Braces at 42: How Adult Braces Changed My Smile, Confidence, and Mental Health

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be rocking fixed metal braces at 42, I probably would have laughed (and then hidden my teeth). But here I am—metal mouth and all—sharing my story in the hope that it helps someone else who’s ever felt held back by their smile, or wondered if it’s “too late” to change.

Why I Finally Got Braces as an Adult

I’ve spent most of my life feeling self-conscious about my teeth. School photos? Nope. Big, open-mouthed laughs? Only if I forgot to think about it. For so long, I convinced myself it didn’t matter—or that I could “fake it” with confidence and lipstick.

But the truth is, every time I smiled, I felt a little pang of shame. And isn’t that what Her Shift is all about—getting radically honest about the things we carry, and finding ways to heal?

It took me until my forties to finally say: enough. I wanted to invest in myself, not just for how I looked, but for how I felt.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Adult Braces

Let’s be real: getting braces as an adult is not glamorous. There’s the pain, the awkward lisp, the endless cleaning routines. There’s also the weird vulnerability of being “seen” in a new way—like you’re wearing your insecurities on your face for the world to comment on.

But somewhere in that mess, I found a new kind of strength. Every appointment, every adjustment, every time I caught my reflection and thought “wow, this is actually happening”—I was reminded that self-care isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, it’s gritty and uncomfortable and deeply, deeply worth it.

Smile Confidence & Mental Health: The Surprising Connection

We talk a lot on Her Shift about self-worth, healing, and the power of small acts of care. What I didn’t expect was how much this journey with braces would ripple out into other parts of my life.

I started standing a little taller.
I found myself smiling more, not just for photos but for me.
I realized how much energy I’d spent hiding, and how freeing it was to let that go.

It’s not just about straight teeth—it’s about reclaiming parts of yourself you thought were off-limits. And honestly? It’s been life-changing for my mental health.

Self-Care Isn’t Always What You Think

We’re sold this idea that self-care is all candles and bubble baths. But sometimes, it’s about finally doing the thing you’ve put off for years. Sometimes, it’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable or “unsexy.” For me, braces became a radical act of self-love—a way to prove to myself that I’m worth the effort.

What This Means for You (and the Her Shift Community)

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck—about your smile, your body, your healing, your anything—please know: it’s never too late. You’re never too old, too far gone, or too “behind” to make a change that matters to you.

Your version of self-care might look totally different. Maybe it’s therapy, or journaling, or finally saying no to something that drains you. Whatever it is, you deserve it.

Listen to the Full Story

Want the full, unfiltered story? I dive deep into this journey on the latest episode of the Her Shift Podcast. We talk braces, confidence, mental health, and why investing in yourself—at any age—can be a game changer.

🎧 Listen to “Braces at 42: How Adult Braces Transformed My Smile, Confidence, and Mental Health” here
(Or find Her Shift Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and more.)

Let’s Talk: Have You Ever Taken a Big Self-Care Leap?

I’d love to hear from you—have you ever done something “just for you” that felt scary or overdue? Drop your story in the comments, or DM me on Instagram @theannapr. You never know who you might inspire.

If this post resonated, please share it or forward it to a friend. Let’s keep building a community where honesty, healing, and transformation are always welcome. 💛