how will I look in braces?

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#1 Post by **lisaszy** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:49 am

I haven't yet gotten braces and am worried (of course) how I will look in them... I'm supposed to get Ceramic top and metal bottom. Don't know what type of Ceramic though -- are there some brands that are smaller? It seems like people are saying that ceramic have a bigger 3-D profile than metal... Don't know if I'll have a choice yet.

My question is: is there anyway to approximate the way I'd look with braces? If I just puff my lips out, is that an approximation?(that looks goofy, by the way...). I'm too embarrassed to ask the ortho about it..

Thanks...

#2 Post by **chicklets** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:11 pm

Welcome Lisaszy. I don't know if there is a way to approximate what you will look like. With my lips closed, I don't notice any difference in my appearance now that I have braces (mine are full metal). I suppose if I had a large overject, it would be more aparent than it is. I'm an adult (43) and although I thought I'd feel self-conscious about my looks while in braces, I've found the opposite to be true. Thanks to all the support I've gotten here, I feel proud of myself for taking the plunge at my age.

#3 Post by **Lisa65** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:15 pm

I can only speak from my own experience, which is that my lips look slightly fuller from the bulk of the braces underneath them.I had quite thin lips before, so in my case I think it actually looks better to have a sexy pout lol

I have full metal, but the only comments I've had have been from people who were interested in how long the treatment would take, was it expensive etc etc

Apart from when I flash a full metal grin, I don't think I really look any different to how I did before.

#4 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:14 pm

The first week or so, my mouth seeemed a little puffy, but then I had crowding and an overjet. Now that it has been a while, my lips and mouth seem to have gone back to normal. Actually, it has become easier to keep my mouth closed and I don't look like I'm going to burst out laughing (like before I was braced.) I think my mouth looks better now, even though my teeth have gaps in them. Atleast I can close my mouth and people don't think I'm really straining to keep my mouth closed.

#5 Post by **anneke** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 5:12 am

well, I'm still new to braces as well but I would advise you to go with the ceramic ones if you are worried about your appearance. I went for full metal, cos I thought the ceramics were too bulky, but at the moment I wish that I had gone for ceramics... it seems very difficult to close my mouth but apparently that gets better after some time.
Anyway, good luck! The first few moments after looking in the mirror are the worst, but it's nog for life hey...

#6 Post by **Clairey Fairey** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 4:55 pm

I thought I was gonna look strange in mine as I already have an overjet, but with my mouth closed you can't tell, probably coz I already have full 'pouty' lips!!

I was pleasantly suprised!! I'm sure you'll imagine it to be at lot worse than it actually is.