Metal Mouth Message Board

My children (both early 20s) were told by the ortho to wear their retainers at night for life. They think it's a pain, but then they see me back in braces at age 51. So I think they have learned from my mistake. I will definitely be in my retainers at night for life.

$4600 for everything in central Illinois. No extractions, ceramic uppers, metal lowers, 24 months expected treatment time.

Interesting comments about "over-whitening". http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,182447,00.html

$4600 - ceramic uppers, metal lowers, includes "discount" for multiple family members at this ortho - insurance pays zilch because I'm over 23 (WAY over!! )

Yes, I even look at my teeth in the rear-view mirror when I'm at stop lights. My O/C about my teeth is driving my husband crazy:)

I DID have braces when I was younger...wore them from age 12-14. I faithfully wore my retainers until age 18, then didn't want to be bothered with them in college. Over time, my teeth moved a great deal and my jaw narrowed really causing great overcrowding in the lowers. So here at am at age 51 in b...

My ortho said my retainers will be for life as well. He explained that as we age, our lower jaw naturally gets narrower. Since I'm 51 my jaw would continue to narrow, ruining my 24 months of braces if I don't wear a retainer forever. My children, who are 19 and 22, also continue to wear their retain...

Before braces, I had my teeth cleaned every 6 months. Since braces, I use a Sonicare Elite toothbrush, but even so, the hygienist says I should have my teeth cleaned 4 times a year, rather than just twice. How often do you have your teeth cleaned?

Of course, the final decision is yours but I, too, have my only regret being not getting braces years ago. I had braces as a teen but lack of waering my retainers and wisodm teeth coming in caused a lot of shifting. In my late 20s it was apparent I needed to be rebraced but I kept putting it off for...

Just do it:) Otherwise you'll keep putting it off and end up being 50 years old when you get started like me! I have ceramic on top - not all that noticeable - and metal on bottom. Wish I'd done it 30 years ago!

I'll be 52 if things go as planned - that's 17 months away:)

My adjustments are every 4 weeks like clockwork. I thought everyone went that often so it's interesting to know this time can vary so much.

I'm 51 and have had braces for 6 months. I'm also a teacher and the kids were so surprised and intrigued when I came back from spring break with braces last April! One little guy told me he had NEVER seen someone "old" wearing braces:) I can't say I love them, but I am so glad I had it don...