As a child who was teased for her crooked smile, Lisa Fulks decided to straighten her teeth as a young adult with Orthodontic Associates back in 2006. Her straight, beautiful smile was well worth it and gave her the boost in confidence she needed to take more risks in life, accept new jobs, make new friends and even go back to school.
We caught up with Lisa recently to hear how her straight smile has impacted her life, and what advice she has for others.
Orthodontic Associates: Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment?
Lisa: I decided to get orthodontic treatment, because I was worried I would lose my teeth early due to difficulty brushing my overcrowded teeth. I also had uncomfortable TMD symptoms that pushed me to seek help from an orthodontist.
How did orthodontic treatment impact your life?
Having straight teeth impacted everything. I have more confidence. I smile much more. I take care of my teeth much better than before I had braces, because I have pretty teeth to show off.
What was your confidence and life like before braces? What is your confidence like after treatment?
Before treatment I had zero confidence. I never smiled and so people were reluctant to approach or hire me. My self-esteem was terrible. I was terrified to get to know new people, because I was teased all through school for my crooked teeth.
What have you done differently now that you have a more confident smile?
Not only do I smile in pictures now, but I give a great big cheesy grin. Because I feel more confident, I go out more and take more risks in the adult world. Making new friends is one of the biggest risks I have taken. Before I was shy and didn’t approach people because of my teeth. Now I’m very outgoing and love meeting and talking with people I’ve never meet. I’ve had many more jobs, and am now going back to school. I’m currently enrolled at UCO for elementary education. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. With my husband retired and my kids in school I have a chance to go back myself with the confidence I have slowly built back up after getting my new smile.
What advice do you have for other adults considering treatment?
You’re going to be sore, especially at first, but in the end it is worth it. I’m glad I did it and would do it again if needed. I would recommend Orthodontic Associates to anyone needing orthodontic care. My daughter is also being treated as a teen, and we love her results so far too!
What has your experience been like with Orthodontic Associates?
I loved Orthodontic Associates. Dr. Brian Amy was amazing! I had a very difficult case, and he was with me through everything. Orthodontic Associates was even there to help me get into the oral surgeon for my expansion surgery after problems with insurance. I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t have Dr. Amy as an advocate. I appreciate that so much.
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As a child who was teased for her crooked smile, Lisa Fulks decided to straighten her teeth as a young adult with Orthodontic Associates back in 2006. Her straight, beautiful smile was well worth it and gave her the boost in confidence she needed to take more risks in life, accept new jobs, make new friends and even go back to school.
We caught up with Lisa recently to hear how her straight smile has impacted her life, and what advice she has for others.
Orthodontic Associates: Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment?
Lisa: I decided to get orthodontic treatment, because I was worried I would lose my teeth early due to difficulty brushing my overcrowded teeth. I also had uncomfortable TMD symptoms that pushed me to seek help from an orthodontist.
How did orthodontic treatment impact your life?
Having straight teeth impacted everything. I have more confidence. I smile much more. I take care of my teeth much better than before I had braces, because I have pretty teeth to show off.
What was your confidence and life like before braces? What is your confidence like after treatment?
Before treatment I had zero confidence. I never smiled and so people were reluctant to approach or hire me. My self-esteem was terrible. I was terrified to get to know new people, because I was teased all through school for my crooked teeth.
What have you done differently now that you have a more confident smile?
Not only do I smile in pictures now, but I give a great big cheesy grin. Because I feel more confident, I go out more and take more risks in the adult world. Making new friends is one of the biggest risks I have taken. Before I was shy and didn’t approach people because of my teeth. Now I’m very outgoing and love meeting and talking with people I’ve never meet. I’ve had many more jobs, and am now going back to school. I’m currently enrolled at UCO for elementary education. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. With my husband retired and my kids in school I have a chance to go back myself with the confidence I have slowly built back up after getting my new smile.
What advice do you have for other adults considering treatment?
You’re going to be sore, especially at first, but in the end it is worth it. I’m glad I did it and would do it again if needed. I would recommend Orthodontic Associates to anyone needing orthodontic care. My daughter is also being treated as a teen, and we love her results so far too!
What has your experience been like with Orthodontic Associates?
I loved Orthodontic Associates. Dr. Brian Amy was amazing! I had a very difficult case, and he was with me through everything. Orthodontic Associates was even there to help me get into the oral surgeon for my expansion surgery after problems with insurance. I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t have Dr. Amy as an advocate. I appreciate that so much.