Braces at 30!

[amandajane]

I have braces on top and bottom. So far I've had several tightenings and it hurts bad. My self esteem is pretty low, I feel really ugly in braces ( all metal). I made a mistake and ate hard foods so now my back teeth are crooked along with a huge space in two front teeth. Help! I now eat very soft foods!
Now when I go to the grocery store I nearly pass up everything cause it's all hard foods. My female ortho says 10 more months? I am hoping this time I won't lose my retainer? I am hoping for a clear retainer, or metal ( I've never used metal).
My last retainer I lost either when my furniture was sold or at a restaurant, not really sure. I usually kept my retainer in my top drawer of my dresser, but my furniture was sold?

[Susie000]

I hope so!

I'm 31 and have had braces for 2 weeks, and although my teeth don't look great yet, at least they have moved a tiny bit.

I wish I'd got it sorted earlier, but it's never to late. There are lots of people on the forum from all ages.

[amandajane]

I can't wait to get these off and travel! Yeah!

[amandajane]

[Wireless]

Why not travel now?? There's no point in putting life on hold because you have braces. I travel and my ortho treatment definitely causes inconvenience when I go - but I still have fun and work with my clients!!

[amandajane]

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[amandajane]

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[at long last]

I'm also 30 and in braces for 7 months. I got the braces about 2 weeks after my 30th birthday! I can understand not liking the braces and the fact that self-esteem can take a hit! And it also IS a bigger deal for us than for everyone else. Although I thought that everyone would notice, they do but they don't care. I haven't seen my social life take a dive since braces (even though I predicted it would!). My friends all assure me that the braces are barely noticeable and if anything, I look younger, and, at 30 and single, that can only be a good thing...

Hang in there. I still have my moments (every day), but I just remember to still smile big. I've learned that as long as you can wear confidence, the rest (even braces) just doesn't matter!

[vjammiez]

LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have to live!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've had my braces since October and other than on adjustment day, I find that I'm loving it. It hurts, I can't eat what I want at any single time, I drool in my sleep and wake up with very clear brace imprints on the inside of my mouth. Yet... I have never felt sexier. I walk with my head held high for two simple reasons: I believe that I look younger and I read the first few warnings posts on the site and learned that I should be careful because these things are a fetish so I grin widely....

I don't think you should put life on hold and not travel for the duration of your braces. remember you got them so that you could look better so since they are a clear symbol of your intent, you should love and accept your new face and probably new body since you're not snacking as much!

I can only tell you my experience. I am going on a cruise in July and since most of the things I like will be purple I plan to have purple ligs to match. Don't wait to be happy. Start to stare at your whole face in the mirror and begin to walk the road of acceptance. Think of it this way. You want to be happy now just in case the time is extended or shortened.....Take heart, Every day brings you closer to the end!