Braces for my 25th Birthday

For my 25th birthday I turned 13. Thats right folks, I got braces. Sounds bleak? First of all, the dentist hooks you up with lots of sweet gifts (more than your average 25 year old gets for their birthday). It has also been something I have wanted for a long time and I only now am financially and mentally ready. I realize I do look somewhat stupid, however, I am trying really hard to convince myself I don't look ridiculous. 

My dentist also gives out "Got Braces?" shirts. You get mad props if you wear it to each appt. It's a really magical place.

Here are the actual before pictures of my teeth; its a little gross to look at. I have a 9mm overbite and a really narrow palate. The Orthodontist suggested that I could use jaw surgery but they want to try to fix the problems without it using lots of rubber bands (mainly because jaw surgery is over 12,000 dollars and this girl don't got that dough).