The Incident That Sparked It All

When I was 19, I lost a tooth in a strange accident involving a hay bale—true story. After getting it replaced, life went back to normal. I felt confident again.

Fast forward to this past Valentine’s Day. Mike and I were at a cozy jazz club, trying to enjoy the evening despite not feeling connected. We were tense, not quite clicking, and the conversation felt more like effort than ease. Still I was trying to enjoy the night, savoring the good food, the music, the ambiance.

That’s when it happened.

While enjoying a decadent chocolate truffle—our second dessert—I bit down and felt a strange, sinking sensation. My fake tooth just popped off.

A Wave of Emotion

The emotions hit instantly: embarrassment, frustration, and a deep sense of self-consciousness. Tear flooded my eyes, feeling the weight of vulnerability.

My eyes filled up with tears, this was the final straw on an already fragile night. The emotional aftermath didn’t end there.

Over the following days, I spiraled. I beat myself up for caring so much. I scolded myself for caring too much. “It’s just a tooth,” I thought. “Other people have it worse.” But our feelings don’t always follow logic.

Doubting Myself

I felt ashamed, unattractive, and even unworthy. I questioned how I could uplift others when I couldn’t face the world myself.

Mike tried to help by reminding me that this is only temporary. He lighten the mood by joking I looked like a hockey player again and assuring me I was still beautiful. But in that moment I need more.

That’s when I realized what I truly needed: to be seen and heard.

Reaching Out and Being Real

So, I reached out. I called my best friend and we talked for hours. I attended a friend’s women’s clothing swap and bravely shared my story.

To my surprise, others related. I met women who had lost teeth, battled body image issues, and questioned their confidence. Their empathy helped me breathe easier.

I realized something important: confidence is not linear. It rises and falls—and that’s completely normal.

Healing, Inside and Out

I began the process of getting a permanent implant. In the meantime, I wear a temporary “flipper,” (a retainer with a tooth attached). It looks fine, but makes me have a lisp when I talk and I feel awkward. I worked so hard to find my voice again and now I have to deal with a lisp?!?!

Since then, I’ve gone to concerts, supported my favorite hockey team in the playoffs, and celebrated life with friends in New York. With each experience, my confidence is slowly starting to grow again.

I surrounded myself with people who love me—flaws and all—including the hockey players who are missing some of their teeth.

The Importance of Feeling Heard

One of the biggest takeaways was realizing how often people tried to cheer me up without really hearing me. Their intentions were kind, but I needed validation, not distraction.

So I stopped pretending. I shared the truth when people asked how I was doing. And in return, I received the support I truly needed—people who listened.

What I’ve Learned

I’m sharing this because I know I’m not alone, we all have moments of self-doubt. If you’re struggling with confidence after a physical change or emotional setback, please remember:

• You are not alone.
• You’re allowed to feel what you feel.
• You don’t have to pretend everything’s okay.
• You can lean on others—and they’ll still love you.

Most importantly: You are worthy, just as you are.

Final Thoughts on Rebuilding Confidence After Loss

This journey taught me that confidence isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about showing up—broken tooth, lisp, insecurities and all. And I’m still showing up.

If you’ve ever struggled with your self-image or questioned your worth after a change, I hope this story reminds you that you’re not alone—and that healing often begins with honesty and connection.

Let’s talk: Have you ever faced a moment that shook your confidence? How did you rebuild it? Share your experience on my social media!