getting braces at 56 ??

[Kellygirl]

I am 56 years old and have decided to get braces (very big decision). I am not sure if I should get them on now or wait until May. The problem is we will start learning a new computer system in April (the mind doesn't work like it used too), and my co-worker will be on vacation. I work with the public and need to have a smile on my face and be very professional. I don't know what to expect with the braces so I'm trying to decide if I should just wait until May so I don't have to deal with braces, new computer system and working by myself. Any suggestions?

[GRILLZ]

hi there. i'm 53 years old and got braced today! it took me a long time to decide to do this, but once i decided....i also realized there would never be a perfect time to do it....life is always 'happening'....there will ALWAYS be stressors of one kind or another......so i would say do it sooner....rather than later.

[Kellygirl]

[quote="GRILLZ"]hi there. i'm 53 years old and got braced today! it took me a long time to decide to do this, but once i decided....i also realized there would never be a perfect time to do it....life is always 'happening'....there will ALWAYS be stressors of one kind or another......so i would say do it sooner....rather than later.[/quote]

Thanks, I was also thinking the same thing about better now than later - just a little scared. I also have borderline diabetes so the whole not being able to eat normal will be challenging., and I can't take Motrin or Advil. I go to my orth on Thursday and find out the course of action. the Orth. did tell me it would be about 18 months with braces, which didn't seem too bad. I will not have spacers Even though I am hesitant at the same time I'm excited. I'm anxious to see how you make out with your braces. Good luck and I'll keep checking messages to see how you are doing.

[GRILLZ]

kellygirl:

i'm diabetic so i understand about the eating challenges. i didn't need spacers either, which we can count ourselves blessed as i've read they can be quite uncomfortable. i don't think i did real great w/ my eating today as far as blood sugars, smoothies have a lot of sugar in them. but i decided to pamper myself today. tomorrow i think i'll go for the high fiber, low sugar yogarts i have. i miss not being able to eat my whole wheat toast! whole grains are so good for helping sugar levels to stay constant and not spike up. i'll have to find other softer ways to consume whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice etc. yes, let's keep up with each other!

[Kellygirl]

[quote="GRILLZ"]kellygirl:

i'm diabetic so i understand about the eating challenges. i didn't need spacers either, which we can count ourselves blessed as i've read they can be quite uncomfortable. i don't think i did real great w/ my eating today as far as blood sugars, smoothies have a lot of sugar in them. but i decided to pamper myself today. tomorrow i think i'll go for the high fiber, low sugar yogarts i have. i miss not being able to eat my whole wheat toast! whole grains are so good for helping sugar levels to stay constant and not spike up. i'll have to find other softer ways to consume whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice etc. yes, let's keep up with each other! [/quote]
GRILLZ wrote:
> kellygirl:
>
> i'm diabetic so i understand about the eating challenges. i didn't need spacers either,
> which we can count ourselves blessed as i've read they can be quite uncomfortable.
> i don't think i did real great w/ my eating today as far as blood sugars, smoothies
> have a lot of sugar in them. but i decided to pamper myself today. tomorrow i think
> i'll go for the high fiber, low sugar yogarts i have. i miss not being able to eat
> my whole wheat toast! whole grains are so good for helping sugar levels to stay
> constant and not spike up. i'll have to find other softer ways to consume whole
> grains like oatmeal, brown rice etc. yes, let's keep up with each other! :

Yes - we will keep up with each other. I'm already feeling better being able to discuss this with somone currently going through this. Thanks for the suggestions also.

[loradora]

I was braced last year at 56. I'd suggest the sooner the better. I have them on the bottom only and will find out on my next visit when they'll be coming off. Yay. I had a little trouble eating in the beginning, partially because I had a lower front inciser removed due to crowding. I can eat almost everything with the exception of some chewy candies and some foods get stuck more than others in the braces. Good luck on your journey.

[GRILLZ]

kellygirl;

i wanted to tell you what i found at the grocery store today, it was a shake for diabetics called glucerna. they have it in the pharmacy section of my store, it's not prescription, but it's near the pharmacy. they come in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. you have to buy a package of i think it comes 6 bottles to a package. they are basically 200 calories , 7 grams of fat, and only 6 grams of sugar, w/ 10 grams of protein. that is pretty good, most smoothies i've tried are around 200 cal w/ 16 grams of sugar.....quite a bit more than that. i haven't tried them yet, i've put them in the refrig to get cold and i'll try tomorrow. i bought the strawberry and the chocolate. i'll let you know what i think of them.....

[45wantsnicesmile]

Might as well get it started now. I'm 45 and will be getting my invisaligns mid February or early March. I'm having a tooth removed this week to make room for those poorly rotated teeth to straighten up and get pretty. I wish you luck on your journey. I'm looking forward to starting mine.

[Kellygirl]

Thank you all for your replies. I love this web-site. I go to the Orth on Thursday to get a little bit more information. I'll keep you all posted. Meanwhile I will stock up on the Glucerna, etc. Thanks again, these replies make me feel better.

[goldenoldie]

Go for it now!! The sooner you have them fitted the sooner you'll have straight teeth. I am 58 and had my braces fitted in July. Embarrassed about smiling at first, now I don't care and give my biggest smile!!! Many people envy me and say how brave I am!!! I rarely have to use wax now but for some reason or other I am suffering with eczema around the outside of my lips. Doc gave me cream which helps a lot and I go through lots and lots of lip salve. I did try vaseline but found this made it worse. Even with this irritation I have no regrets, just love seeing the changes to my teeth!! Good luck.

[GRILLZ]

kellygirl;

if you can try one or two bottles of the gluconera...do so before you stock up. i just had some today and well it wasn't to my liking, unfortunately. sort of tasted like a very sweet chocolate vitamin.....however my daughter (aged 22) loved it so she'll be drinking the rest of it.

i think i'm going to try to make my own smoothies w/ fresh fruit a bit of almond butter and no added sugar, more of a pain but i think i'll like them better.

[Ellebraced]

Hey Kellygirl

I have been braced one month today. I was going to wait a month because of Christmas and a Christmas party 3 days after my brace date but my husband said JUST DO IT. I was able to eat 3 days later at the Christmas party no problems and now 1 month later I have seen huge improvements.

When I think about all the things coming up, wedding end of January, reunion this summer, renewing my wedding vows this summer, I could have had a million excuses to wait but so glad I didn't. There is never going to be a right time and I put it off years ago and wish I had done it then.

It sounds like you and Grillz will be able to be great support to each other through this journey being the same age with diabetes.

This is a great website. Good luck on Thursday, can't wait to hear what you decide.

[Kellygirl]

Went to Orth. on Thursday, visit went pretty well but I have started with a slight bone loss, therefore the Orth told me once my braces get put on I will have to be extra dedicated at keeping my gums clean. ( I have flossed for years but evidently not good enough.I went to work last week and learned that I will have many hours of training on a computer system that will change after 15 years. Sooo, after much consideration (changing my mind many times), I have decided to wait until Spring to get my braces on. Thank you all for your responses and I will keep checking to see how you all are doing. Good Luck to you all!