50 and getting braces

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#16 Post by **hj55** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:53 am

I am 55 and had braces from November 2008 - July 2010. It is the best thing I've ever done, not for appearance but to improve my bite.

I had ceramic brackets on the upper 6 front teeth which I was pleased about. At the time I got my braces I was doing quite a lot of one-to-one tuition and felt all metal was a step too far for me.

Do take pictures, I didn't take many but can see the changes in my teeth over time.

Good luck!! It is worth it!

#17 Post by **Marsheila10** » Thu Oct 28, 2010 11:15 pm

I went to the orthodondist Oct. 27. He said he will be putting braces and rubber bands on my back teeth to bring them together on November 22. Then in January he will be putting braces on all of my teeth. Now that I have dates I am getting very nervous. Any wonderful words of wisdom out there. On surviving the holidays and dealing with the nerves? Or anything? I get my back braces on the Monday before Thanksgiving.

#18 Post by **Jethro** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:42 pm

Words of wisdom: RELAX, you'll be just fine! We're close in age and I got braces, top and bottom, the week of Thanksgiving 2008 (yes, it' been nearly 2 years, but I'll save that for my next update). My teeth were a bit sore, but I still managed to overeat...ha-ha.

Congratulations on your decision and enjoy the holidays!

#19 Post by **VancouverJude** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:16 am

Hi Marsheila10,

Best of luck on your adventure.

I'm 47 and got braces this month. I went "old school" metal and am enjoying them very much. The cost difference between metal VS ceramic can be very minimal, but after doing a lot of research I thought, "Why bother."

I figure people WILL notice you're braced anyhow so go for it. I'm actually kind of proud to sport them and be seen taking care of my health and longevity. Not to mention I swear people think I'm younger <grin.>

Also you can play with the lig/elastic colors. Thumb through the "lig colors" discussion on the metal mouth forum.

Frankly my brackets are smaller then I thought they would be. Also keep in mind when you do see closeup pictures of peoples braces (like on archwired) they will seem much larger than they are in real time.

Either way you are making the right decision.

YouTube · #20 Post by **retainerjoe** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 1:22 pm

i'm 53 an i do colors all the time, a big congrats to you

#21 Post by **Marsheila10** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 9:20 pm

I get my back braces and rubber bands put on tomorrow. So I am considering it my BBD-Beginning of Braces Day. I am excited but nervous

I keep hearing how painful it is from people who have had braces. Most when they were kids. I am hoping they are wrong. Plus with the holidays coming up I don't want to miss out on all of the good food.

YouTube · #22 Post by **retainerjoe** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 5:05 am

oh you will do fine,there isn't pain getting them on , a few hours after there applied there may be some tenderness , you can expect them to be a bit more sore the day after , i have never had realy bad pain , welcome to the club

#23 Post by **Mona** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 1:26 pm

I just had my braces put on about 3 weeks ago, a few days before my 51st birthday. At my first adjustment a couple of days ago I was the youngest patient in the office! There were 6 patients being worked on and the average age seemed to be about 65! I think more and more people are realizing how important dental health is as we age.

In terms of dealing with the holidays, my guess is that eating won't be as much fun (it certainly hasn't been for me but I also had Wilckodontics). I must admit I'm dreading a big family wedding that's looming in December but I don't regret doing this...just keeping my eye on the prize. If Joe Girardi (manager of the NY Yankees) can do all those interviews on TV with his braces I should be able to survive. Best of luck to you!

#24 Post by **revontuli** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 3:16 pm

Two weeks away from this forum and I see a whole new group of people! Today is my 10th week in braces and I'm 55. I'm very anxious to have this over with, but am equally happy that I did it, and I know when it's over I'll wonder what took me so long.

I'm already seeing movement in my teeth (see the photos in my blog at http://chicletmouth.blogspot.com/) and am thrilled! Good luck and good for you!

#25 Post by **Marsheila10** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:36 am

I took my first baby steps in this "wonderful journey" called having braces. I got two brackets put on each side of my top back teeth, two bands put on two lower back teeth and have to change my rubber bands that go from my bottom teeeth to my top teeth three times a day. I'm having a hard time getting the hang of thta. Not a lot of fun yet. My teeth are sore and I have sores where the brackets and bands rub and where I keep biting my jaw. Any suggestions? I am also having a lot of trouble chewing. Any suggestions?

#26 Post by **KRS** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 8:33 pm

I'm 46 and have had mine on for two weeks now. So far, so good! Was fun being in the chair next to a bunch of teenagers because it would appear that their moms bring them to their appointments. (grin)

#27 Post by **Theresa48** » Thu Dec 02, 2010 10:47 am

I'm now 49 with a year and a half to go! It seems like a big deal at first, but definitely by month 6, you hardly even think about them...it took me a little longer than most to get used to them, but I had extractions in the front that were really embarrassing...

Go get 'em! Sooner the better...you will always wonder why you didn't do it sooner...I wish I had!

#28 Post by **lu lu** » Fri Dec 03, 2010 5:04 am

I'd just like to say I admire all you 'oldies' (so to speak) for doing something about it.
Reading all your comments is very inspirational.

I'm 23 & was worried about my age. Makes it seem very petty now. I know if I had been your age I'm not so sure I would have had the courage to do it. So i'd just like to say well done & you're all very brave.

CONGRATS!!!

X

#29 Post by **Marsheila10** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:37 am

I went yesterday to see my orthodontist aftera long delay due to other health problems. I had three spacers put in to get ready for my brace. My braces go on September 12. I am looking for suggestions on what has worked for others with making sure you have everything available at work, home vacations and in my car when I need it. i have tried to put everything I might in a case at work that I might need. I bought a survival kit from dentakit to keep in my car. I am trying to make sure I have food on hand I'll be able to eat. Any suggestions?

#30 Post by **daveinbraces** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 9:11 am

I'm 50 and have had braces since January this year. One of the best things I have ever done! My smile and bite are improving dramatically.

My diet has been an issue. At first I was really sore so it was all soft foods with occaisional periods with a near normal diet. After 7 months I am getting back to something more normal, though my beloved Cashews are just going to have to wait.

Cleaning them isn't so bad, just takes patience and technique. Make sure you stay on top of your dentist checkups - easy to get a cavity.

As far as age is concerned - I really don't see how being 50 makes a difference. Being older probably helps with patience and perseverance. When my braces were frustrating me because I couldn't eat what I wanted i would look in a mirror and see my teeth straightening and I felt much better.

You can do this!

Good luck to you!!!

:-)

Dave

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50 and getting braces

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