Hi! I feel so old so it's been nice reading posts of people in their 20s getting braces. I'm very nervous and scared but would rather start this process and get it over with as soon as possible.
Yesterday I went in for a consultation. The ortho said I could do Invisalign for about 1.5 years but then would need braces for 6-8 months afterwards. I could do braces the entire time. I could get the clear braces for the top but would need metal braces for the bottom (teeth are too squished/small for clear on the bottom right now.) If I went the Invisalign route - both could be clear by the time I got braces on.
I wish I could just crawl into a hole for 2 years but that isn't going to be possible. I figure I could continue to be self conscious about my mouth for the rest of my life or only be self-conscious for a couple more years.
Any advice or words of comfort? Pros/Cons of Invisalign or braces?
Thank you!
Age 26 - braces or invisalign?
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browneyedgrl
- Posts: 1302
- Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:29 pm
- Location: Central Florida
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Hi Bluegirl,
Welcome to AW!!! I'm a second timer as I had braces at 13 for about 18 months and then again at 39 just turned 41 and I'm getting them off next month total treatment time 16 months.
If I were you, I would just go ahead a get the braces since he your ortho has to finish up with them. The ortho is going to have more control with the braces and your treatment will probably be done sooner than doing a combination of both.
I have ceramic uppers and metal lowers and I've had no issues. I work in sales and meet with 10-12 customers daily and it hasn't been an issue. People I work with don't even notice them anymore, sometime customers will ask me about them and everything is positive.
Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted!
B
Welcome to AW!!! I'm a second timer as I had braces at 13 for about 18 months and then again at 39 just turned 41 and I'm getting them off next month total treatment time 16 months.
If I were you, I would just go ahead a get the braces since he your ortho has to finish up with them. The ortho is going to have more control with the braces and your treatment will probably be done sooner than doing a combination of both.
I have ceramic uppers and metal lowers and I've had no issues. I work in sales and meet with 10-12 customers daily and it hasn't been an issue. People I work with don't even notice them anymore, sometime customers will ask me about them and everything is positive.
Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted!
B
Started the journey for the second time on January 10th 2008~Ceramic uppers and metal lowers. Removed on June 2nd 2009.
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I'm 26 and I got mine in June last year, my ortho reckoned it would be better in the long run to have braces rather than Invisalign, so I got clears on top and metal on the bottom.
I was originally meant to have them for 18 months but actually they're due off in the next couple of months apparently!
The important thing is, they are much less noticeable than I worried about. In fact I had a guy at work comment ask why I'd just had braces put in on Friday - he hadn't noticed them for the past 10 months!!!
Ultimately, I'd choose (and did choose) whatever's going to give the best result in the shortest time, it's a relative small amount of time vs the rest of your life with perfect pearlies!
I was originally meant to have them for 18 months but actually they're due off in the next couple of months apparently!
The important thing is, they are much less noticeable than I worried about. In fact I had a guy at work comment ask why I'd just had braces put in on Friday - he hadn't noticed them for the past 10 months!!!
Ultimately, I'd choose (and did choose) whatever's going to give the best result in the shortest time, it's a relative small amount of time vs the rest of your life with perfect pearlies!
Hi Bluegirl
I had the same dilemma (almost). I was convinced that Invisalign was the way to go for me because I am a lawyer and I felt really nervous about how my colleagues would react.
My ortho said ok to Invisalign. However, she said that braces always do a better job because the ortho has total control. She said that invisalign align your teeth according to a scientific measurement as to what constitutes perfect teeth. However, many adults do not want to their face to change significantly. With braces you and the ortho can control the treatment as you go. This suits me because I have an overjet which I want to treat but I do not want to significantly change my face. I would prefer to have limited treatment of the overjet (say from 6mm to 3/4 mm) than to have my mouth recede. I also have overcrowding which will be totally fixed (I hope).
I am 35 and this was really difficult decision for me but I decided that I would go with braces. I have only had my bottom jaw done so far and I am really happy with the choice. I actually kind of like my cute little damons. However, I know that it will be much more difficult when my top jaw goes on.
Basically, I have decided that I want to fix my teeth and I want to do it properly. I can't make huge life-changing decisions about my health and my future appearance with other peoples' immediate reactions in mind. My colleagues are old-fashioned and conservative but they will just have to GET OVER IT.
Good luck with your decision...
I had the same dilemma (almost). I was convinced that Invisalign was the way to go for me because I am a lawyer and I felt really nervous about how my colleagues would react.
