My Braces Experience

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After almost 3 long years, I finally got to get my braces off. So I’m coming at you guys today with a post all about braces. So if you’re thinking about getting braces or are just curious about them, this post should answer your questions.

Before & After:

Getting them put on:

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I’m sure the first thing you’re wondering is, how long did it took to get them on. From what I can remember it took about 1.5 hours. It takes a while to get them on because each bracket has to be perfectly aligned by the orthodontist so your teeth will shift in the proper direction. It didn’t hurt getting them put on, but about 24 hours later the pain came on, strong.

The waiting:

The morning after getting them put on I was in pretty bad pain. As you can tell from the before and after pictures, my teeth were very crooked and I had a big overbite. So I suppose that’s why I had a lot of pain. I had a headache, every tooth in my mouth was very tender and my gums were sore from the metal in my mouth. This lasted for about a 5-7 days. After that my mouth and I got adjusted to the braces. I recommend eating soft foods and drinking warm beverages like hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Also, ice cream makes a great dessert 😉

Progression:

After getting them applied I had to go back every 6 weeks to get new rubber bands put on. Sometimes I’d get a new wire, wedge, bite block, etc. Yes, after almost 3 years I know several “dental terms”, ha! Once my teeth started progressing I got rubber bands. Yes, they’re just what they sound like. Little rubber bands that hook onto your braces to help maintain teeth alignment. To be 100% real with you, they hurt. My mouth had to get used to them, and like the braces it took about 7 days. At this point I kept wearing my rubber bands,  going back every 6 weeks for adjustments, listening to what the orthodontist told me, and waiting (not so patiently)…

Getting them off:

I got fitted for my retainers,which was totally painless! Then I waited about 4 weeks and my dentist called me letting me know they were in. I was so excited! I thought they’d “melt” the glue off my teeth and then the braces would come off. But, they actually used a pair of dental pliers (pictured above) to remove them. It honestly didn’t hurt, but I felt a lot of pressure on my teeth. It took about 20 minutes to get them off. Super quick! The orthodontist came in and used a buffer (I think that’s what it’s called) to buff the extra glue off of my teeth. That didn’t really hurt either. The removal process was 90% pain free, yay!

 

Retaining:

Once everything was removed, I tried on my retainer for the first time. I had no idea what they looked like. They’re pretty much two wires that have been molded to keep your teeth  in place, and prevents them from reverting back to how they were before braces. One goes on top and one on bottom. They’re less noticeable than braces and everyone’s orthodontist tells them how long they should wear their retainer. For me it’s 1 year, then after that, only when I sleep. I only should take it out when I’m eating or brushing my teeth. At first I hated it. But, now I’m pretty used to it. My teeth were a little tender a few days after getting my braces off, but now feel fine.

 

Tips, tricks & advice:

  1. Stick with it! I know it can get annoying wearing your rubber bands or brushing your teeth after every meal, but it’s for your best interest.
  2. Try different colored bands. This is something I wish I could tell my younger self. I was so worried about what others would thin that I only got a color one time. Otherwise, I’d just get silver to match my wires. The one time I got pink, I loved it. Besides, if you regret the color you can get a new one in about 6 weeks.
  3. Foods I ate when my mouth hurt: oatmeal, soup, ice cream, banana, yogurt, soft sandwiches, pasta, smoothies.
  4. Take pictures! Believe it or not this is a pretty memorable time. More than likely you’ll have braces only once, so make the most out of it. Document this time in your life. Your older self will thank you later.

 

That’s all I can think of for today! Thank you guys so much for taking the time to read this. I hope I covered it all, but if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. ❤ ❤

Question time:

Have you ever had braces?

Leave your thoughts below!

 

Thanks for reading,

Edye

 

45 thoughts on “My Braces Experience”

  1. Wow I love the before and after photo! I should’ve did that! We didn’t have camera phones back then though sooo I probably didn’t think of it haha. Looks great- just keep wearing that retainer. My teeth have shifted a little.. I wore it for the first two years or so then stopped (it’s now probably 12 years later? I think I got them off when I was 13)

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  3. I’ve never worn braces, but I’ve thought about getting them as an adult. My teeth are fine, but I think I’d be happier if they were exactly straight and in line! I really appreciate your insight! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Edye, this is such a great post 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing. I personally never wore braces, but I think I should have. I must admit though,reading your story even with all the discomfort and everything, it is so worthwhile in the end. I love your before and after pic’s, you have a gorgeous smile and look so happy and confident.
    My niece has just had braces fitted, so now I will understand exactly what she is going to be going through. Thank you. 🙂

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    • Thank you so much, Lynne! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Braces aren’t the easiest, but they’re totally worth it. I wish your niece the best of luck in her braces journey 🙂

      Blessings,
      Edye

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  6. YAY! It must feel so good to have them off. I had braces too from 13-16. OH, THE MISERY! I remember how there’d be little wires poking out into my cheeks all the time, They gave me this wax to put on it but never really helped. I agree that you’ve got to keep up with the retainer…Forever! My teeth have shifted a little since I stopped.

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    • It feels awesome to have them off 🙂 I totally agree with you, the wax didn’t help me that much either. My retainer is a little annoying at times, but I’m getting used to it.

      Blessings,
      Edye

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  12. you look amazing! thanks for sharing your experience! I have always wanted braces but never “needed” them and was so heartbroken over it! it does make me feel better that you said it was painful getting them on, though! enjoy being braces free and eating all the popcorn and sticky candy you want! 🙂

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  16. I never had braces, but my older sister did and I thought she was so cool and wanted to be the same as her so I wanted braces even though my teeth were naturally straight already, ha! So glad you are done with the pain of braces!

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  17. I hated the whole braces experience – I had them for 1.5-2 years! It was the best day finally getting them taken off, but unfortunately my teeth are still crooked (I guess they never got them 100% straight) which isn’t a huge deal. Definitely remember to wear your retainer regularly! So many people I know refused to wear their retainer and their teeth shifted back.
    Great post for someone who is looking into getting braces 🙂

    Lindsey Elyse | lindseyginge

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  22. I really appreciate that you went through all the stages. I just got mine on and they didn’t hurt at first so I thought there was something wrong, and now they hurt a ton, but I know by God’s grace I’ll get through this. Although my before braces process was different than yours, this page still helps a lot. May God bless you!

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    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Grace! Thank you for your sweet words! I pray your pain gets better and you get to get them off soon. Hang on there and trust in The Lord, He will pull you through ❤ God bless you as well!

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