From Crossbite to Confident: How Braces Became a Surprising Part of My Wellness Journey in my 30s

The Braces Journey I Never Expected in My 30s

Growing up, I was that kid who won smile awards in school. My teeth were straight, my smile was bright, and I never thought braces would be part of my future. But with age comes wisdom, right? Quite literally, in my case. My wisdom teeth started growing in, and with them came unexpected changes—shifting teeth and, as I later learned, a crossbite that needed correction.

Getting braces for the first time as an adult was not what I had planned. It started with a simple consultation at Eagan Orthodontics, that quickly turned into a 1.5-year commitment to braces. Or so I thought. Spoiler alert: that timeline stretched to three years. Why? Life happens. And so do rubber bands.

The Reality of Adult Braces

When I first got my braces, I was optimistic. “How bad could it be?” I thought. But I soon learned that wearing rubber bands to adjust my bite was no small task. They were tiny, they broke when I ate, and honestly, they were just annoying. I’ll admit it—I didn’t always wear them like I was supposed to. That meant slower progress and more time in braces than I had originally planned.

Adding to the challenge, I moved to Washington, DC, during my treatment. My orthodontic check-ins became more spread out, which also slowed my progress. What started as a sprint became a marathon. But through it all, I kept reminding myself: this is temporary, and it’s worth it.

Finding Positivity Through the Process

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during this journey is the importance of loving yourself at every stage. Wearing braces in my 30s wasn’t always easy. There were moments of discomfort and times when I felt self-conscious. But I knew this was a step toward something better, and that mindset kept me going.

I embraced the process by focusing on the positives:

• It’s Working: Even when I couldn’t see daily changes, I trusted the process and reminded myself that progress was happening.
• It’s Temporary: Knowing that braces were a short-term challenge made it easier to push through the tough moments.
• It’s About Self-Care: Choosing to invest in my health and smile was a form of self-care, and that perspective shifted how I viewed the experience.

Lessons Learned

Now that my braces journey is behind me, I can say it was all worth it. My smile is not just straighter but also healthier. Ya girl wears her retainer okay! I’ve learned to appreciate myself in every stage of life, even when things felt awkward or uncomfortable.

If you’re considering adult braces or find yourself in the middle of the journey, here’s my advice:

1. Trust the Process: Progress takes time. Celebrate small wins along the way.
2. Wear Your Rubber Bands: Seriously, learn from me on this one!
3. Stay Positive: Focus on the long-term benefits rather than the temporary discomfort.
4. Embrace Change: Whether it’s a move to a new city or the shift in your routine, adapt and keep moving forward.

It's All Worth It

Getting braces as an adult taught me more than just how to align my teeth. It taught me to trust the process, patience, and the value of self-love. If you’re on a similar journey, know that you’re not alone. Every step, every adjustment, every rubber band is bringing you closer to your goal. And when you finally see that finished smile, you’ll realize it was all worth it.

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Peace and posi to you!

-p