Advice for Unbraced People

[Saysee]

Additions to this thread has dwindled probably because we've said it all. I've compiled (and edited) what was posted. There's only five dos, so feel free to add more.

Don’t pinch our cheeks.

Don’t assume we’re correcting our teeth just to be in style or that we’re vain about our appearance.

Don’t tell us that they "don’t look THAT bad" especially when we didn’t ask you how they look in the first place. That just insinuates that they really DO look that bad.

Don’t tell me I’m too old for braces or that it’s a waste of money to get my teeth fixed at my age.

Don’t tell me I didn’t need braces in the first place; if I didn’t need them I wouldn’t have them! They aren’t that enjoyable.

Don’t stare at my mouth or cover your mouth with your hands when I am talking. I notice it. I will answer questions (so long as they are not the inane ones that we are listing!!!)

Don't tell me some braces horror story you happen to know, just to make conversation. We don’t want to hear a story you think you heard from your friend about his cousin’s brother-in-law’s great aunt having some kind of braces-related problem 50 years ago.

Don't say "When are you going to be able to quit wearing those nasty elastics?". Believe it or not they are a necessary part of treatment!

Don’t tell me the gap between my front teeth gives me character or that my overbite looks sexy

Don’t tell me I didn’t need braces and that you don’t remember my teeth being crooked.

Don't tell me (with a pained expression on your face) that braces cause cavities.

To spouses and friends of Invisalign patients and clear retainers : Don't keep offering tempting snacks followed by "Oops, I forgot!!"

Don't ask me how much longer until I get them off, and then tell me about someone you know who was told the same time range but ended up taking sooo muuuch loonnger.......

In fact, just don't ask me when I'm getting them off. I really don't know. I waited many years to get them, and I'm paying dearly, so I'm in no hurry. I just want my teeth to be corrected when I'm done!

Don't say, "Why didn't you have braces when you were younger?" I did and needed them again. Other people didn't have the opportunity to have them. What are you assuming about me?

Don't say, "Braces are expensive." Um yeah, and I wouldn't spend the money if I didn't need them, especially when I don't make a lot of money! Would you like to contribute to my braces fund? Also, don’t ask me how much I spent on my braces.

Don't say when staring at my mouth "You have braces?" If someone asks that, say “No.â€

[TXMommy]

To spouses and friends of Invisalign patients and clear retainers : Don't keep offering tempting snacks followed by "Oops, I forgot!!"

OMG, my husband does this ALL the time -- and I don't even have Invisalign! [/quote]