Do you comment when meeting others with braces?

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#1 Post by **tsmurfenator** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:10 pm

I've had my braces for two months now, most of the other people with braces I see are friends (where of course braces is the major topic of conversation) , or people like customer service (waitresses etc.) which I never comment on or acknowledge, mainly younger people who I have nothing at all in common with besides braces.

Today, for the first time since I got braces, I met someone in my office who also had braces - around my age I think. I was a little bit surprised and we talked for about 30 minutes and surely she must have noticed I had braces also (I was trying to draw attention to them!), but neither of us mentioned it. Then we went out to eat for a group lunch and we were the two at the table with toothpicks working on our braces.

I thought it was a little bit funny.
Just curious if others would comment on the braces in this situation. Would you be offended if someone else did? I think it would be inappropriate to comment to a random stranger on their braces, but not sure how long you need to know them before commenting on them. On the other hand it wouldn't be that strange for a total stranger to comment on someone's shoes so I don't see why braces should be more sensitive.

#2 Post by **ricky22killie** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:51 pm

i have been braces buddies with few folks where i work lol..... we just talk bout braces mainly...

#3 Post by **fosterp** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:14 pm

I'm a cashier at a grocery store and sometimes I'll people who their doctor is. I don't have my braces on yet I just think its funny that at least half the time everyone says the same doctor.

#4 Post by **daffodil** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:21 pm

I think this is fine and normal --I haven't met any other adults with braces so I got mine one, but I'll probably bring it up right away when I do! I think one of the advantages of having braces is that you always have an easy conversation topic at hand. People are always asking me about what my braces are like or telling me stories about when they or someone they knew had braces.

#5 Post by **Pattyb** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:24 pm

It's funny but now that I have braces I look for them in people I meet. I will usually say, "Oh you have braces" and then I smile and point to mine. That will usually break the ice and we'll talk about our experiences. It's funny how you notice braces once you have them too.

#6 Post by **Lisablueeyes1** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 9:47 pm

I just got braced on th 12th. The funny thing I've all ready meet about 4 others with braces!!! How funny is it now that we have braces we notice others right away?

#7 Post by **jeh** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:18 pm

I haven't had any strangers talk to me about my braces. I think that would feel a little uncomfortable, even if they were braced themselves. Well, maybe not if they were a cute girl, and there are lots of cute girls in braces

I like going through my day not even thinking about them.

#8 Post by **UGH!NOTAGAIN** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 11:34 pm

i usually ask when theyre due to take theirs off and then look at their teeth lol and think.. hmm he'll prob need some extractions..some elastics..and then i like mentally consult them lol

#9 Post by **gracey82** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 6:43 am

When I meet others with braces, I usually point to my teeth and said I got braces too and that would be the rest of our conversation and help breaking the ice!

#10 Post by **tsmurfenator** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:11 pm

I think the replies to this are very interesting, most people think it is positive. That is great!

Question: do folks feel there is a 'connection/unity' between people who wear braces?

#11 Post by **iBorg** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:54 pm

I think a lot of people feel an affinity for others experiencing the same thing. Some are quite willing to talk about them while others want to hide them. I think a lot of it has to do with their mental approach to the whole braces thing. I'm free to talk about them but always afraid that the other person will be put off by the discussion. I normally, try to smile and see if they respond.

If I do say something, its often along the lines of "You got braces too, how much longer you got?"

Mike

#12 Post by **jjs34748** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:41 pm

While I don't usually initiate a conversation, I am completly willing to talk about them with anyone. Usually with some one that has them or their kids are getting them. The later has really helped me out since I have refered people to my otho and gotten a great deal for my treatment. The biggest thing I do is try to help my wife get more used to having them and willing to let them be seen.

#13 Post by **jeh** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:10 pm

tsmurfenator wrote:I think the replies to this are very interesting, most people think it is positive. That is great!

Question: do folks feel there is a 'connection/unity' between people who wear braces?

haha, I would imagine a 34 year old guy with ligs like that isn't going to be too shy about talking about his braces. What are you going to do when the braces come off??? Your teeth will be so... boring!

#14 Post by **tsmurfenator** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:24 pm

jeh wrote: haha, I would imagine a 34 year old guy with ligs like that isn't going to be too shy about talking about his braces. What are you going to do when the braces come off??? Your teeth will be so... boring!

You'd be surprised; I still do turn bright red when somebody mentions them, and still have yet to have anybody I don't know comment on them.

I also discovered something totally unexpected recently: I have found myself feeling slightly (I can't find the word - annoyed? jealous? threatened?) when I see someone else with braces. It makes me feel less fabulous and less unique. When I'm the only one, I feel super special.

#15 Post by **Laura1985** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:36 pm

I LOVE talking to other adults who have braces! I get super awkwardly excited! I do feel as if we automatically have something in common! A few months back, I saw a girl that I hadn't seen since high school (I'm 24) and the first thing out of my mouth was "WE HAVE THE SAME BRACES!!!! I'M SO EXCITED!" This was instead of a "Hello! How have you been?!" haha...I get awkward about my excitement. Anyhow, I never mind if strangers want to talk about them, or anyone I know wants to talk about them, so long as I don't feel as if they are condescending or judging my decision to get braces.