^^^ Super cheesy BIG smile! 
Oh my goodness. This day, it finally happened…
I got my braces off!
It’s been just a little over one year since I declared I was no longer going to be unhappy over things I could change. And what a journey it has been. For years I have wanted to do this, and this past year has flown by so fast.
When starting out on any journey, to be told it will take a year (or more) can seem like a lifetime. It can be paralysing and stop you from taking that first step. Time passes anyway… you might as well spend it doing something worthwhile.
I’m kicking myself for not doing this sooner.
Transformation:
12 months, 60 lbs and a set of braces
My teeth feel all super shiny and new again. No more brackets!
I’ve got to wear a retainer for a while to ensure my teeth don’t move and I’m feeling pretty mixed about that. I’m overjoyed to have my braces off but these might be more annoying than the braces! They will definitely cut down on unnecessary snacking more than my braces ever did. On a plus note, they don’t hurt, no-one can tell I’m wearing them and I don’t have a lisp. They will be worth it to maintain the correction of my teeth.
There are lots of brace options available depending on your teeth and lifestyle choices, but you can read here why I chose Damon braces over other popular options such as Invisalign or regular braces. You can even see me getting my braces fitted.
My Braces: Before, During & After
You’ve got to forgive the photos. I know, I know, they are *not* the prettiest.
Now you see why I wanted braces
And the goofy smile is just to show you both sets of teeth… normally my bottom row (the worst!) is hidden by my lips.
I could have Photoshopped them and made them nicer, but that’s not me. If you’ve followed along with my weight loss journey too, you will know that I share real pics from a real mum.
Since getting my braces removed, I’ve been asked lots of questions from friends and readers. There’s already lots here on the blog and via my social media, but so I can answer everyone, I’m going to respond to these in a further series of blog posts and try to cover all your questions!
These will include:
- How to choose an Orthodontist that is right for you
- How much do braces cost and how you can afford them
- Foods you can (and cannot!) eat with braces
- How to care for your braces and retainers
Have any other questions? Let me know in the comments below and I will answer them for you!
In the meantime, if you’ve ever wanted to get braces fitted, go visit your Orthodontist and discuss options that are right for you.
If you are in the Dorset or Hampshire region, I totally recommend my Orthodontist: Dr. Hardip Dhatt (and his awesome sidekick nurse, Hannah). Go along for a free consultation and see how you can transform your smile, too.
But before I finish… a few more gratuitous smiley photos. Sorry, I can’t help it! 😀
Say, Cheese!”
Related Posts
Photo Update: 6 Months With Adult Braces
Getting My Braces Fitted
Why I got braces as an adult (and how it’s going)
How To Make A Super Easy Gorgeous Festive Wreath
Your teeth look great! What a difference braces did for you, amazing. I have never had braces and am hoping my kids don’t.
Thank you, Alicia. You are so lucky never to have needed braces… this is my 2nd time (once already as a teen).
Fingers crossed the kids have your good genes
Congrats! Your teeth look great! My son just got his off a few months ago. He has to wear top and bottom retainers for a year though because he still has an overbite and they are worried about his teeth moving.
Thanks, Kat,
Make sure he wears those retainers! That was my BIG mistake when getting braces as a teen.
You look amazing! First, congrats on the weight loss (i know that is brutal) and second your teeth look great! MY son is having some put on in just over a month and to be honest Im SO lost because I never had braces so I have no idea what to look forward to. Im going to keep my eyes out for your series!
Hi Stephanie, thank you for your lovely words!
I shared the process of getting my braces fitted here: http://onebusywahm.com/getting-my-adult-braces-fitted/
It was way quicker and easier than I thought it would be. And totally painless, too!
Oh my goodness, you look like a different person from your before pic!! Congrats on your amazing weightloss, and what a fab smile!! xx
Oh Elaine, I feel like a totally different person. Physically AND mentally. I still can’t believe the change!
What a beautiful smile you have! It’s funny because I’m wearing braces now and my before looks like your before! I’m only about 9 months in so I have a ways to go, but I’m looking forward to a smile like yours.
You look even more gorgeous! I was horrible about wearing my retainer after I had braces, and I regret it. I’m sitting here jealous of your perferctly perfect teeth.
I am so, so envious! I will be reading through all your teeth posts when my time comes. You look incredible!! Truly inspirational x
Thank you, Donna.
I know you’ve been following my brace journey from the beginning. I can’t believe they have finally come off. That year has just flown by!
That’s it! I’m getting them! The subject has come up again lately But I just tell myself I’m 35 and married, who cares about my teeth? But it will make me feel better.
I’m 38 and used to think the same. I cannot tell you how amazing it feels now I’m at the other end of my journey. You should definitely make an appointment with an Orthodontist and see what your options are.
Hi! These posts about Damon braces are so helpful. I am 28 and about to have Damon Clears put on next week, I am so nervous! I work in an environment which requires me to travel alot, and do alot of public speaking , so all these things cleaning wise and confidence wise are making me very nervous. i’m english but live and work in Italy – i honestly don’t think i have ever seen an adult here wearing braces ever! I wanted to ask if your teeth ever turned yellowish- or the braces themselves? I love to have white (not scary white!) teeth and would hate yellow teeth on top of braces! After having them removed, have they shifted at all? I have read about these bonded retainers and think that may be the best option. I also had braces as a young teen and never wore them…hence me being here! I have a slight cross bite, but mainly it will be to widen my arches and align my jaw. Any cleaning tips to make life easier or cut down times? Did they stain at all? Sorry for all the questions…i’m just terrified and feel like i’m gojng to look hideous! I’m getting married in 15 months so pray to god they will be off by then.Your teeth look fab though! Thanks in advance xxx
Hi Francesca, congratulations on getting your Damon braces! My teeth never discoloured, but I was aware they looked slightly less bright after having the braces fitted. I think that was because the brackets were whiter than my teeth creating an illusion.
My brackets never discoloured through eating, although, I was very good to limit foods that might stain. No beetroot or bright curries! They may well have been okay, but I didn’t want to risk it.
After having my braces removed, my teeth did try to shift. I have a bonded retainer at the top, and removable retainers for top and bottom. Apparently, it’s not good to out bonded on your lower teeth because it sits by your saliva glands and can lead to a build up or tartar etc.
After having them fitted, make sure you ask your dentist for some dental wax in case they rub. Don’t settle for one packet – get a few! Apply it the moment you feel any niggles and stop ulcers forming as otherwise it will be uncomfortable, especially in the beginning.
I used a regular toothbrush to clean in the beginning, but soon upgraded to a Philips Sonicare tooth brush + air flosser.
Good luck with your braces – please feel welcome to pop back with any questions
Just a quick note to say thanks for doing all these posts. It is because of these posts I went for Damon Clear at Ringwood Dental in October last year. Teeth have already moved loads and Hardeep thinks they may be off by the end of the year.
My only concern is that I may be having elastics fitted next month and am a bit worried about how they will look. Had my first wire change last week and brace seems to be a lot more noticeable.
As you say though, hardly anyone comments on them and I wish I had taken the decision to have them sooner.
Thank you.
Hey Dan, so sorry I missed your message! Congrats on getting the damon clear braces with Hardip and Ringwood Dental. You’re a few months into your treatment now so should be seeing a fantastic difference. Don’t worry about the elastics… yes they are a bit of a nuisance – but totally worth it! Do come back and update on your progress, would love to hear how you are getting on!