Have you ever regretted it?

[Lizzie365]

Have you ever regretted getting braces?

I've told a few people I want them, and they've asked how much they will cost. So I told them (£3800). And their reactions have been "you don't need them", "it's a waste of money". Now I'm seriously doubting my decision.

I do want them, for several reasons. And I'd rather have them when I'm younger (22) than older, I've read so many posts on here where people have said they wish they'd had their teeth straightened sooner. And plus I don't have a house, kids etc so now will probably be the most affordable time for me.

I don't want to commit myself and regret it

[udubdave]

There might be times when you regret it during, but trust me, once it's done, you'll be glad you went through it. I don't think you can put a price on your self esteem. and confidence.

[Kipepeo]

There are very few people on this board that would say they regret doing it. Unfortunately, there are some whose outcome was not what they had hoped for.

But in general the whole purpose of braces is to improve upon something that is either unhealthy or bothersome.

Lizzie, if your quote was only $1000 (I don't have the pound character, at least I can't find it!), would these people think you needed them, or think they were a good value?

It's not about what others think, not at all. Look at my photos. My teeth were, for all intents and purpose, straight. But one thing led to another, and here I am in full braces trying to make something right, that (to me) is not right. It's my money, and while I would surely have liked to spend it on something else, this is where I needed it now.

I can't wait to be done, and put this experience behind me, hopefully with a much healthier bite for the rest of my life.

Nobody has told me they didn't think I needed them. I already have my response to that, which is "My orthodontist took pictures and x-rays, and performed an exam on me before he could tell me what I needed. How is it that you know just by talking to me?" (I had a similar response after I lost some weight!)

[Lizzie365]

True, it never crossed my mind that if they were less expensive people may think differently. And I completely agree that they can't tell me what I need because they're not my ortho.

I feel like I need braces, my teeth are wonky, my bites off and I can't let myself smile in photos. I've posted pics on here somewhere. I wouldn't regret having them because my teeth would be straight, healthier, would prevent future problems etc.

I just don't want to regret spending that amount of money! But I've heard several people say it's the best investment they've ever made, and the teeth will pay for themselves (better job prospects etc).

I had my mind made up, but now my cage has been rattled and I'm overthinking things!!!!

[Angel269]

I have upper arch clear brackets to close my diastema-They were approx £1800.

I only had the money when I sold my car once I had my baby and wasn't going back to work (we had 2 cars). That was the only way I've afforded what I've done. I don't work now but felt that I had to do this otherwise if I didn't do it now I'd regret it for rest of my life-I was embarrassed to meet people, have photos taken and generally self conscious-I think it affected my ability to get jobs as I was to self conscious and unable to smile in interviews etc.

So far I'm about 3 months in and other than the more lengthy oral hygiene, chaffing in first few days and first powerchain I've had no second thoughts especially since how quickly I've seen progress (feel free to check out my pictures on my sig).

No regrets and just counting down about 5 months til they come off and I see the final result

[klobird]

I'm 56 and I have braces. Even though there have been a couple of uncomfortable times, I have NEVER regretted getting braces. I feel lucky to have them. And like most everyone, now that I am getting closer to the finish line, I will be thrilled to get them off--because I already know they are amazing!!

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!

[bracesagain2]

Hi - I don't think you should regret it. I got mine as a teenager. Then developed a crossbite and it was really bothering me, so I decided to get braces again in my late 30s. You are still pretty young and esp. since you have no kids, it's a good time to get it.

Plus people also told me the same thing - you don't look like you need it. But you know your own teeth the best and if you feel getting braces will help you, then I think you should go for it.

My biggest fear is not liking the outcome as someone else posted and reading the stories on here. The only thing I didn't like about my treatment so far was doing IPR, but other than that, I see the big improvement already.

All the best to you!

[Ashybear]

I can't imagine ever regretting my braces. I've wanted them for years and years, but unfortunately my mum was never able to afford it. I'm 23, so still young, and it'll be around my 25th birthday that I'll be getting them off. I cannot emphasise enough how much I hated my teeth. I know I am going to feel absolutely amazing when I get them off! It's going to be SO worth it in the end!

