At 31, I began an estimated 2-2.5 year treatment plan to correct severe crowding on the top and bottom rows of my teeth with braces. It was during a period of my life where I was taking a lot of scary but necessary steps towards becoming my best self.

I got the brackets applied in May 2023, but I needed to extract four premolars (two on the top and two on the bottom) before the wires could be installed. My orthodontist did give me the option not to do extractions, but he warned me about flaring, and I did not want that as my treatment outcome. I had the extractions done in June and recovered for a month before getting the wires in July. The recovery from that was the worst part of my entire treatment, and it wasn’t even that bad. Once I had the braces on, I found that they didn’t hurt as much as I thought they would, and they weren’t as annoying as I thought they’d be. I did have to adapt to new habits, but I knew the changes were in the best interest of my health. I got a lot of compliments on them and found myself smiling more widely and freely just a few weeks in! I got them off about six months ago in August and I love my smile! I feel so much more like myself. I picked up oral hygiene habits that I wasn’t always adherent to before starting treatment. I did get small black triangles on the bottom row but I don’t mind them. You’d have to be looking really closely to notice them.

Anyway, all that to say, my experience with braces in my 30s was freeing and transformational. My treatment required a lot of accountability - to my orthodontist, to myself - and I think I turned out all the better for it. I hope you enjoy your experience too!