BRACES MAKING ME FEEL AWKWARD AF

Totally get where you're coming from. I felt super self-conscious too when I first got my braces. Honestly, it took me a good month or two before I stopped feeling like everyone was staring at my mouth. Even now, sometimes I'll catch myself covering my teeth when I'm laughing or smiling big - old habits die hard, I guess.

One thing that helped me was realizing most people aren't actually paying as much attention as we think they are. They're probably more worried about their own stuff than noticing our braces. Still, it's easier said than done to just "stop worrying," right? For me, it got better once the soreness wore off and I could eat normally again - that boosted my confidence a bit.

Hang in there, though...after a while you'll probably start forgetting they're even there (until the next tightening appointment rolls around, lol).

The “month or two” timeline is reassuring, especially since I’m still instinctively covering my mouth when I laugh. Did practicing smiling or talking at home help you stop doing that sooner? I’m wondering if getting used to seeing and hearing the braces myself would make speaking in public feel less awkward.

Practicing at home can help you get used to how your smile and voice feel with braces, especially if you notice yourself covering your mouth automatically. Talking, smiling, or even reading out loud in the mirror made it feel less unfamiliar for me. Then low-pressure conversations with trusted friends can be a good next step before bigger social settings.