I had a curiosity to know what it was like when someone finally got their braces off. My wife had dental braces as a teen, like most people, but I didn’t. So I had a friend (Katie) write an article for me about the process and her experience. Hopefully this will inspire those who have or are getting braces to hang in there. The light at the end of the metal tunnel does get brighter!

Braces Off: A Story of Freedom

by guest author Katie

As a child I had braces for my teeth for three years, a long three years at that. Let me start with why I had to wear them for so long. I had a double set of permanent teeth, under bite; I had to have spacers, and then came the orthodontic braces. OH, what fun?

For three years I would have to go to the orthodontist every month to get them tightened up and checked out. I had to be very cautious about what I ate. I am a fat girl so taking away hard candies and Carmel and taffy was very hard for me. I would cheat every once in a while but I would always pay for it because I would end up knocking a bracket off.

Finally getting the braces off!

I hated them but I knew the importance of wearing them. Finally came the time for the dentist to say “Well we should be able to take these off before long.” I remember being so happy thinking all right finally I can eat what I want, when I want to. I don’t have to worry about the food being stuck in my braces. It was a very happy day for me.

I went to the orthodontist office and they took me back to a room and began by removing the wire and then the brackets. Next they cleaned my teeth really good. That was nice I am sure it was grimy under my teeth braces.

Then they took me to another room where they did the molds for the plastic retainer. I hated this part, taking the molds, filling them full of the plaster like stuff and then shoving all that into the mouth. Did I mention the taste, it was horrible.

Now, with the braces and molds out of my mouth, I am metal free, at least until the retainers where ready.

The dental retainers came in and I had to wear them to bed at night. These were not as uncomfortable as I thought they would be. They fit right into my mouth and they molded to the roof of my mouth. They were actually comfortable.

I took them out one night and somehow they came up missing (I think the dog took them). I did not get them replaced as I should have. I now have a small gap in the front of my teeth and a tooth shifted behind another. Please remember to wear your dental retainer and follow the instructions fully.