Ranger Rick and Highlights for 
Children  magazines.  I felt out of place. Then I had to discuss my medical 
history and I was asked what sports or musical instruments I played.

   I  had  been  feeling  a  little  paranoid about what other people would 
think,  since  it's  usually  children and teens who wear braces. But I was 
surprised to learn that adults comprise 25 percent of orthodontia patients. I 
 met  with  the orthodontist and after he made a mold of my teeth, I came 
back  for  a follow-up. He recommended that I wear braces for two years 
and in  the  process,  four teeth would have to be extracted. This was not 
news since  dentists  had  previously  told  me the same thing. Fortunately, 
the office provided a 24-month payment plan to work within a family's 
budget.

   Two  months have passed since I got my braces. Already I have noticed 
my teeth  shifting into place. I feel great about taking care of my health and 
setting an example for my children. Mike plans on taking me out for a 
steak dinner  when  my  braces  come off and I'm looking forward to it with 
a big smile.

CAPTION:
  PHOTO BY: NO CREDIT Loree Celebrezze lives in Sagamore Hills.

                Copyright (c) 1995, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, OH

DESCRIPTORS:  COMMENTARY