Wearing braces as an adult was not something I’d ever considered. I had them as a kid for 3-plus years, and the memories are not fond. But hell, every other kid lucky enough to have parents who were willing to shell out a few thousand dollars was wearing them too. Considering people ages 12-15 are already dealing with changing bodies, acne, and hormonal surges they have no idea how to handle, what’s a little mouth metal added to the equation?
So yeah, my teeth were perfect, but in the 80s, permanent retainers were not yet a thing, and my teeth moved. My partner, who is also my dentist, finally convinced me I needed them for better reasons than having perfectly straight teeth. Braces can correct a myriad of issues that get worse as we age. Things like periodontal disease, gum and bone erosion, jaw pain, TMJ, headaches, and even gastrointestinal problems due to an inability to chew food properly can all be solved by getting braces.
But man, wearing adult braces is a commitment. So its best to go into it with as much knowledge as possible. And you’ll need the strategies listed below to keep your chin up and smile broadly through the whole experience.
- They are expensive. You knew that, right? You’re looking at $5-6K in fact. You can now get clear brackets, which are considerably less noticeable, but also more expensive. It’s an investment in a beautiful and healthy set of fangs, and once you’ve completed your tenure, you’ll be elated with the results. I’ve talked to six women who recently had their braces removed, and each one said she was happy to have done it and thrilled with the outcome.
- Eating requires major strategy. Yeah, big ole sandwiches will no longer be yours to enjoy. Spinach is out unless you use a blender. Soup and cold-pressed juice will be your sustenance for the first week. Eating in public has a whole new dimension. But remember, it’s short-term. And it offers the opportunity for more mindfulness and gratitude for all the times you took a huge bite out of a juicy apple. You’ll be able to enjoy that again post-braces, so don’t fret about it too much. But be prepared. If you can’t bear to change your diet, consider Invisalign. You can take them out while you eat.
- You will not feel cute. And this is a giant reason most people don’t consider wearing adult braces. But you can decide to own it. Yes, Invisalign is an option. But my orthodontist, Dr. Cheryl Golden, successfully talked me out of it. They don’t correct as well, and you have to wear them longer. Plus lisping is a given. If you talk for a living like I do, or even talk a lot, they’re not the best option. Do your research. For most people, brackets are going to be the smartest choice. Suck it up, get the clear brackets if you can afford it, and remember your mantra, “This is temporary, and I can deal.”
- Yeah, they hurt! But just breathe through it. Remember there’s a huge payoff waiting on the other side. You’ll get used to them. I didn’t believe it either, but they’re really not so bad.
- Talking is a bit more difficult. I talk fast. That’s not really an option when you’re maneuvering your lips, tongue, and teeth around braces. But that’s the thing with choosing adult braces. You take a more mature approach and look for the gifts everywhere. If you don’t want to stutter, you’ll have to slow your roll. You will get used to it. Some orthodontists will actually place the braces on the inside of your teeth so no one can see them. That may sound very appealing, but be extremely certain you can handle that level of discomfort. Regina Jacinto, an RN living in Columbus, Ohio did, and says if she had to do it again, she’d definitely get them on the front teeth. Not only is talking extremely difficult, but your tongue will get shredded.
If it’s possible for you financially and your dentist has recommended it, or if you feel self-conscious about your smile, wearing adult braces, albeit humbling, is a positive decision. Yes, you’ll wonder what the hell you were thinking for the first few weeks or even months, but you’ll get over it. And every day brings you closer to the prize. When they’re off and you’ve survived it, you can walk around with a permanent grin, dazzling every passerby. Consultations are free, and knowledge is power.
By Lara Falberg
Founder at I Work Barefoot
Lara Falberg is not just a yoga sequencing and music addict. Mostly, but not entirely. She's an assistant editor and SEO consultant for Healing Lifestyles and has been teaching yoga for twelve years. Trained in Atlanta, now residing in Columbus Ohio. Her new website, iworkbarefoot.com, is a yoga teacher resource offering verbals cues, mini-sequences, class themes, and studio reviews. She wrote a novel, Yoga Train, about the yoga teacher training experience. Find it on Amazon for Kindle. You can follow Lara on Instagram(@iworkbarefoot), Facebook, and Twitter.
Latest posts by Lara Falberg (see all)
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- Thinking AboutAdult Braces? Everything You Need to Know Before Deciding. - December 15, 2017