[EbonyQ]

If I have ever regretted getting braces? Yes, I have had a few “I want them off, why did I start this?”-moments but this is not because of the cost of my braces but because of my anxiety (I can get them for free if I want it but I want to keep my current ortho and therefor have to pay). I got a “ortho phobia” so every appointment is battle for me and sometimes I just want to take them off so I can get back to my normal life. But I'm glad that I did it

I won the “lottery” though: found that one in a million ortho who is doing everything he can to help me. Putting me as the last pt of the day so we got the time in the world to do what is needed to be done (even though it means working overtime and he sometimes have to call his wife when we’re finish to let her know that he is now on his way home I feel sorry for him sometimes, when my anxeity is very bad ). Taking no extra payment for this, if I’m in there for an hour and we have not managed to do anything he won’t charge me. He works at the university one day a week and it’s almost the same place where I will get my treatment for my ortho phobia (at a dental phobia clinic), and he was more than happy to take some time off that job to help with my treatment at this clinic.

So for me it’s my phobia that is making be regret having braces at times, not the payments. And because of this wonderful ortho I choose to pay for my treatment (but he so rarely send any bills or charge me that it does not look like I will get poor for his bills lol), rather than get it for free. For me it’s so important for me to manage this that money is that not important in this case (I can always work extra or ask to just pay parts of the bill if I get it in a bad time).

The changes are incredible and it will be so worth it in the end if it your teeth are affecting your life (like it did with me). So go for it! If it can change your life to the better and you can afford it, do it

[Marigold]

And I'd rather have them when I'm younger (22) than older, I've read so many posts on here where people have said they wish they'd had their teeth straightened sooner. And plus I don't have a house, kids etc so now will probably be the most affordable time for me.

These are the very reasons you should go for it now! At 22, you have your whole life ahead of you to enjoy your straight teeth. I got mine at 46. I'm now 48 and can't wait until they come off. No regrets, but I wish I'd done it sooner. I went to my first consult at age 44 but dragged my feet over it for a few years. To think I could've had them off by now! Go for it! In 5 years, you'll be so glad you did.

[Lizzie365]

Thanks guys I think I've had my faith restored!!

[Sita]

Don't let other peoples opinions of your braces bother you. Just say, "my teeth, my money, my choice". I said that to one person in particular who thought it was a massive waste of money (and a con in general) and it shut her up in a hurry. To the people who tell you that you don't need them just smile and ask where they studied orthodontics. Or if you're not the sarcastic sort explain why you're getting them in detail so that they can understand your decision better. Only a couple of people have told me that my teeth looked straight to them and I have pointed out that braces do more than straighten teeth and I do need them if I want to keep my front teeth.

It doesn't help that my top teeth were basically done by five months so all people can see are straight teeth. My lower teeth still have a long way to go.

I have not regretted getting them yet. Not after wanting them for so long. There have been a couple of occasions where I have wondered if I could actually handle it but I usually just come on here and read some stories or I google before and after pictures of teeth to remind myself that it's worth the aggravation.

Hugs and good luck to you.

[sibilla]

Hi

I've not regretted it for a single moment - had a few "what the ****" moments but no regrets.

My braces are coming off the day after tomorrow - woohoo!!! - and I'm so excited, I can't wait to see my new smile properly!

Hang in there - there will be wobbly moments but it's all sooo worth it!

Good luck to you.

[Lizzie365]

I'm so jealous! I can't wait to have that feeling of having the braces off and seeing your new smile for the first time!

Sigh... I don't even have them on yet!!

I hope it all goes well

[marybee]

Nope...never! It's a tough road sometimes but what's a few speed bumps when the end result is a smile to be happy about! Many of us put it off for one reason or another but i'm glad I am going thought this a second time only because it has done much more than straighten my teeth. My jaw alignment is much better and no more migraines!

Should have done this much sooner !