Never too old, I hope!

Message

#1 Post by **GrammaSmiles** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:44 pm

This morning I had my appointment for my Invisalign evaluation! Had the impressions made and photos taken (already had the panoramic on file). I was told I now have to wait for about 2-3 weeks for the determination. I have wanted to have my teeth straightened ever since my wisdom teeth came in (many many moons ago) and gave me quite a crowding issue in front. Finally had those pesky wisdom teeth removed a few years ago, but, by then, I figured I was too old to get braces.

This July, my 27-year-old daughter is getting married, and I decided I was not going to let my age stop me from doing this (if my teeth qualify me for Invisalign, of course). My dentist said that if I get them, in all likelihood, there would be noticeable improvement by July which would be awesome. I would really like to have some big smiles in all those wedding photos! I have read quite a few of these posts – the positive and the negative - and think I’m up to the challenge! I just hope the verdict is that I can have these because this is my only option. I’m not going to have a metal mouth at my age.

I definitely look about 15 years younger than I am and have great plans to live to be at least 100 (!), so I might as well go for it. I have very good teeth and gums and strong roots, so that’s in my favor, too. I’m going to keep getting older whether I do this or not, so I might as well age with the straight teeth I’ve always wanted! Wish me good news and luck!

By the way, I am the mother of five and grandmother of four and now, what I am wondering is: Am I the oldest person here at age 67?!

#2 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:59 am

Congrats on going ahead with your treatment. We put attachments on someone a year younger than you yesterday. As you mentioned, the key is the health of your gums, bone, and teeth, not your age.

This should be a wonderful investment for at least the next 35 years! Good luck :).

#3 Post by **GrammaSmiles** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:59 am

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I had seen posts by those in their 40’s commenting on how “old” they were to be getting braces. (Wish I had done it when I was that young!) Well, it’s being said that “60 is the new 40” so perhaps I am right on track! I had my last two babies in my 40’s and my theory is that the more things you do that are usually done at a younger age, the more you “trick” your body into believing it is younger and voilà, you live longer!

#4 Post by **curlew** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:59 am

64 here and also a gran

. I made a decision to go ahead with Clearstep (UK version of Invasalign) around four months ago, basically to close a gap in my front upper teeth I've had most of my life - it simply returned after childhood braces; something I was used to but seemed to be worse if anything the last 10-15 years. Even one year ago I had no idea this was possible as an adult; hesitated for six months after the initial appointment, then went ahead when unexpectedly I found others I knew (young and old) using aligners. The motivation was indeed, partly, the next generation's wedding photos - both past and pending - it is fun to look good - but also to be a gran who can smile without hesitation ...

Although it's been a nuisance at times, and not all plain sailing, I'm very glad so far - a bit further to go, but the change is already very noticeable, seems to be just a question of how to retain it ...

#5 Post by **GrammaSmiles** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:17 am

I'm glad to hear there are others in their 60's doing this! I believe I would be the oldest at the office I'm going to. I am hoping that if my teeth turn out to be suitable candidates (!), I will be able to keep in mind that the nuisance and discomfort are great signs that I am progressing toward that better smile! Best wishes to you!

#6 Post by **curlew** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:59 am

GrammaSmiles wrote:my theory is that the more things you do that are usually done at a younger age, the more you “trick” your body into believing it is younger and voilà, you live longer!

That's a great post - thanks. I've not found anyone so far who's queried this venture, but if I do - well there's the explanation

.

#7 Post by **Wireless** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:41 pm

I'm a very young 60 and still have all of my teeth excluding wisdom teeth. I also have a couple of friends in their 60's who have Invisalign.

#8 Post by **GrammaSmiles** » Mon Jan 18, 2010 5:54 pm

Good to know others in my decade are getting Invisalign! I, too, have all my teeth (except for the wisdom teeth that caused the crowding in the first place!) and no problems with them. I have a really good bite and I hope having these aligners doesn't mess with that!

#9 Post by **curlew** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 4:32 am

I have compromised a bit on simply getting my upper teeth sorted, as the way my smile is, those are easily the most important. I have some crowding in my lower arch which might be sorted out too if I was a perfectionist, but decided on the balance of hassle, cost and the prospect of retainers, to opt for one.

Certainly I would have done this years ago if I’d known how it was feasible, but I’m now thinking that for people of grandparents age, if it’s a serious enough issue with their teeth to involve a real boost to self-confidence on sorting it out, it’s pretty important.

Besides I have one photo taken last summer with my then eight-month old grandson, which finally decided me that if smiling with my mouth shut would do for weddings

it certainly would not do for this little fellow

, it would be ridiculous - he’s far too much fun.

#10 Post by **Gloria** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:14 am

I'll be 67 in March and I started Invisalign last May 1st. I've come to the end of wearing 15T & 19B trays. Friday I have an appointment to see about refinements. I'm not completely happy about the outcome so far but I have confidence that with the refinements I will be completely happy.
The first month is the hardest but you will get used to them. Good Luck!

#11 Post by **GrammaSmiles** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:51 am

Thanks so much for the responses! It really helps me to hear from those close to my age. Curlew, I haven't been self-conscious enough to smile close-mouthed, but then I know how to use PhotoShop for close-up shots!

I do think that straight teeth will definitely give me more confidence in my smile, though. My two upper front teeth are straight, but the incisor next to them on my left is pretty sideways - not so bad on the right, but turned somewhat. My lower incisors are pretty crowded, but they don't show in my smile. My dr. said it would cost about the same to just do one arch and it would be harder to get the bite lined up right without adjusting the bottom arch as well. All the rest of my teeth are great. Still waiting to hear if I'm a candidate! Another week or two...

I guess I'm a little confused about refinements. If the "computer" generates all the aligners and the last one fits on straight teeth, how come the teeth need more work? And, Gloria, what is it about your outcome thus far that you’re not completely happy with?

One more question! I read a lot of controversy about the attachments. On one end, some say they make removing and replacing the aligners difficult and can cause a lot of pain when removing them & on the other end, there are those who say you get used to them and they aren’t a big deal. What has been your experience?

#12 Post by **Gloria** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 2:21 pm

GrammaSmiles: You will need to get an "outie" tool to make your life easier.
My teeth aren't as straight as they should be. I have two attachments on the top and three on the bottom.
I'll post again after my Friday appointment and let you know about the refinement process.

#13 Post by **Moty** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 9:38 pm

At 65 I got full mouth metal braces just one week ago. I read this board to see what I missed. Right now I am having major remorse at NOT getting the invisaline. My mouth is full of metal, and my cheeks are hamburger. My friends think I'm crazy, but I always wanted straight teeth. Hope the next weeks get better....at this point, wish I could do it again with the invisaline!

#14 Post by **Gloria** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 1:10 pm

I had the mould & photos taken today for the top refinement trays; the bottom teeth are OK. I have an appointment in 4 weeks; I'll keep you posted.

If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you.

#15 Post by **GrammaSmiles** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:23 pm

Thanks for the tip on the “Outie,” Gloria. I looked it up and will definitely order some if I find out I’m good to go for Invisalign. Looks like a very handy tool to have. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of questions once I get the aligners! Could find out this week at the earliest. The waiting is hard! I keep thinking how nice & normal & pain-free my mouth feels right now and imaging the discomfort to come! But, it WILL be worth it. And, you do get used to them and don’t think about them every waking moment, right?? Please say yes!

Metal Mouth Message Board

Never too old, I hope!

Never too old, I hope!

65, and newly braced