My Journey Of Getting Braces And How Much It Costs |

Yay! I did it! After years of dreaming about this moment, I finally have my braces on. I’ve wanted them since my 20s, but life kept getting in the way—financial struggles, other commitments, and a million reasons to delay. But in 2020, I made a promise to myself: this would be the year of self-improvement—mentally, physically, and everything in between. Getting braces was a big part of that journey, and I’m so proud that I finally took the plunge!

Here’s my full braces journey, from the very first consultation to where I am today. Buckle up—it’s been quite a ride!

Orthodontic Consultation (18th Dec 2019)

Cost: RM425.00 (Scaling, Teeth Molds, X-ray)

The first step was getting a professional opinion. My teeth were crowded and misaligned (probably thanks to my childhood fear of dentists—oops!). My upper teeth stuck out slightly, and I had a gummy smile, meaning my gums showed a lot when I smiled. The dentist suggested two possible fixes: Botox injections or gum reduction surgery. But first, we needed to focus on straightening my teeth.

Since I was already there, I decided to get scaling done. After that, the dentist made a mold of my teeth and took an X-ray to plan the treatment properly.

Tooth Extraction (4th Jan 2020)

Cost: RM265.00 (RM125.00 for upper teeth, RM145.00 for lower teeth)

Most people need four extractions for braces (two upper, two lower) to create space for their teeth to move. Since I was already missing a lower tooth, I only needed three extractions. On this day, I removed two teeth from the right side.

Pain Level: 7/10 (Bonus: I got a painful ulcer near the extraction site.)

Aftercare:
✔ No painkillers—I toughed it out!
✔ Brushed my teeth as usual but avoided the extraction area.
✔ Use mouthwash only after 24 hours.
✔ Stuck to soft foods like rice porridge and soup every day.

Tip: Eat before your extraction! You won’t be able to eat for at least two hours afterwards.

Emergency Dentist Visit (9th Jan 2020)

Cost: RM100.00 (Including painkillers & antibiotics)

The morning after my extraction, I woke up to swollen gums… and pus. Yikes. The clinic was closed since it was a Sunday, so I rinsed with salt water and hoped for the best. That night, the abscess burst on its own with pus and blood.

I thought the worst was over, but on the 8th of January, the pain came back. My head and throat on the right side ached so badly that even touching my hair hurt. The next morning, my gums swelled up even bigger, with even more pus. I rushed to the dentist, and they had to drain it manually. Let me tell you—that pain was next level. I actually teared up when they injected the anaesthesia! My head throbbed for a week straight after that.

Pain Level: 8/10

Aftercare:
✔ Took antibiotics and painkillers.
✔ Bought Oradex mouthwash from the pharmacy.
✔ Ate soft foods like rice porridge, mushroom soup, and rice with plain soup.
✔ Brushed my teeth twice a day and flossed every night.
✔ Started eating yoghurt daily—it’s great for gum health!

Another Tooth Extraction (18th Jan 2020)

Cost: RM155.00 (Including painkillers)

One last tooth to go! But, of course, it couldn’t be easy. This time, my tooth broke into two pieces mid-extraction. My dentist had to use the same tool used for fillings to remove the roots, and she struggled so much that she nearly gave up and suggested another appointment. The discomfort was unreal. Thankfully, on the final attempt, she managed to pull it out.

Pain Level: 6/10

Aftercare:
✔ Took a painkiller before the anaesthesia wore off.
✔ Ate normally but avoided hard food.
✔ Brushed my teeth twice daily, rinsed with Oradex, and flossed every night.

Getting Braces on My Upper Teeth (29th Jan 2020)

Cost: RM1,000.00 (Downpayment)

The big day finally arrived! My dentist installed the braces on my upper teeth first, since my lower teeth weren’t as forward. Everything went smoothly, and my next appointment to get my lower braces was scheduled for the 12th of February.

Pain Level: 5/10 (Chewing was a challenge—it felt like my teeth were being pulled in different directions!)

Aftercare:
✔ Still eating soft foods like rice porridge and soup.
✔ Brushed my teeth twice a day, used Listerine, and flossed every night.

Tip: Take a painkiller an hour before getting your braces to make the process more bearable!

Braces Cost & Clinic Info

I got my braces done at Izra Dental, Putrajaya. The total cost is RM5,000, and I’m paying RM200 per month. Can’t wait to see the final results!

One-Year Braces Update!

My teeth have moved so much! Now I’m in the gapped teeth phase because my teeth are shifting into place. I feel a little self-conscious when I smile, so I tend to cover my mouth.

Every month, I go for a rubber band change. That part doesn’t hurt, but recently, my dentist switched my wire to start closing the gaps, and wow, the pain hit me all over again! I couldn’t chew properly for a whole week—it felt just like when I first got my braces.

Another struggle? Ulcers. Braces are an ulcer-making machine. The brackets constantly rub against the inside of my mouth, especially when I eat. And when the ulcers get caught on the brackets? Let’s just say, ouch. But hey, beauty is pain, right? Gotta push through for that perfect smile!

Extra Care Tips:
✔ Scaling is still a must! Even with braces, you need to do it twice a year.
✔ Prepare for sensitivity. Drinking plain water felt painful for a few days after scaling, so I used a straw to help.

Despite the pain, ulcers, and struggles, I’m so happy with my progress. It’s all worth it!

Braces Off! (23rd July 2024)

After four long years, I finally got my braces removed! The dentist did scaling and polished my teeth to make them look even better. One of my front teeth (my “rabbit tooth”) was slightly longer than the one next to it, so she reshaped it for a more even look.

However, retainers weren’t included in the braces cost, so I had to pay RM400 for both upper and lower retainers. The dentist took a mold of my newly straightened teeth, and the next day, my retainers were ready for me to pick up.

It feels so weird not having braces after all these years, but I’m beyond happy with the final result. Totally worth it!

Read more here: Tips Dan Cara Penjagaan Ketika Pakai Braces.

X, Hani.