I have an identical twin sister. We actually do not look very identical, since we have very different styles. But basically, we do. Actually, we did.

Four years ago, I began orthodontic treatment. I hated my smile, particularly my overbite. I had very crooked teeth which just accentuated it. I always wanted my smile fixed, but my family could never afford it, and I certainly couldn't once on my own. Dh knew how important is was to me, but we felt that we just didn't have the money to make it a priority. Bu then dh made a lot in overtime those first few months of 2003, and we decided to spend it on my teeth.

If you've ever had braces, you know that an overbite generally cannot be corrected by braces alone, especially if beginning treatment as an adult. So jaw surgery was presented as an option; I could choose not to have it, but I was advised that I would not see the results that pushed me into seeking treatment. After consulting with two oral surgeons, I decided it was worth it.

So in December of 2005, I had orthognathic surgery. Specifically, mandibular advancement, maxillary impaction, a genioplasty, and sinus void correction. In other words, my lower jaw was pushed forward, my upper jaw was reduced (less gummy smile), chin job, and cheek implants. Let's just say, recovery was a long time.

As one could imagine, my face looks radically different. I am thrilled with the results, and absolutely love my new look. But it took getting used to. For the first few months, people who knew me well didn't recognize me at all. It was very strange. But eventually, my friends started to forget what I used to look like and now see the current me as the always me.

So when my sister sees my friends now, they don't recognize her, even though they've met. They know she's my sister, but still ask where my twin is (she's my only sister). It's very weird that the same people who said they can't get over how much my face has changed now can't remember how I used to look.