Last time, I shared about the “ordeal of extractions,” but the journey beyond that was far from smooth. After each monthly adjustment, I endured a dull ache with every bite. Meals often meant soft-boiled ramen, steamed bread, or rice porridge. Fibrous foods often got tangled in the appliances, and whenever I ate in public, I was constantly worried about something getting stuck. Once intermaxillary elastics came into play, even conversations felt awkward… it was a continuous test of patience.
↑Progress over the years at a glance. Strangely enough, even my skin texture seems to have improved.
But the changes that followed exceeded my expectations. Each time my teeth aligned a little more, I found myself smiling more naturally. My jawline appeared sharper, and I even felt as though my whole face had become more refined. I developed the habit of brushing more carefully, and though I never had whitening treatments, my teeth seemed brighter than before. At one point, I even thought: Even if I never get these braces off, I’d rather keep them than go back to how my teeth used to be.
↑September 2021, on my birthday, holding a bouquet I received. There were still gaps between my teeth, but they had already started to align significantly.
Then came the long-awaited moment of “bracket off.” After three hours of removal, check-ups, and fitting retainers, the sense of liberation was indescribable. Most unforgettable was the smooth, even feel of my teeth when I touched them with my tongue for the first time. I couldn’t help but spend the whole day exploring the inside of my mouth. On the other hand, unexpected issues like cavities in the molars reminded me that maintaining dental health is an ongoing project. Still, the final result exceeded my expectations. For the next few years, I’ll walk with retainers, but compared to the days I spent with braces, there’s nothing to fear.
↑Before-and-after on the day of bracket removal. Well done, Nao!
And now, the costs—something everyone is curious about. I’m sharing them here both as a record for myself and in case it’s useful for others. ※
⭐︎Total Cost of Orthodontic Treatment (including 10% tax)
・Extraction fee (9 teeth) ¥55,000 (including hospitalization)
・Braces fee ¥660,000
・Monthly adjustment fee ¥5,500 × 40 visits
・Retainer fee ¥33,000
・Other supplies (toothpaste, etc.) ¥54,000
Total ¥1,000,000
To those considering orthodontics, the cost may seem daunting. But if you think of it as gaining the priceless asset of “aligned teeth and confidence,” it doesn’t feel like an expensive purchase at all. That said, choosing the right clinic is critical. Unfortunately, unethical practices and excessive charges do exist, so thorough research beforehand is a must. Orthodontics is not a temporary beauty treatment but a medical process that accompanies your daily life for years. That’s why it requires a choice you can truly stand by.
In the end, what I can say is this: teeth are the foundation of health, and at the same time, they shape the impression you leave on others. If I could go back to myself four years ago, I would say “GO” every single time without hesitation. What I gained was not just neatly aligned teeth, but happiness and confidence worth far more than the cost.
※Please note: Orthodontics is considered an aesthetic treatment, and costs and results may vary depending on the clinic and the treatment method.