No one grows up hoping they’ll have to have braces – or hoping they’ll have to pay for braces for their kid(s). That said, even though some people have to wear them for years and endure a non-insignificant amount of pain, I don’t know of anyone who wishes they didn’t have straight, gorgeous teeth.

Smiles say a lot about a person, and especially during the teen years, confidence is key.

I can say for sure that these 10 people would agree, and that they’re out there smiling it up, feeling better than ever.

10. I wonder how long she had them on?

She looks like she feels like herself!

9. Being able to smile without thinking about it is something so many take for granted.

It should be a thing everyone can do.

8. Braces should get more credit for changing people’s lives.

A miracle for self confidence.

7. I can only imagine how much more confident she must feel.

A pretty girl either way, but still.

6. This is so much to endure.

She definitely looks happy with the results though – as she should!

5. Two important rites of passage.

You can see her confidence shining through.

4. Was it the braces that made the difference?

I guess we’ll never know, but I guess it was part of it!

3. She had her teeth lengthened, too.

Isn’t modern science a miracle?

2. She looks happy in both pictures.

That makes me happy.

1. This kid’s smile just makes me happy.

It’s infectious!

Braces are funny, right? They hurt, they’re ugly, but everyone realizes they do more good than harm in the long run – what a rarity?

Did you have braces? Was your transformation huge? Tell us about your experience in the comments!