My ortho said ok to Invisalign. However, she said that braces always do a better job because the ortho has total control. She said that invisalign align your teeth according to a scientific measurement as to what constitutes perfect teeth. However, many adults do not want to their face to change significantly. With braces you and the ortho can control the treatment as you go. This suits me because I have an overjet which I want to treat but I do not want to significantly change my face. I would prefer to have limited treatment of the overjet (say from 6mm to 3/4 mm) than to have my mouth recede. I also have overcrowding which will be totally fixed (I hope).
I am 35 and this was really difficult decision for me but I decided that I would go with braces. I have only had my bottom jaw done so far and I am really happy with the choice. I actually kind of like my cute little damons. However, I know that it will be much more difficult when my top jaw goes on.
Basically, I have decided that I want to fix my teeth and I want to do it properly. I can't make huge life-changing decisions about my health and my future appearance with other peoples' immediate reactions in mind. My colleagues are old-fashioned and conservative but they will just have to GET OVER IT.
Good luck with your decision...
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electrokitty
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:36 pm
- Location: Leicester, UK
Hi Bluegirl,
I'm 28 and had my braces fitted last Dec.
I went to my consultation asking for Invisalign but my ortho said they wouldn't be suitable and recommended fixed braces- clear on top and metal on the bottom.
I was really disappointed. I hadn't even considered that I might have to have the fixed kind and I couldn't imagine walking around for a year or more with all that metal on display in my mouth. I work full time in a busy office and also study part time (with applications to uni coming up soon) and thought I would lose all my confidence. Like you, I just wanted to go into hiding.
But I decided to take the plunge and 4 months on I have no regrets whatsoever.
I was self-conscious for a few days but so many people didn't even realise I'd had braces fitted that I soon stopped worrying.
Nobody really sees your bottom teeth in day to day conversation so they don't see the metal set. The clear/ white ceramics are so discreet that people standing a few feet away don't notice them either. You will soon forget you are even wearing braces most of the time.
The people that have noticed have all had positive things to say and been really supportive.
I would actually go so far as to say that my confidence has increased since getting braces because I feel really good that I am fixing my teeth, something I have wanted to do all my life.
Really I just wanted to try and put your mind at rest about feeling self-conscious with fixed braces, so you can make your decision based on what's going to be right for you, not on what option you are least afraid of.
Honestly, they are not as scary as you think they are going to be. And just think how lovely your teeth will look at the end of it all!
Good luck!
Kitty
I'm 28 and had my braces fitted last Dec.
I went to my consultation asking for Invisalign but my ortho said they wouldn't be suitable and recommended fixed braces- clear on top and metal on the bottom.
I was really disappointed. I hadn't even considered that I might have to have the fixed kind and I couldn't imagine walking around for a year or more with all that metal on display in my mouth. I work full time in a busy office and also study part time (with applications to uni coming up soon) and thought I would lose all my confidence. Like you, I just wanted to go into hiding.
But I decided to take the plunge and 4 months on I have no regrets whatsoever.
I was self-conscious for a few days but so many people didn't even realise I'd had braces fitted that I soon stopped worrying.
Nobody really sees your bottom teeth in day to day conversation so they don't see the metal set. The clear/ white ceramics are so discreet that people standing a few feet away don't notice them either. You will soon forget you are even wearing braces most of the time.
The people that have noticed have all had positive things to say and been really supportive.
I would actually go so far as to say that my confidence has increased since getting braces because I feel really good that I am fixing my teeth, something I have wanted to do all my life.
Really I just wanted to try and put your mind at rest about feeling self-conscious with fixed braces, so you can make your decision based on what's going to be right for you, not on what option you are least afraid of.
Honestly, they are not as scary as you think they are going to be. And just think how lovely your teeth will look at the end of it all!
Good luck!
Kitty
Hi!!
Well here is my story - I used to smile then everyone started getting braces.. middle school then High School and I always wanted them but my parents couldnt afford them (or so they said) either or... then I stopped smiling because everyone had perfect teeth but I didnt...
So for the past 4-5 years I just stopped smiling... (now my teeth are not horrible but obviusly they could use work especially my top)
Either or, have a boyfriend (we've been together for 3 years now) and he started asking why I dont smile and why he has never seen me smile about a year ago. Took him a while to notice huh?
so i finally told him why
he has a great example of "perfect teeth" - he wore braces when he was younger.
Either or... I am 22 (will be turning 23 this year) and about 2 months ago when I told my boyfriend my situation he recommended I go see the ortho he saw 10 years ago.. and what do you know! Got my braces this past Thursday and at first I was a bit shocked with what I look like but at the same time I keep telling myself when this is over I WILL SMILE!!!!!!!!
So therefore I cannot wait now if someone wants to make fun of me thats fine.. but I dont smile anyways so i guess if i wont be smiling with the braces people wont notice either and if they do? then oh well
p.s. still trying to get used to them they just feel weird.
