What to say to a fellow braceface?

[Chris1960]

For the first time I ran into another adult with braces. At the super market a lady was shopping with her child and laughing and having a good time. When I walked by I got a glimpse and was so excited that I went back to get a closer look. Sure enough she was fully braced. Unfortunately when she saw me staring she shut her mouth tight and I had obviously embarrassed her. But I couldn't think of anything to say to her.
"Nice braces" wouldn't be enough because I'm only braced on the bottom and when waxed up she might not have noticed. So what do we say when we meet our fellow metal mouths?

[Betty Bat]

How about just "Hi" and a big smile on your part, big enough to show any part of the metal that you have?

I found that most other adults with braces are happy to see a "comrade in arms", but a while ago (well over a year) there was a thread in which several people said that they preferred not to talk about their braces, even with a fellow brace-wearer. Some people were just sensitive about it.

So, perhaps a grill-showing smile would help break the ice.

[BoSox2008]

if I see an adult with braces walking by me at work, at the mall, or the grocery store - I get excited for a second but I tend to forget about it. Everyone is different, although I would be excited if someone pointed out or asked about my braces, some people might be embarrassed or offended.

I went out to a club a few weekends ago and my friend's friend had braces. She ran up to me and was very excited and we talked about our braces all night! Its funny how such a small thing makes you feel connected to someone else : )

[Super Soo]

I agree, definitely say hi or something! I have never met another adult with braces (and I've had these babies on for just over 2 years) so if someone acknowledged me in that way I would be made up!

Sue x

[Lisa65]

I wouldn't say anything, unless they mentioned it first.

[choccyface]

Before I was braced I went to my daughters parents evening and her English teacher had braces, I was so excited and wanted to chat about them and tell her how cool they looked but I was to shy.

I've not seen another adult who has braces since then but I have been asked about mine by adult customers at work that are considering them and I always rave about how great they are and encourage them to go for it!


Sarah x

[mary.]

Personally, I love it when people ask about my braces. But, I agree with the others in that some may not. I would flash a smile and see if they respond. If you think they might respond well, you could ask how long they have had their braces, or even "I love your braces, how long have you had them".

[purpleteeth]

I just smile -- I think that says a lot... I have met other adults with braces and I have been very vocal about my braces, which has led me to find other adults who have gone through them as adults. I laugh, I smile -- why not??

My braces make me look about 13 and I'm 25, so I usually find myself making humor about how young they make me look! I have braces AND glasses AND waist length hair (by choice), so I really look like a teenager with the braces on

There is someone else at work who is an adult who is currently going through them and I know we talked a lot when I first got them. She has had them for a while and she can understand the difficulities I am having with speaking and the pain.

I also view braces on adults as a sign of maturity for some reason. Many adults hesitate to go through them because of the cosmetic issue, not to mention how often insurances will not pay for ADULT TREATMENT. The way I see it, they are an accessory to me for the next 12-14 months (I shouldn't be in them much longer than that...) and so I am not going to hide them.

I even wear colored rubber bands and when my elastics get changed to being upfront and more visible, I'll probably STILL wear the colored elastics!! I'll have the clear ones when I know I have to be professional Afterall, I am putting 5 grand down on my smile/ jaw/ bite... so I am going to show it off during the whole process!!! I have nothing to be ashamed of by taking care of myself and that is what I view braces as -- taking care of myself.

[cybersiren]

I get excited when people ask about my braces too! I had a guy come into my work the other day and ask me about them because he was considering getting them for a second time due to some relapse. Since I am also in them for round 2 (due to some things not being corrected at all the first time around) I was happy to share my experience and reccommend my ortho. I notice other adults' braces too but usually the only ones that want to talk about it are the ones I meet at the ortho's office.

[tommyfive]

i find it hard to make conversation with strangers in the first place, so i usually don't say anything, but may flash a smile and if they notice and say something then there's something to talk about.

i do notice more adults wearing braces now, almost like you notice every other car of the make and model you drive when you're on the road; never thought there were so many out there, but then you start to notice. funny how that is.

i've been asked who my ortho is or how long i'll be wearing them, and that's started typical braces chit chat a few times. usually it's not much more than 'i can't wait to get them off' or 'i'll never complain about flossing again.'

it's been more of a topic of conversation with my niece and our babysitters, and a few adults who are interested in getting braces. I'm also sure i've been somewhat inspirational to a few people, being an over-39 male wearing a full mouth of braces.

T

[Lola]

I saw two women working in the same shop with braces (wonder if they did it togerther??) but was too wary to say anything in case I offended them. I, however, would love if another braced adult came up to me for a chat. You are all welcome to comment on my braces if you pass me in the street!!

[jennielee81]

Several adults with braces or who had had them in the recent past commented on mine when I had them. A few of them said the exact same thing to me and I really liked it...I now say it to others if I am in a conversational situation:

"Your teeth look great!"

That always made me feel so good!!

[Spanner]

I wouldn't say anything unless they spoke first. If someone with braces said to me "ooo i have braces too" and flashed a smile at me I'd be rather embarrassed to be honest (unless it was a child)

[bracesafter40]

For the first time I ran into another adult with braces. At the super market a lady was shopping with her child and laughing and having a good time. When I walked by I got a glimpse and was so excited that I went back to get a closer look. Sure enough she was fully braced. Unfortunately when she saw me staring she shut her mouth tight and I had obviously embarrassed her. But I couldn't think of anything to say to her.
"Nice braces" wouldn't be enough because I'm only braced on the bottom and when waxed up she might not have noticed. So what do we say when we meet our fellow metal mouths?

Oh don't be shy, just say "Hi, so how long have you had those in?" or somthing silimar. I've never been rejected as they realize that I have them too and then we have a lovely conversation. Oftentimes I get asked before I can say anything. They will say "hey, you got braces too?" and I say, yes, been a year now and you? It goes well after that.

[ssfw]

I have found that people who recently had braces or are currently wearing braces have come up to me and asked me how long I had been wearing braces and complimented the looks of my ceramic braces. People are more than happy to talk about their braces and I am more than happy to let them know that I am very happy with my braces. One person came up to me and asked me about my braces because he had been thnking about getting braces. I'm sure that there are people that are self conscious about their braces but the way I see it all of us had some type of problem that needed orthodontic treatment, that 's why we're wearing braces.