Ugh- why can't I go through with this?

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#16 Post by **crumble** » Sun May 02, 2010 6:57 am

I met my partner whilst I had my braces. In fact I got a bit more attention than I was used to from guys after I had my braces as there are a lot of people who find them attractive. I wouldn't want to date someone who was only interested in me for my braces though! When I met my partner the braces were never mentioned, were not even an issue so don't let them stand in the way of anything.

Btw, it's pretty odd that I'm now engaged and have a baby with him but he has still never seen me without braces. I joke that he will dump me when I get debraced in 6months or so for a new metal mouth

#17 Post by **teresa302** » Sun May 02, 2010 10:32 am

I considered braces at 28 too...I wish I would have got them then. My bite got worse with age. Fastforward, I did not get married until 34...and got braces 5 years after getting married. Life is full of twists and turns when it comes to dating/marriage ...I got braces because I wanted to...and to improve my bite of course.

Don't wait to get braces because of what others may think..do it for yourself and your teeth.

#18 Post by **evilnel** » Sun May 02, 2010 2:17 pm

I'm a grad student so I don't really date much (too busy!!!), but I went out with a guy recently and even though it didn't work out, I'm pretty sure it had more to do with having nothing in common over having braces! Seriously, I have so much more confidence now. I actually got a compliment on my smile the other day. I hardly notice I'm wearing them anymore, and it's really all about the attitude. If you think you're gross and ugly that's going to be reflected in your confidence. If you think you're doing something positive for your health and appearance, others won't even care. And honestly, most people don't notice them or if they do they don't care. I've never had anybody say 'zomg you have braces.' My 5 year old niece thinks they're awesome, and most who mentioned them are like, oh, I had to have braces for a gazillion years or I wish I could afford braces, etc. You're not relegating yourself to singleness forever. Just go for it. You will not regret it!

#19 Post by **LC'sTeefs** » Sun May 02, 2010 2:36 pm

Look at yourself in the mirror right now. What do you see? Do you see someone that has the opportunity to have braces for 2 years, and eventually have a beautiful smile? Or do you see someone who has crooked teeth and has to hide them for the rest of your life?

#20 Post by **gracey82** » Tue May 04, 2010 8:33 am

I love how supportive everyone is this forum is !

I have exactly the same fears as you when I was thinking of getting braces!
I'm 27 when I got them last year. Single yes. And worry crap that it will put me on hold for as long as I have them.

I finally got sick of thinking braced or not braced and so went with it. Went for a blind date, worry sick that the braces thing will get into the way. My worries are redundant. It didn't work out anyway because I don't find his personality attractive.

I'm still in the dating pool but the braces thingy is the least in my mind when I go out for date. Like everyone said, u just gotta learn to love it.

I have to admit, it took me quite a while from resisting, accepting and learning to love the new ME during the braces journey. Eventually u will just got tired of obsessing about it and heck, life go on, quicker than you think and the next thing you know, your braces will be off in no time!

Being in this forum makes my journey less difficult and I can't thank everyone enough for the encouragement words and just by sharing their own experience!

#21 Post by **Bellalalala** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:12 am

I apologize in advance if my response minimizes the stress you are feeling. I know your stress is real, and I respect it.

...

but

...

Don't be silly!
Braces have no impact on dating whatsoever except for the impact you *let* them have!
Sure, there may be some person out there who cannot stand the thought of dating someone with braces, but I guarantee there are more out there who are ridiculously particular about height, weight, hair colour, job...whatever.

I am 27 and newly single with braces.
I've been on A LOT of dates in the past month, and almost every single guy has said that my braces are cute.

Now, from a girl perspective, I would much much much rather date a guy with braces than with really messed up teeth.

Braces imply that you are invested in yourself, you take care of yourself, and that you probably have very good dental hygiene, which is not a small factor when it comes to dating, I can tell you.

Braces are also a fantastic conversation topic, especially since so many people had them when they were younger, and if they didn't will probably find the whole process interesting.

I broke up with my fiance mid-treatment, and honestly the thought of my braces having an impact on my new dating life never even crossed my mind until the first date I had commented that he thought my braces were "adorable."

No one thing will make or break you when it comes to dating, and braces won't even have an impact at all unless you let them make you feel insecure.

Love yourself, love your smile, love your braces, and come up with a charming way to describe your reasons for choosing adult braces in the first place and you will be absolutely charming!

#22 Post by **59fifty** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:45 pm

i was 20 when i got mine
i decided to get them when i was 19
turning 22 this year and i got them put on last jan and removed this jan so exactly one year

just do it
its very embarrasing to get them at first all my friends were like U GOT BRACES?! but after a week its like ur teeth are fine no matter how bad ur teeth are mine moved in like 3 days and i had very bad crowding

its worthi t, i kept telling myself i wud rather get them off at 21 then 26 or 27 or 30+

the worst part was going to school cuz iwas in college but i found like 1/5 students had braces so w.e lol
im almost done with school and i think I MIGHT go back in braces cuz i didnt wear my retainer but well c wat my ortho says in my july check up

plus girls look good with braces guys do not lol

#23 Post by **catfish** » Tue May 04, 2010 4:26 pm

Blossom wrote:Hey there, the longer you put it off, the older you will be wearing braces.

This is SO true! After my consult, I waited a year before taking the plunge. I spent the next 2 years and 8 months thinking, "I could have been at this point a year ago..." I really wish I'd gone ahead and done it after my consult. Waiting didn't make anything better.