Getting braces was one of the biggest decisions I ever made, and one of the best. When most people think about braces, they think of a teenager working her way through high school with a mouth full of metal. But for me, it all began as an adult. I was in my late 20s, well into my career, tired of feeling self-conscious about crooked teeth. This is the story of my life with braces, what I learned, and how it changed my smile and my self-confidence.
The Decision: Why I Chose Braces as an Adult
Like many others, I had mild crowding and misalignment that I had learned how to conceal in pictures and conversations. But, I began to realize more and more how much it would affect me — especially in meetings, interviews, or social get-togethers. I would smile closed lips, or tip my head so as not to show my teeth. It was exhausting.
My dentist suggested an orthodontic consultation after the cleaning, and I was shocked to learn that life with braces had become quite common for adults. I wasn’t limited to the metal braces of my childhood memories; I had options for clear brackets, ceramic braces, or even Invisalign. I eventually settled on clear braces due to their unobtrusive look, and that’s how my life with braces commenced.
The First Few Weeks: Adjusting to a New Normal
I won’t sugarcoat it: those first few days were really not easy to deal with. Soreness, irritation, and this constant feeling that I had something foreign in my mouth. Eating was awkward and brushing required twice as much time as it normally would. But the pain was manageable but the excitement of starting the journey of transformation in my smile kept me motivated.
I stocked up on orthodontic wax, soft foods, and a travel-sized dental kit. The biggest difficulty, however, was that I learned how to eat slowly and brush properly. Spaghetti, popcorn, and candy were banned from my diet. But I told myself once again: this was a temporary hassle for a long-term reward.
Living with Braces Every Day: Getting into New Habits
For a while it was nothing new; I eventually got used to the regular feature of life with braces. I avoided all the specific foods I had to and floss threaders were now always on hand. In short, coffee and wine became occasional treats due to their staining potential once held in common with everyday life.
Socially, I was amazed by how few noticed or cared about my life with braces. On the contrary, many were curious or even impressed that I cared enough to invest in my smile as an adult. In fact, I got two friends to start their own journeys into orthodontics as well.
As an adult, my life with braces can seem quite scary at first, but I found it to be the exact opposite: when you take it openly, it becomes lighter and even okay. I would normally joke about my “hardware” in presentations or meetings, and it has lightened things up. My colleagues have appreciated the honesty too, which adds to being comfortable.
Monthly Adjustments: Progress and Patience
Every month saw me entering the orthodontist’s office to receive adjustments. An appointment would entail tightening wires, band changes, and just checking progress. The aftermath sometimes brought soreness for a day or two, but it was also exhilarating to witness those small changes in my teeth.
Watching my changes became a source of motivation. Monthly photos were taken to compare alterations from one month to another, and it was truly worth it to see the slow alignment of my teeth. Patience is required when it comes to my life with braces as an adult; however, the moments when changes can actually be visible do help to lessen the feeling of waiting.
Challenges Along the Way
Not being honest, one cannot deny the hurdles thrown into my life with braces. There were times of pure frustration, beginning with a loose bracket just before a major event or finding a piece of spinach caught in my braces on a dinner date down those self-doubting paths-I started asking myself if I should have gone for Invisalign instead.
Every trial had its own manageable roots. The keys to conquering them were prepping, laughing, and keeping my focus on why I started in the first place. I had an orthodontic team that always corrected me on my journey-walked me through it, reassured me, and fixed any situation that dared to ruin my day.
Life After Braces: A New Smile, a New Confidence
After 18 months, the big day came: removal day. I was nervous, but excited as well. When I looked in the mirror afterward, I couldn’t stop smiling. My teeth were straight, my bite was corrected, and my confidence soared. It was like a glimpse of me, a polished version, just waiting to come out.
My life with braces taught me more than just dental hygiene and the virtue of patience: It taught me how valuable investing in myself can be, how to embrace change at any age, and how to celebrate progress.
Now, with my retainer, my new smile is ready for the world, and I can say I have no regrets.
Tips for Adults Considering Braces
Tips based on my personal experience if you’re looking to begin your own adult orthodontic journey:
- Research – Learn all the different forms of braces and find a qualified orthodontist.
- Patience – It does take time but will be worth it.
- Consistency – Oral hygiene is even more mandatory while having braces.
- Communicate – Speak to the orthodontist in a way that is easy for you to express in cases of suffering or problems.
- Celebrate small wins – Take pictures and document progress to stay motivated.
Conclusion
My life with braces is a journey of transition, physical and emotional. No matter if you are a teenager or adult living with braces, improving your smile may very well be life-changing.
I have had braces once in my life, and although it wasn’t a perfect experience, my life with braces was truly empowering. Today, I smile wide and often, and all that glory goes to that decision I took to embrace change and put myself first, all thanks to Dr Benkovich.
If you’re still on the fence, let’s call this your sign. Jump; you’re never too old for a smile about something.
