August 3, 2026
To most people, lettuce is a nice addition for texture and color, but growing up, lettuce was my dreaded enemy. Burgers, wraps, and sandwiches all posed the same problem. After every bite, there would always be a little piece of food left behind in the gap between my teeth, and somehow it was usually lettuce. While that might sound insignificant, the issue was a daily reminder that eating a sandwich was a struggle for me but something I noticed my classmates took for granted. An open bite and gaps in my teeth were two issues that made everyday things, like eating whatever I wanted, both frustrating and embarrassing. I began to avoid foods that were hard to bite into, and I constantly worried about what might get stuck in my teeth whenever I ate around others. In addition to the open bite and food lodging in the gaps, my tongue’s favorite position was pushing out. This meant I not only had uneven closure when I chewed but even speaking was a challenge because of the tendency to lisp as my tongue got in the way of forming words. As a result, smiling confidently was rare, and over time these frustrations added up, gradually contributing to me being a less confident kid.
When I began treatment at what originally was Morrone and Kaye, everything began to change for me. While my tongue did not appreciate all the appliances that came in its path (“the bead,” “the gate,” and especially, “the rake”), these things did raise my awareness as intended and help me train my tongue. At times, they were uncomfortable, and frustrating, but also always impossible to ignore. There were moments when I questioned whether all the appointments, adjustments, and soreness were worth it, but knowing I could get a cup of hot chocolate from the Keurig machine always kept me coming back.
Looking back now, I know that every part of the process was necessary. Orthodontic treatment provided me with much more than an obedient tongue and straight teeth. It gave me the ability to enjoy simple things without overthinking them. Today, I eat sandwiches without dreading what will happen after the first bite. I smile in pictures without immediately critiquing my teeth. I speak with greater confidence and no longer feel self-conscious about my former tongue thrust or my bite. As a result, I have enjoyed key roles in school theater productions, spoken in front of groups of 700 people at National 4-H events, and love going out with friends and not worrying about whether I can easily eat what I order.
What once felt like daily obstacles are now things I am fortunate to take for granted. These experiences may seem small to someone else, but to me they have been life-changing. Orthodontic care improved not only my smile, but also my self-esteem and quality of life.
I am incredibly grateful for the advancements in orthodontic treatment and for the team at Morrone, Kaye, and Yucha who helped guide me through the process over many years. From the consistently warm, genuine greetings at the front desk to the professional care and helpful conversation in the chair, the staff and doctors at MKY make up the team who helped transform my teeth, jaw, tongue, and mouth. What was once a source of constant insecurity now allows me to project carefree joy and confidence, and even enjoy lettuce.