Braces for a Cause: My Journey to a Confident Smile
By Joanna Vidal
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| My Braces installed |
I had lower braces for over three years. The main reason? I lost both of my lower canine teeth back in high school. At the time, I didn’t think much about it. I didn’t realize how important it was to have strong, healthy teeth—and to take care of them before it’s too late.
As the years passed, my lower teeth started to shift. Gaps formed on both sides, and eventually, it began to affect the way I spoke. Air would escape through the gaps when I talked (and yes, sometimes a little saliva too—gross and embarrassing, right?). I started mispronouncing certain letters—my T and F sounded like S, and my R sounded like L.
It was embarrassing, especially when talking to new people. My family and close friends understood, but strangers didn’t. I could feel them getting distracted by my speech—or worse, laughing. Since I was studying tourism, I realized I needed to do something about it. I wanted to improve, not just for myself, but for my future career.
Braces On: A Bumpy Start in the UAE
When I moved to the UAE, I already had my lower braces. But I came here on short notice and didn’t get a referral from my dentist back home. After a few months, I started worrying. The braces needed adjusting, but I didn’t know where to go.
I visited a few clinics, but most of them refused to continue treatment unless they could start from scratch. That meant removing the existing braces and installing a new set—which was frustrating.
In the meantime, I removed the rubber and wire myself because it started to feel uncomfortable and caused bad odor (since I couldn’t get them cleaned or replaced). Unfortunately, my teeth started shifting again.
Eventually, a close friend recommended a good clinic. I inquired and decided to go for it. The dentist advised me to get both upper and lower braces so they could align properly with my jawbone.
Starting Fresh
I had an X-ray, and my dentist created a model of my teeth using blue molding material (usually it’s white, but mine was blue). They scheduled my appointments in stages—they couldn’t do everything in one day, probably because of time constraints and a long list of patients. (By the way, I noticed I was the only Filipino client—most were European or locals, so I figured I was in professional hands. It was a bit pricey, though!)
When the day came to get my new braces, I was both nervous and excited. My dentist cleaned my teeth, used a mouth-widening tool, and applied a blue gel that tasted super sour. Then came the brackets, the connecting wire, and the rubber bands.
The procedure itself wasn’t too bad—but the pain afterward? Wow. It was intense! I honestly questioned if I could keep going. But of course, I did.
The First Month: Adjusting to Life with Braces
Eating during the first month was a challenge. I avoided steak, red apples, and anything too hard—basically, anything that could break a bracket or mess up the alignment. (Chewing gum? A big no-no!)
Sometimes it felt like my teeth were actually moving—and that everything might fall off if I bit too hard.
I had to visit the clinic once a month for checkups and adjustments. It only takes about 20–30 minutes to replace the rubber bands, and then you’re good to go.
One fun part? Choosing the color of the rubber bands. It made the experience a little more exciting and personal.
Braces Care 101
Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces can feel like a chore—but it’s necessary.
Here are my top tips:
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid medium or hard ones.
• Get a spiral dental brush. It’s small and perfect for cleaning between brackets.
• Clean after every meal. Always! Carry a toothbrush and mouthwash with you, especially when you’re out and about.
• Use dental wax. Ask your dentist for a wax kit. It helps protect the inside of your mouth from painful sores caused by friction from the brackets—especially after adjustments.
Very tiny spiral dental brushes it comes in different sizes
(the dentist will advise you what size you could use)
Improvements I’ve Seen
After more than two years of wearing upper and lower braces, I’ve seen a huge difference.
Not only did my jawline change (it used to be round, now it’s more V-shaped—maybe due to bone movement and alignment), but I’m also much more confident when I talk.
People now tell me I have the cutest smile—and honestly, I feel flattered! I can speak faster and more clearly without worrying about mispronouncing words or, well, “showering” anyone by accident.
I’m still wearing my braces, but once they come off, I’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain the alignment until my teeth settle into their new positions.
Final Thoughts: Smile with Heart
A smile is one of the most beautiful things you can share with the world. A genuine smile can lift someone’s mood and make a big difference.
Smile from the heart—it makes you even more beautiful.
Photos:
• First month with newly installed upper and lower braces.
• Two years after lower braces: note the gaps on both sides.
• Present day: happy with the results, currently wearing a power chain.
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