Well here is my story - I used to smile then everyone started getting braces.. middle school then High School and I always wanted them but my parents couldnt afford them (or so they said) either or... then I stopped smiling because everyone had perfect teeth but I didnt...
So for the past 4-5 years I just stopped smiling... (now my teeth are not horrible but obviusly they could use work especially my top)
Either or, have a boyfriend (we've been together for 3 years now) and he started asking why I dont smile and why he has never seen me smile about a year ago. Took him a while to notice huh?
so i finally told him why
he has a great example of "perfect teeth" - he wore braces when he was younger.Either or... I am 22 (will be turning 23 this year) and about 2 months ago when I told my boyfriend my situation he recommended I go see the ortho he saw 10 years ago.. and what do you know! Got my braces this past Thursday and at first I was a bit shocked with what I look like but at the same time I keep telling myself when this is over I WILL SMILE!!!!!!!!
So therefore I cannot wait now if someone wants to make fun of me thats fine.. but I dont smile anyways so i guess if i wont be smiling with the braces people wont notice either and if they do? then oh well
p.s. still trying to get used to them
they just feel weird.I have clear braces on the top and metal on the bottom.
I originally wanted invisilign.
I originally told myself I would just not date and resign to two years as a geek.
---
Now at the end of the process, I found that noone cares if you have braces or not. My dating has not been impacted, and in fact, I wish I would have gotten metal on the top as well, because it woulda just sped the entire process up.
I originally wanted invisilign.
I originally told myself I would just not date and resign to two years as a geek.
---
Now at the end of the process, I found that noone cares if you have braces or not. My dating has not been impacted, and in fact, I wish I would have gotten metal on the top as well, because it woulda just sped the entire process up.
I could not get invisaline due to the number of problems with my teeth. I did not want to pay the extra for clear brackets and it was highly suggested with some of my problems that they would add extra time to my journey. So, I went full metal! I have had my braces over 2 years and a coworker just the other day looked at me funny and asked when did you get braces? I started laughing and said about 2 years ago....then they felt embarrassed because they didn't notice before now. So the moral is people don't notice or don't care or they have questions about it. Go with what you feel comfortable with. But honestly, in my opinion, if you are going to end up with fixed braces, why not do it that way the whole way through.
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Kallisandra
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:56 am
I'm 28 and I got damon 3's (all metal) and they are easier to keep clean than ceramics. I want to speed up the process and I've been going out a lot, and guys don't really care at all. I pick up the same rate as guys as before. If a guy can see past the braces, it's really efficient in weeding out the bad ones .
.Braced since March 24, 2009. 4 - 1st Bicuspid Removal on March 27, 2009. In Damon 3s. 2nd time in braces to fix lip incompetence and rotated molars/crowding.
I'm 29 and wearing full metal braces and all I can say is that appearance should be the last of your concerns. I was worried about how would I look too, and I wanted clear braces but since with this ortho I avoided extractions and palatal appliances I decided to go for it and become a real metal mouth. I was self-conscious for the first few days but today I couldn't really care less about that. Most people just don't care, and wearing braces is something like wearing glasses: it's just so common that most people just won't notice! Plus braces are even kind of cute!
Hi Bluegirl,
Welcome to Archwired. Congratulations on making the decision to get braces! I am a 34 year-old profeissional woman and have had ceramic braces on the upper and lower teeth for a little over a month now. Like you, I had the choice of having Invisalign on the top and regular braces on the bottom. My ortho told me with the Invisalign, my problems would be 90% fixed and there would be a possibility that I'd have to get regular braces. With full braces, my bite issues would be 100% fixed.
Honestly, people I speak to don't notice my braces. As jxds said, how you look should be the least of your concerns. You want your teeth to be fixed so that you'll have them for a long time. My job requires me to speak to a ton of people. I was self conscious at first, but I got over it. The people that did notice said I was brave for wearing braces in my 30's.
Sorry for the long-winded post. I guess my point is do what is best for your teeth and don't worry about how you look. More adults have braces than you think. You are not alone!
Congratulations again! Please keep us posted on what you decide!
Welcome to Archwired. Congratulations on making the decision to get braces! I am a 34 year-old profeissional woman and have had ceramic braces on the upper and lower teeth for a little over a month now. Like you, I had the choice of having Invisalign on the top and regular braces on the bottom. My ortho told me with the Invisalign, my problems would be 90% fixed and there would be a possibility that I'd have to get regular braces. With full braces, my bite issues would be 100% fixed.
Honestly, people I speak to don't notice my braces. As jxds said, how you look should be the least of your concerns. You want your teeth to be fixed so that you'll have them for a long time. My job requires me to speak to a ton of people. I was self conscious at first, but I got over it. The people that did notice said I was brave for wearing braces in my 30's.
