If you haven’t read part one of my adult braces story, start here: https://www.redheadbabymama.com/adult-braces/
You guys. I had no idea how many people wanted to know more about my braces journey! When I first started out, I was researching for more information on my type of situation (adult bicuspid extraction with adult braces) and couldn’t really find much! After I bit the bullet in the orthodontic chair, I came home and wrote a post about GETTING my braces, but it occurred to me I hadn’t touched the topic since! A few folks have poked me on YouTube, asking about my braces, and how long I had them. One guy even asked what made me get them, and his comment stuck out since it was left on a review video!
(A note to the above photo: I rocked my braces as Darla at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and had a great time. I even had the great pleasure to pen an article for Disney Family this year!) But people wanted to know, and I realized that I, too, had wanted to know before I had gotten braces for the second time. So I washed my hair and set up the camera before the kids came home to do a LIVE session on my FB page about my experience. No plan, no sweat, just me. The crazy thing was that I got all into my feels. I wanted y’all to know how much support I’ve felt from y’all during my treatments, and that a few hurdles that really set me back in the early days don’t come close to the love and smiles that I’ve had from you. And that FEELS REALLY GOOD.
Adult Braces: Where I Am Now?
I’m 20 months into treatment now, and I’ve come so far! Four bicuspids removed in June 2016, which took really until September to heal and properly start closing gaps. If I had to do it all over again, I’d do the removal FIRST, completely heal and then slap on the braces. Yes, I did get the added benefit of straightening the front in the meantime, but it was hard with both at the same time. This was me the first day on braces, stepping out of the office:
I came home and wrote a post about getting Adult Braces a few months later (I attribute this to my nerves!) But can you see how some of my teeth aren’t even in the wires… that’s how misaligned they were. Below is the first week of December 2016, meeting my Ohana, my 2017 Disney Parks Moms Panel family. Would they accept me with braces? Oh yeah. We love each other very much.
And here is a picture from October 2017. Nearly a year after the previous photo. Can you tell the difference? I can! Everything is in line (finally) and the gaps are closing. My birthday is in the Spring, so I’m crossing my fingers that everything comes together before then, and I get one heck of a birthday present of being set loose onto all the foods that I really miss! If you’re headed for or wearing adult braces, leave me a note about your journey. I’m proud of you!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
It was such a big decision but I’m glad you are happy with it!
Redhead Baby Mama says
Thank you! I couldn’t believe the difference after looking back at the photos this week.
Meghan Cooper says
I have had some movement after my braces also. I have to ask my dentist and the new space happening in my mouth.
Redhead Baby Mama says
think a retainer will fix it? I need to be SUPER DILIGENT about wearing mine!
Joyce Brewer says
My brother got adult braces when he was over 50, so it’s definitely do-able.
It took a few years to get the look he wanted.
As long as you have the time, can tolerate the pain level and investment – it’s well worth it.
Neve says
Lindsey, you look great even with them in! It goes to show how attractive a confident smile is, regardless of your teeth. But I can see that you’re gonna look gorgeous when they come out. Fingers crossed this happens by your birthday.
You’ve got me considering it for myself!
Neve x
Redhead Baby Mama says
Thank you so much!! That is so kind of you! If you are considering it, go for the free consult. It can’t hurt. I admit I was as nervous as a cat the day I got them on, but now I rock it! Let me know what you decide! :):)
Jonny says
Glad to see that you are progressing and fulfilling your endeavors,but if you don’t mind me asking,why didn’t you opt for the clear transparent or another inconspicuous option? Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk teeth 😉 and stay amazing!
Redhead Baby Mama says
Thanks, Jonny! I actually asked about a Clear Correct or an Invisalign but I wasn’t a candidate. I had too much shifting that needed to be corrected, but these old-fashioned metal braces were a heck of a lot faster than the clear brackets… I’m going for SPEED! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words and you stay awesome, too!
Jonny says
Always a pleasure but remebmer that clear brackets are nearly as strong and just as efficient if one utilized the metal or better yet self ligating archwires ,as the archwires are what securely encapsulate the brackets,make cleaning braces easier,automatically apply the right amount of ligation(tightening) and pressure,reduce the number of consultations and adjustments required and also,the archwires are what create the mechanism of reducing friction between the brackets and teeth,resulting in shortened duration and imo,clear brackets are better because they don’t as awkward and weird (no offense) in some cases they take even less time but no matter
Jonny says
*Look as awkward,that is and clear brackets usually aren’t problematic at least certainly not on the top set even in severe cases
Jonny says
Sorry about this Lindsey bit how can one edit and delete comments on this blog? And you still look gorgeous,for what it’s worth 😁
Redhead Baby Mama says
You should be able to see an edit button beside your comment. 🙂
Eve says
Hi I got braces in my 30s I got some harsh comments saying I was trying to act young again. However I just saw this as a jealousy issue. I’m thankful I took this journey with my new job I took advantage of the opportunities and got on our health plan and got braces. If I could I would have done it long time ago however now I’m so glad I did it. Age ain’t nothing but a number and it’s true when it comes to braces as well 🤗
Redhead Baby Mama says
I’m so sorry to hear about those hateful folks. I got my share of them, too, but I’m really glad you took the leap!! And yes, age is only a number. I’m HAPPY that you did you and you are smiling!
Alexis says
I am 23 and getting braces in the next month. It was a huge decision but I am tired of being insecure over my smile. I have been looking at blogs regarding braces for weeks now as I am anxiously waiting to get them on my teeth! I cannot wait to get started and finally have the smile I have always wanted. I have also gotten some occasional bad responses to it, but luckily more positive than anything. So I appreciate this post! I hope you post another one with the final results!
Redhead Baby Mama says
Yes, I will!! It’s been a busy season, but I’m planning a new talk about my post-braces life! I am so sorry to hear about your negative feedback. You are worth it and don’t let them get you down. Shine bright through your smile! 🙂