34 y/o female putting dental phobia aside and getting braces

[boxer10]

Hi everyone,

I am getting braces next Thursday, June 4. I have suffered from severe dental phobia all of my life. However, I got fed up with never being able to smile and decided to put the phobia in my past and get my teeth fixed. On June 3, I am getting a lot of work done under IV sedation, including two extractions due to crowding, and then the following day I am getting braces. I am so excited and have never wanted something more in my life. I got really lucky and have the nicest dentist ever, and the nicest orthodontist ever. Another bonus is that they are also very good friends outside of their professions and have worked closely together on my case to give me the best treatment possible. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts and learning as much as I can about what my upcoming journey might be like.

[bracefaceekimmie]

I had a lot of dental fear also. And I have bad anxiety. But I sucked it up and went for it. I just finished all my before treatment 8 cavities and 2 root canals and 4 extractions. I'm getting braced Thursday. I did everything awake except the extractions. It was hard but I had an AWESOME Dr. He made sure I was comfortable and gave me time when I needed it to calm my nerves. Good luck. I know its a big step. I honestly can stop smiling. I'm like "Everyone can see me smile w these crooked teeth, cuz in 18 months (hopefully) I'll be smiling a beautiful smile!" Lol!

[Lucas]

I am scared by the dentist too but until now I didn't overcome my fear to have braces

[Handsdown]

Congratulations! It's so great that you're doing that for yourself!! I'm 33 and due to get 4 extractions and braces in August... Good luck with your journey!

[irnjaw]

Hi
I'm 34 too. You're the 2nd user on this board I've seen who's getting braces at 34. This makes me more comfortable with my decision to do this.

[jenvieve]

I too have dental phobia. (I'm 37) I have to be be highly medicated or gassed for even the smallest of procedures. But I too had always wanted to get my teeth fixed as I have been self conscious my entire life of my smile and was tired of people telling me to "c'mon smile" in pictures. So I sucked it up... was open and honest and explained to the orthodontist my fears, and they were AMAZING. They went nice and slow (I couldn't be medicated or gassed so just had to face my fears) and they explained everything they were doing every step of the way. And despite the first appointment getting the braces applied was close to 2 hours.... it was NOTHING. I had one slight panic attack at one point but the girl stopped, and I managed to talk myself through it and was fine to go again. Glad you were able to put your phobia aside too and take the step... It will be worth it in the end

[bracedorange]

I'm also 34 and finally getting my teeth straightened. I just got the 4 wisdom teeth pulled and currently healing from the procedure. Best of luck in your journey!

[MissBear]

I had a really bad dental phobia as well and my teeth were bad because of it! It is so good to take the plunge though because I am so much happier, even aster 5 fillings and an extraction. Makes you wonder why you ever had an issue in the first place!

[MardyBum]

Hi, I'm 37 and have severe dental phobia. Got my braces 2 days ago because I hated my smile so much. So nice to hear that lots have gone through the same. I'll be watching your braces journeys! Good luck everyone

[IrishSmiles]

Seems to be the time for us 30 somethings
I'm 33 and I got my bottom braces and upper biteplate on about 7 weeks ago. I'll be getting upper braces hopefully next month sometime.
I can't say it's been easy but I'm still glad I did it. I'd be a bit happier if I could get used to the horrible biteplate! lol

Kudos to anyone forcing themselves to overcome a dental phobia to go through with this, braces can be difficult enough without having a huge hurdle before you start. Just remember how much better it will be in the long term