I don’t often write very personal blogs about things happening in my life – but brace yourself, my dear friend- that’s all about to change.

For those who might not be following me on Instagram, I took the very big leap and entered the world of ‘adult braces’ about four months ago. You see, when I was a teenager I had begged my parents for braces – just like the ones my brother and twin sister were getting – and every time I asked it was a resounding ‘No’. My parents kept telling me that the ‘dentist’ said I didn’t need braces but as I’ve gotten older I think it was a bit of column a and probably more column b – financially, they couldn’t afford to have all three kids with expensive orthodontic journeys.

I have spent my entire teenage and young adult years absolutely hating my smile and would get self conscious every single time I was talking to people or whenever a camera came out. How bad were my teeth, you might be asking? My front two teeth were not only slightly bucked (though not protruding my lips) but they were also crooked. I have a small mouth, so when I started to get all my adult teeth, my front two teeth just kept on moving closer together to the point that they started to turn in (that’s why in most of my photos until now, I rarely show my teeth when I smile). So at the ripe ol’ age of 35, I finally decided to do something that would boost my confidence and give me the smile I have always wanted – I got braces. Not Invisalign or ‘invisible’ braces but traditional-elastics-needing-metal-mouth braces!

Before getting them everyone would warn me about the negatives of getting braces. The standard “it’ll hurt” or “you won’t be able to eat for the first month” – I even had people tell me how much getting braces is a waste of time because all their teeth moved and didn’t stay perfect (even though they also said they failed to wear their retainer after having braces….which stops the teeth from moving!)

Now that I’m four months into my journey, I thought I’d share some of the things I wish people had actually told me before getting braces.

1. Boosted self-love and self-confidence

As an adult, getting braces is definitely a bit of a hit on your self-confidence and self-esteem. For the first week or so, you will be more self-conscious when you’re talking to people just waiting for someone to say something snarky or snide about the fact I have braces on as an adult. And guess what – no-one cares. People will notice the braces, but unlike kids and teenagers, adults tend to be less judge-y and way more supportive! Everyone I spoke to would say “Omg, braces look so good on you!” or congratulate me on doing something for myself. Even four months in I continue catching myself waking up most mornings saying “I can’t believe I have braces” – and not because I regret the decision, but because I am so proud of myself for doing something for me. You’ll probably find yourself doing the same thing too.

2. Naturally embrace the healthy life

Not that I didn’t lead a healthy lifestyle before having braces, but I definitely probably over-indulged a lot more in foods that were probably not the best for me or going for seconds. But ever since I’ve had braces I’ve started to eat a lot more healthier meals because I’ve had to change what I would normally eat. Think more steamed veggies (because soft veggies are very braces friendly) and less meat (not that I ate a lot of meat anyway) because chewing on a tough steak just wasn’t very nice for the braces (or my cheeks). You might even find that you’ll start to lose weight, not that that should be the goal but definitely keep an eye if you start to lose too much – having braces can make eating a little difficult in the beginning so you’ll need to have nice soups (try my Coconut Pumpkin Soup) . If soups aren’t your thing, try making some vegetable mashes during those times chewing is a little difficult. I make pumpkin, sweet potato, pea and broccoli mash whenever I have an adjustment). I’ve even started to learn how to cook some of my favourite healthy meals, which is surprising since I am actually not a very good cook (just ask my husband!).

3. Dental hygiene is your new BFF

I’ll admit it – when I was researching getting braces the idea of spending so much time in the bathroom brushing and flossing my teeth seemed overwhelming and like something that would negatively impact my lifestyle. Let me tell you – don’t listen to them! I never knew how much I would actually enjoy brushing my teeth after every meal. Seriously, it sounds like a lot but aside from morning and evening, a quick 2 minute brush is all you need. Just go easy on the mouthwash. I was using mouthwash after every meal and it discoloured my teeth. It’s better to swirl water around your mouth after every meal and when you’re getting ready to go to bed use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing (not Listerine!) and some tooth mousse.

4. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers

I won’t sugar coat it – your first week or so of having braces will be filled with discomfort and a lot of “WTF was I thinking!?” BUT it’s not going to be as negative as other people make out it will be. In fact, I had so many people tell me before getting the braces just how painful the entire experience was for them and that they were miserable the entire time (though, I do wonder if people just confuse their discomfort and how miserable braces with just how uncomfortable, angst filled and at times miserable it was being a teenager and the bullying that goes along with it). Let me be 100% honest with you, dear friend, when you first get your braces put on and after every adjustment, the pressure on your teeth will be uncomfortable. But this discomfort will subside after the first week or so.

Before we make any life change, big or small, there will always be people who will try and sway you from that decision or will tell you all the negatives as a way to ‘prepare yourself’ for it. If you’re on the fence about getting braces, either as a teenager or as an adult, I really hope what I’ve shared above sparks a bit of positivity for you and your journey. I’m a few days out from getting my second adjustment and I’m finally feeling I’ve got this whole ‘adult braces’ thing down 😀

Much love,
Lara X

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