1st place: Jarlin Clark

(Essay as submitted by the writer and unedited)

Before I had my braces put on I was very distant when it came to close conversation. I was shy when it came to talking about my teeth. Everyone I knew had lost all their baby teeth and I still had four of mine left. After I had my teeth pulled, I had my braces a little over a year and when they were taken out I was a lot different. Now I am more confident when it comes to my teeth and everyone I know tells me I smile a lot more too.

2nd place: Toni Jiggetts

(Essay as submitted by the writer and unedited)

Have you ever noticed that girl in the corner at school that doesn’t say anything? She sits and works watching everyone else laugh and have fun. Gorgeous smiles are on their faces? She never smiles. I had a lot of gaps. Although beautiful on some, I was unhappy with mine. I’ve had braces for awhile, they have made a major difference in my appearance and life. I’m no longer that girl in the corner unnoticed, ignored, or teased. I’m happy. People say that what you look like on the outside doesn’t change who you are on the inside I disagree. I would like to thank Dr. Michael Rogers orthodontist’s crew of assistances and workers for making that shy, nonsocial able, quiet girl go away and become so much more.

3rd Place: Mary Elizabeth Goodell

(Essay as submitted by the writer and unedited)

My first day with braces on, I was worried. In sixth grade I wanted people to like me, I didn’t think braces would help. But when I looked around I noticed many kids at my school had braces. Braces didn't make me stand out, they helped me fit in! After braces I had more to talk about with kids. A girl I knew was getting hers off as I was getting mine. She had lots of advice. Now we’re best friends! Someone we know is getting hers soon and we're able to help! Braces helped me make great friends.

4th Place: Richard Rees

(Essay as submitted by the writer and unedited)

When I got braces, I didn't know what to expect. I went to a Summer Camp with them and didn't know anybody. A girl who was like a celebrity there who also had braces came over and talked to me. She knew that having braces wasn't fun, but that I'd get used to it. She introduced me to something that I'll admit I didn't have much of; personality. Since then, I've had a better sense of humor and more friends. Not only do I feel likeable, but more confident about how I look now, many thanks to my smile.

5th Place: Porschea Denise Stansberry

(Essay as submitted by the writer and unedited)

Having braces affects my life in many ways. When I first got my braces I was in the 11th grade, now I have graduated from high school and I have only 4-6 months to go until I get them off. Since day one my braces have affected my life because I could already tell how quickly my teeth were coming together. Now when I look at myself in the mirror I have so much more confidence. I am also not afraid to smile like I once was before, I was afraid of people saying “Wow look at her big gap”. It feels like the best thing in the world to be able to smile and laugh like every one else. Not only has braces boosted my self-esteem but it has also help me realize something about myself. Braces have helped me realize that I was beautiful all along inside and out.