Still feeling super self conscious

Message

#1 Post by **sues** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:36 pm

I am a 33 year old woman in a professional field and still feeling super self conscious about my braces. I have had them on for a week now. I didn't tell any of my co-workers that I was getting braces. I see the look on their faces when they notice the change, but no one has commented whatsoever. When I have had to speak during meetings and presentations, I feel like the whole audience is fixated on my mouth. I am starting to think I made a bad decision. My ortho to me that I will probably need to keep these on for 24 months. I don't know if I can handle this for 24 months. Why is it socially acceptable to get nose jobs, boob jobs etc, but not fix your teeth???

#2 Post by **mist** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 2:46 pm

this is a harsh rule that have been said may times:
"the less your are self conscious of your brace, the less it poses problems"

self consciousness pass with time. as most people, in a month, you may care less about your braces. anyway you can also train yourself:
go in a supermarket or in a bar and smile!
you my feel ridiculous at first but soon you will not care anymore, i kinda belive in this kind of training tricks to ease things

hope it helps

#3 Post by **tamatha2002** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:14 am

Hey Sues,

I honestly think you're worrying wayyyyy too much.
In my position, I give presentations and talk to people just about every minute of every day. I get a new group of people to talk to every week.
I'm 25- I looked younger than 25 to begin with, but now I'm told that I look even younger.
I've always been concerned that older people may not take someone who looks so young seriously, but it's rarely a problem.
If I'm feeling super-self conscious, I make a light joke before I get into business. People may notice your teeth at first, but they aren't solely focusing on your teeth. A lot of people feel your pain, having had braces at a younger age.

Hang in there!