Sorry for the long-winded post. I guess my point is do what is best for your teeth and don't worry about how you look. More adults have braces than you think. You are not alone!
Congratulations again! Please keep us posted on what you decide!
**update & questions
Wow! I just want to say THANKS for all of your replies. I've turned 27 since I last posted! haha I'm dreading this whole thing but also realizing I'm not getting any younger.
I have an update. I had another consultation (dif ortho) yesterday. I thought it would be good to get a second opinion. This orthodontist gave me more information. Unfortunately, as an adult I will have no insurance coverage (ouch!) The total is going to be $5600. Is this typical? I know it's a lot of money but I feel like it's worth it. My sister thinks it's unnecessary but I don't think people know how self conscious I am about my smile. Please tell me this is going to be worth it!!
I've already set up my next 2 appts (to take xrays and stuff) in June. Braces in July possibly. He said I'll need to wear them for 24 months. Yuck -- although I think this is sort of average?? He said Invisalign does not correct the bite so I might as well just do braces (instead of doing Invisalign for 1.5 yrs & braces .5 yr). He said many people who have tried both wonder why they didn't just do braces the whole time (easier than they expected).
He will need to pull some teeth! YIKES!! I had my wisdom teeth taken out in Dec. and I was soooo scared (although it was super easy I must admit!) Is this normal? He said 1...maybe 2 on top. Maybe 1 on bottom. He said you will not be able to tell you've had teeth pulled when it's all said and done.
Clear on top. Metal on bottom.
I'm nervous, worried, scared, embarassed...
I do believe it will be worth it though. I know wearing braces at 27 is so not cool but *shrugs* they don't make a pill that you can take and wake up with perfect teeth so...
Thanks for all of your support.
I have an update. I had another consultation (dif ortho) yesterday. I thought it would be good to get a second opinion. This orthodontist gave me more information. Unfortunately, as an adult I will have no insurance coverage (ouch!) The total is going to be $5600. Is this typical? I know it's a lot of money but I feel like it's worth it. My sister thinks it's unnecessary but I don't think people know how self conscious I am about my smile. Please tell me this is going to be worth it!!
I've already set up my next 2 appts (to take xrays and stuff) in June. Braces in July possibly. He said I'll need to wear them for 24 months. Yuck -- although I think this is sort of average?? He said Invisalign does not correct the bite so I might as well just do braces (instead of doing Invisalign for 1.5 yrs & braces .5 yr). He said many people who have tried both wonder why they didn't just do braces the whole time (easier than they expected).
He will need to pull some teeth! YIKES!! I had my wisdom teeth taken out in Dec. and I was soooo scared (although it was super easy I must admit!) Is this normal? He said 1...maybe 2 on top. Maybe 1 on bottom. He said you will not be able to tell you've had teeth pulled when it's all said and done.
Clear on top. Metal on bottom.
I'm nervous, worried, scared, embarassed...
I do believe it will be worth it though. I know wearing braces at 27 is so not cool but *shrugs* they don't make a pill that you can take and wake up with perfect teeth so...
Thanks for all of your support.
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colorpurple
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon May 11, 2009 8:29 pm
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electrokitty
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:36 pm
- Location: Leicester, UK
Hi again
I was 27 when my braces went on and here in the UK it seems like there are not many adults with braces, I haven't come across anyone else since I got mine. So I feel really old sometimes! But I just tell myself better late then never!
As for whether it's all worth it, you are the only person who knows how you feel about your teeth so I wouldn't listen to other people's opinions (except your ortho's!).
A lot of people told me they thought I didn't need braces too, but I wasn't happy wth my teeth and 6 months in there is already such a huge difference that I can tell it's the best money I ever spent.
You can see from all the brace stories on this site that most people think it was worth it in the end.
Good luck!
I was 27 when my braces went on and here in the UK it seems like there are not many adults with braces, I haven't come across anyone else since I got mine. So I feel really old sometimes! But I just tell myself better late then never!
As for whether it's all worth it, you are the only person who knows how you feel about your teeth so I wouldn't listen to other people's opinions (except your ortho's!).
A lot of people told me they thought I didn't need braces too, but I wasn't happy wth my teeth and 6 months in there is already such a huge difference that I can tell it's the best money I ever spent.
You can see from all the brace stories on this site that most people think it was worth it in the end.
Good luck!
I really wanted Invisalign,But my dentist said I wasn't a candidate because I had a slight overjet he said they would straighten them but not fix the overjet,So now I'm looking into getting Radiance braces,clear sapphire ones,as I know they will do a better job then Invisalign and are cheaper too.So there are more pros for me choosing fixed ones then Invisalign,but everyone is different,Good luck!
Smile and the world smiles with you!
