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[djss16]

Hi everyone. My name is Deny and I am new here. I am a 31 year old mother of 2 and I am seriously thinking of getting braces. I was googling the other day and somehow ended up here. I've needed braces for a very long time but have put it off because ... adults don't have braces. I don't see adults with braces. I really felt that I would be embarrased. But then I stumble upon this forum and I have really started to think that it will be ok if I get them. I would finally fix my teeth and get the smile I always wanted. I've had a consultation with an orthodontist but I still have so many questions. I see there is an abundance of information here and I hope you guys don't mind if I look through it all. The orthodontist did mention to me that he would need to pull 4 teeth, 2 from the top and 2 from the bottom. I think that is what scares me the most. I have a big overbite...or is it overjet? I am so scared that I would have big ol gaps in the front part of my teeth. I really just want to be really informed before I make the big decision. My husband says he loves me no matter what I decide... but I really want to do this for me. I don't smile as much as I want to. I cover my mouth when I laugh. I don't want to be scared of what I look like in pictures. I am currently saving up for this. Why does it have to be so darn expensive? I think I have put if off long enough.. so this year I will be getting braces. I guess this is the beginning of a journey that was long overdue.

[SunshineRay]

Welcome! Its taken me a long time to finally convince myself that braces will be ok. Think of it this way....you are embarrassed of your teeth so whats a yr or 2 of embarrassment to go on the rest of your life with a pretty smile. Thats how I convinced myself. This forum has been wonderful for me to read up and feel supported. Im 38 and have 3 kids, 2 of which will need braces. I will only need braces a year and my oldest daughter will start braces in a year so thats working out well.

I would advise you to check many places. I went to 6!! I had so many varying opinions from the consults.

[emoticon1234]

Welcome! Trust me, the braces are temporary, but the result is lasting. And that's what it's all about isn't it? The journey is something all of us are going through and that final end result is the light at the end of the tunnel.

[debinator]

Welcome!

I am 50 and most people don't really have much to say about it- I think I worried a whole lot about nothing. I am doing something that will benefit my mental AND physical health- so if people want to stare- let them, they are probably just jealous that they don't have the nerve to get braces themselves (I have noticed since deciding to take the advice of my dentist that there are tons of people that really need to do something about their dental health)

So be glad that you care enough about yourself to take care of yourself. I personally have metal top and bottom (once they put bottoms on) and will be wearing the loudest elastics/rubberbands I can get my hands on!

Relax and enjoy your journey!!!

[djss16]

Thanks for the replies! The more I look around this board the more excited I get! I think I need to have another consultation with the orthodontist because we just switched dental insurance and apparently the new one covers metal brackets on adults! WOOT! I will have to find out if it will cover the clear/ceramic ones and I can just pay the difference.

[bmueller]

I am very self conscious about my braces. I am my own worst critic. Turns out that other adults just don't care. Nobody even comments on them. Every once in a while you might get a comment but its usually someone who is curious or jealous that you have the time/money/courage to go through it as an adult.

Wishing you all the best with your smile transformation!

[thisgal201]

Hi!

I can relate to your post. I am 32 yrs old & a mom of 2. I got my braces on 8 months ago at age 31. I have never been one to smile in pictures because my teeth always had gaps, some were crowded etc. I always thought, it must be nice to just smile and not even think twice about it. While I still have time to go, even 8 months in, the difference in my teeth is wonderful! I look at myself and can't believe my teeth look how they do and I am not even done yet! If you are on the fence, I say do it!! Sure it will feel awkward and a little weird for a while but it will be worth it! :)

[Tobilei]

You won't regret it I'm 34 and a Mum of 3. My 13 year old has braces as well and her amazing smile inspired me to look into it. Definitely get a 2nd opinion when it comes to extractions. Sometimes they really are neccessary but I don't think hearing it from more than 1 person hurts.

I too thought no adults ever wear braces, but I've seen 5 people in person since I got braced (I didn't know them but noticed they had braces) and most people haven't even noticed mine. Plus as you get used to them and your teeth start looking better underneath them you stop caring so much

I coughed up the extra for clears and am glad I did but lots of people here have traditional metal brackets and are perfectly happy with them.

Good luck with your follow ups!

[djss16]

So I went to a consult today with a new orthodontist and I liked him so much that I got braces today! I still can't believe I jumped in and did it! I was gonna make an appointment to come back and get them but they asked me if I wanted them today. It surprised me that they would do it same day but they did! I am happy that I finally did it and excited because this orthodontist said I did not need extractions at all! I think that is what made me decide more than anything. Everywhere else they told me I needed extractions and I was scared that my face would change but he told me it was not needed. I decided on ceramics. He also said that I would have them on for 20 months. Everywhere else they told me between 30 to 35 months and that is a big difference! My teeth are a little sore right now but they told me I would really feel it tonight and for a few days. I already had a meal and flossing was a chore... but I managed to do it! I put wax all over the brackets cause they were starting to bother. I hope I don't get sores. I am supposed to sing at church this weekend so I hope I can do it. Haha!

Is there anything else I should know that will help me out get through the beginning of this??

[Tqz]

That is awesome.

I am currently struggling with the idea. I tell you, if I walked in to the ortho, and he said yep, braces; you want them today? It would make me decide right then. I would jump in full force and just be done. Thinking wouldnt stop me then... Wouldnt have to.

What made them offer up right away? It always seems like there is a long waiting period to get the braces.

[djss16]

That is awesome.

I am currently struggling with the idea. I tell you, if I walked in to the ortho, and he said yep, braces; you want them today? It would make me decide right then. I would jump in full force and just be done. Thinking wouldnt stop me then... Wouldnt have to.

What made them offer up right away? It always seems like there is a long waiting period to get the braces.

Well they were scheduling my appointment to get braces but they asked me if I had time today they could do it. I guess they had everything they needed to put the braces on. On the last consult...the ortho told me that he needed to order the brackets so he needed to know ahead of time.

[djss16]

Oh also... I went ahead and did it before I had time to actually think and back out of it.... again.

[Tqz]

[quote="djss16"]Oh also... I went ahead and did it before I had time to actually think and back out of it.... again. :wink:[/quote]

My point precisely. Once Im in there. I want to walk out with braces. I'm already looking for every excuse in the book. If im there. I mean business. Kinda... LOL

[Ciara]

Wow,Congratulations! Sometimes just taking a leap of faith is the best way. Glad to hear you won't need extractions.

[marybee]

Congratulations, you won't regret it! I feel more confident in braces smiling my crooked smile but not for long!