Words by Aude Camus
I’ve never really been a New Year’s resolutions kind of person. No “new me”, no dramatic overhauls, no detox promises scribbled down on 1 January and forgotten by mid-month.
But in the past few years, I’ve decided on something quieter — and probably more meaningful: putting my health, and the health of my family, properly back at the centre of things.
On paper, I’m not doing too badly. I stick to my workouts (mostly). I try to live by an 80/20 diet — 80% sensible, 20% pleasure… although if I’m being honest, some weeks it’s closer to 50/50. I’m diligent about my children’s paediatric check-ups. Calendars booked, reminders set, done.
I’ve never really been a New Year’s resolutions kind of person. No “new me”, no dramatic overhauls, no detox promises scribbled down on 1 January and forgotten by mid-month.
But in the past few years, I’ve decided on something quieter — and probably more meaningful: putting my health, and the health of my family, properly back at the centre of things.
On paper, I’m not doing too badly. I stick to my workouts (mostly). I try to live by an 80/20 diet — 80% sensible, 20% pleasure… although if I’m being honest, some weeks it’s closer to 50/50. I’m diligent about my children’s paediatric check-ups. Calendars booked, reminders set, done.
But when it comes to side check-ups? That’s where things quietly slip.
Dermatologist appointments get postponed (though I’ve finally faced that fear recently — a few moles removed, anxiety levels through the roof, but done). Annual check-ups? Always “next month”. And the dentist… well. Let’s just say this article comes with a confession.
Somehow, without fully realising it, I became that mum. The one who waited five years before taking her child to the dentist for the first time. And my own last visit? Roughly around the same time. Not great. I know.
Dermatologist appointments get postponed (though I’ve finally faced that fear recently — a few moles removed, anxiety levels through the roof, but done). Annual check-ups? Always “next month”. And the dentist… well. Let’s just say this article comes with a confession.
Somehow, without fully realising it, I became that mum. The one who waited five years before taking her child to the dentist for the first time. And my own last visit? Roughly around the same time. Not great. I know.
It took a chance encounter with Dr Marlène Grillon to finally change that.
A very overdue appointment — and a surprisingly lovely one
I booked our appointment at Braces and Faces with equal parts guilt and apprehension. How would my daughter react? Would it be tears, fear, resistance? I was fully prepared to negotiate.
Instead, we walked into a bright, calm space overlooking the harbour. From the moment we arrived, everything felt… considered. Cutting-edge technology meant the check-up was quick and gentle. The team was warm, patient and genuinely kind. And the detail that completely won my daughter over? TV screens on the ceiling, turning the appointment into something closer to a treat than a chore.
I booked our appointment at Braces and Faces with equal parts guilt and apprehension. How would my daughter react? Would it be tears, fear, resistance? I was fully prepared to negotiate.
Instead, we walked into a bright, calm space overlooking the harbour. From the moment we arrived, everything felt… considered. Cutting-edge technology meant the check-up was quick and gentle. The team was warm, patient and genuinely kind. And the detail that completely won my daughter over? TV screens on the ceiling, turning the appointment into something closer to a treat than a chore.
No tears. No drama. Just curiosity.
We walked out with a follow-up appointment booked later this month, and my daughter actually looking forward to it. If you’re a parent, you’ll know that’s a big deal.
What struck me most about Braces and Faces is that it doesn’t feel clinical or cold. It feels modern, reassuring, and deeply friendly — without ever being patronising. To me it almost felt like I was walking into a salon rather than a clinic.
We walked out with a follow-up appointment booked later this month, and my daughter actually looking forward to it. If you’re a parent, you’ll know that’s a big deal.
What struck me most about Braces and Faces is that it doesn’t feel clinical or cold. It feels modern, reassuring, and deeply friendly — without ever being patronising. To me it almost felt like I was walking into a salon rather than a clinic.
This is a practice that understands parents, children, time constraints, anxieties and the realities of Hong Kong life. Whether it’s a first dental visit, orthodontic care, or simply catching up on appointments you’ve been putting off for years, everything is designed to make the experience smoother, calmer and far less intimidating than you expect.
And for my fellow French readers — a little cherry on the cake: Dr Marlène Grillon speaks French. When it comes to medical care, that matters more than we like to admit. Nothing gets lost in translation, nothing feels rushed, and you’re able to ask all the questions — properly.
A gentle reminder to ourselves
This experience was a reminder I didn’t know I needed: looking after our health doesn’t have to be dramatic, expensive or overwhelming. Sometimes it starts with one appointment you’ve been avoiding — booked quietly, without fanfare.
So if, like me, you’re not into resolutions but still feel that familiar nudge in January — maybe this is your sign. To book the check-up. To take your child to the dentist (if you haven’t yet — no judgement). To look after yourself with the same care you give everyone else.
Because feeling good — and teaching our children that health isn’t something to fear — is one of the best habits we can model.
Braces and Faces Central
29/F One Chinachem, 22 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong
https://bracesandfaces.co/
And for my fellow French readers — a little cherry on the cake: Dr Marlène Grillon speaks French. When it comes to medical care, that matters more than we like to admit. Nothing gets lost in translation, nothing feels rushed, and you’re able to ask all the questions — properly.
A gentle reminder to ourselves
This experience was a reminder I didn’t know I needed: looking after our health doesn’t have to be dramatic, expensive or overwhelming. Sometimes it starts with one appointment you’ve been avoiding — booked quietly, without fanfare.
So if, like me, you’re not into resolutions but still feel that familiar nudge in January — maybe this is your sign. To book the check-up. To take your child to the dentist (if you haven’t yet — no judgement). To look after yourself with the same care you give everyone else.
Because feeling good — and teaching our children that health isn’t something to fear — is one of the best habits we can model.
Braces and Faces Central
29/F One Chinachem, 22 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong
https://bracesandfaces.co/