Feeling sad after braces

[Weezy]

Ok so I'm really weird. I miss my braces so much. I only got them off two days ago and I feel so 'lost'. I miss smiling with them, brushing weirdly and having all the brackets in the way when I'm eating. I know I'm nuts but I really do miss them :(

Any advice how to 'move' on. My teeth are fine now but I just feel like a part of me has been ripped away :(

[sirwired]

What are you doing for retention? If you are in a Hawley, it should arrive soon, and you'll get a couple weeks of talking funny, and everybody can check out the labial bow wire. And, if you like, you can wear it while eating to relive the feeling of food getting stuck in annoying places.

[djspeece]

I reviewed your past posts to see if there was any sign of underlying psychiatric issues but didn't seem to see any . I'm kidding, of course.
On a serious note:
I think a lot of us see braces as a means to an end, and can't wait to reach the finish line. It would seem that you really integrated them into your self image and made the very best of the situation. You are miles ahead of me in that department.
Looking at the loss of your braces as a grieving process, I'd recommend that you embrace that sadness and work through all the stages that have been so well described by Kubler-Ross and others. You note that you are happy with your teeth, so you'll probably adjust to the "new you" in short order. Perhaps you see braces as a friend, something that has helped you to reach the next level in your personal appearance, and you appreciate that.
It may sound odd, but perhaps you should consider a small personal ceremony to mark your transition, a chance to thank your braces and to say good bye.

[Snowglobe32]

I figured I would miss my braces also so the assistant let me take them home. I can see them anything I want, they are secured in a bag. They can't escape...
They smile at me and say, "I'm glad I was able to make your smile so pretty!"



I think it is normal to miss them, that was your identity for so long, the person with braces...but now, you have a new friend...retainer friend. Embrace her...she is stuck with you for life!

Good luck! Congratulations on the new smile!

[EWUgal15]

I was hoping I wasn't the only person that would be sad to see them go. I still have a while left in braces (upwards of a year), but I started imagining what it would be like without them and I got sad. It makes me glad to find that I'm not the only that would feel this way and that there's a chance I could keep them after they come off!

[Weezy]

Thanks guys I'm feeling better now without them. I wasn't allowed to keep them as a 'souvenir' apparently they are considered as sharps. I still do miss them but I'm becoming more used to my smile. I only have an essix retainer and two bonded retainers.I feel more ordinary though without them haha they really made me feel confident unlike most people would say. I just loved smiling with them and ok I used them a lot to my advantage. Being 20, with them I easily looked 15 (prob still do even without them) so I made the most of child price tickets at the movies xD

[EWUgal15]

I just loved smiling with them and ok I used them a lot to my advantage. Being 20, with them I easily looked 15 (prob still do even without them) so I made the most of child price tickets at the movies xD

Best use of braces. Ever.

[deathorglory]

I just loved smiling with them and ok I used them a lot to my advantage. Being 20, with them I easily looked 15 (prob still do even without them) so I made the most of child price tickets at the movies xD

Best use of braces. Ever.

!!!! I've got to try this...I'm 29 and was told the other day that I look 15!!!! Teeheeee...