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Oh, No, I Have Braces Now!

I'm popular and smart. Recently, I got braces and the thing is, the braces have to seperate my teeth and it makes me look like a geek. It may not sound bad, but I have glasses and they're bad enough. I'll be getting my braces out in 2 years, but I can't wait so long. My friends don't mention anything about it, but I really am self concious about it. Is there anything I can do besides ignore the situation? - Louise, 12, USA

"Hey, Louise!" Okay, what your problem is that you want to fit in! You already do! Act like nothing's changed, and if you have good friends, they won't notice.

If you feel that the 'popular' kids don't want to hang around you because of your glasses and braces, they aren't your real friends! Real friends would stick by you no matter what.

So my advice is, act like you always do. I know this may be hard, but eventually you won't mind! If your already popular, why should braces change it? People will get used to it, and hey, in two years you'll be the envy of every girl in school!

Julie, 13, New York