Does age make a difference?

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alpinist
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:31 pm

Does age make a difference?

#1 Post by alpinist »

Any other middle-agers here?

I always associated braces with teen or pre-teenagers, but I'm 48 and just got a set of braces on my lower teeth 5 days ago. They are supposed to be on for about 14 months. I'm wondering if age has anything to do with how fast treatment takes, or how soon you start seeing movement.

My cheeks are hamburger now, by the way. They were pretty quick about telling me how to take care of things after they got them on. Only today did I start to try things like wax and Orabase and such. The ache from the braces themselves are gone, but I keep snagging my cheeks when I eat.
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mary.
Posts: 182
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 4:25 pm
Location: Canada

hello

#2 Post by mary. »

First and foremost, let me congratulate you on your braces!! You must be so proud of yourself!

I got my braces at 39, and couldn't be happier. I'm not really sure how age makes a difference, but the fact that our teeth have been settled for so long does make a difference. The braces seemed like a shock to my system initially and I'm convinced that this is why. Other than that my treatment has gone extremely well.

One great thing about our getting braces at this time is that the technology is soooo much better now. Getting braces is much easier these days than it was when we were teens. Even my orthodontist said that he's glad he wasn't one in the 70s or before : )

Welcome to AW forums... glad you found us!
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alpinist
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:31 pm

#3 Post by alpinist »

Didn't think about the difference in technology. I know how different dental technology is since I was a kid, and how much better off I am now than I was then (had some repair work replaced).

Probably better off doing it now than I would have been 30 years ago...
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Bracefacegal
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:50 pm

#4 Post by Bracefacegal »

Even though at 40 I don't consider myself middle aged, I got braces.

I think technology has a lot to do with improvements in treatment times etc. I'll be needing my braces for a out 10 months and couldn't be happier with making the decision! :)
It's never too late to fix your smile! :)
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KittyKat99
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:30 am

#5 Post by KittyKat99 »

Hey,


I asked my ortho that question and he told me that it is easier to move the teeth in teenagers than it is for adults. Probably coz the teeth have settled so its harder.
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TheNewEmperor
Posts: 160
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:37 pm
Location: A work in progress in Sydney, Australia

#6 Post by TheNewEmperor »

I'm 40 and on one hand wish I had done this much earlier but, on the other hand, realise that I'm in a mentally and financially better place right now to deal with braces.

3 months in, um, hang on, 4 - 4 months in and I have seen MAJOR changes with my teeth that, frankly, I never would have believed would be possible. I can honestly say I love my braces
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artroxu
Posts: 132
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:19 pm
Location: Reno, NV

#7 Post by artroxu »

I'm 25. My mom got braces in her late 40s and just recently got her retainer. She commented on how fast my teeth started moving compared to hers. I'm not sure if this is due to age, but we have pretty similar ortho issues so I'm thinking that may be the case. If you think about it physiologically it makes sense.
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clyde415
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:41 pm
Location: SF Bay Area

#8 Post by clyde415 »

I'm 38 and just got my braces on yesterday. I should have done it maybe 20 something years ago ;) but I'm happy that I finally did it.

I have excess adhesive around some of the brackets. Should I have my orthodontist remove it or it doesn't matter?
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Way Too Old For This
Posts: 668
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2005 11:23 am

#9 Post by Way Too Old For This »

I started my orthodontic treatment at age 52. Just got my braces off a couple weeks ago at age 55. I noticed movement right away.

My ortho did tell me they like to go a little slower with adults because the chance of root damage is higher...but that was all. He didn't say this was worse with older adults..he just said adults. But I was very pleased with the speed in which my teeth moved.
Wired on Sep 16, 2005, left canine exposed on Oct 5, 2005, at 52 years old.
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Jeannie
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:16 pm

#10 Post by Jeannie »

I'm mid thirties and just got braces fitted. Ortho estimates 18-month treatment time, I'm hoping my teeth will respond well and it will be less, either that or start counting down the months.

I'm pretty nervous about having them done and haven't told any of my friends yet. I'm worried about the impact wearing braces will have on my social life as I've just stepped back on to the dating scene again. Hoping they won't be a huge turn off to people.
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