Hi! My name is Angela and when I was a young girl I was prepped for braces. I had teeth extracted, my pallet (top of mouth) expanded, and I had a removable retainer for some time. My mom worked hard but was basically a single mom (remarried to someone who didn't contribute) and she couldn't afford my actual braces.

I grew up and was determined not to live in financial hardship like we did growing up. I went to college, transferred to the university of MN, studied hard and became a teacher! I've been a hardworking educator for 18 years now.

Unfortunately, I never could have imagined that a life in education was going to keep us living nearly paycheck to paycheck. We have two older kids. The second one just got braces himself and the first is nearly done with hers. My husband has also always been in education so we've had little opportunity to earn more.

That said, I'd LOVE my turn to get my teeth straightened. My worry is that I need to do it soon, too, as I tend to clench and grind. In addition, my slight underbite causes my bottom teeth to wear my top teeth away and vice versa. This kind of damage can't be restored. Please help me to protect my teeth!

This is not for aesthetic purposes but in hopes to keep my teeth as I continue to age and to help my TMJ dysfunction.

Thank you so very much for your consideration!