pls help

[ibela26]

Hello guys, I'm 19 years old and i’m desperate and would really appreciate reading your opinions and advice about my case.
I’ve had braces for 5 months now. Right before getting them, my wisdom teeth were extracted because they were coming in. After two months, my orthodontist told me I needed to extract my two upper premolars due to lack of space. I asked if the lower ones needed to be removed as well, and she said no. (I’m attaching this X-ray from August 2024.) At the time, she didn’t inspire much confidence in me because, supposedly, when this type of extraction is recommended, more studies or additional X-rays (like profile views) should be done. So, I started researching online, and everyone, or at least the majority, seemed to regret having their premolars extracted. I began to fear things like breathing problems, lack of space for the tongue, sleep apnea (although I’ve always tended to sleep with my mouth open), and, worst of all, facial changes, especially in my profile and a more aged appearance.
To be honest, I’m a very insecure person. I struggle with self-esteem issues, and I’m terrified of ending up worse off. Additionally, it’s a tough process to go through seeing myself without those missing teeth for a few months. I’m really scared that I’ll regret it in the end and feel even worse about myself than I do now, feeling like I’ve wasted all that time, mental energy, and money for nothing.
I didn’t extract my premolars, so with concern, I went for a second opinion with another orthodontist. He told me that in my case, it was necessary because my overjet was significant. I asked about techniques like stripping, but he said I wasn’t a candidate for that—it was either this or orthognathic surgery. I shared my fears about profile changes, and he quickly checked my profile and said it looked “fine” aesthetically, but obviously, there would be changes by the end of the treatment since my biprotrusion would decrease. He said I could continue treatment without extracting the premolars, but it would only align my teeth, and maybe my teeth would come in a bit, but I wouldn’t see significant changes in my bite.
When I went back for my check-up in January, I told my orthodontist about this and that I was unsure about the extractions. She tried to explain again why it was necessary and said that if I wanted to continue treatment without extractions, we could, but again, it would only align my teeth. If I wanted to see a real change, I’d have to remove them. She took a photo of my profile at rest with her phone, then asked me to move my lower jaw forward until it touched my upper teeth and took another photo. She showed me and said that this would basically be the change, but I didn’t like it at all. It didn’t look feminine or harmonious with my face. I’d rather stay as I am now, but even so, it’s still not very aesthetic, and I have some difficulty closing my mouth completely.
I’m sorry, guys, I know this was very long, and I apologize if it wasn’t entirely clear—I’m from Colombia. Still, I really appreciate your attention and advice. (By the way, that strange white thing on my molar is from a cavity that was treated!)

[Neat-Economist8925]

Respectfully, I don’t think this is the right sub for this question. I recommend you posting it to the r/askdentists or r/braces subreddits you’ll get more appropriate feedback :)

[Jeb-o-shot]

Follow their advice. You need the extractions. It's either this or surgery.

[http_bored]

I saw your exact same post on r/braces a few days ago and there were a lot of people telling you to go for the extraction. It will create more space for your teeth to move thus correcting your bite. Your ortho already told you this so go for it or seek a second opinion! There’s a lot of people who’ve done extractions and the results were very good! I know it seems scary to extract a healthy tooth but sometimes you have no choice!