mid life braces crisis

[jim]

At age 48 my dentist said the torus palatinus (large bone growth on the roof of my mouth) was pushing out the upper teeth sideways. He said "remove it, get braces rigfht away before your teeth fall out" . I was not happy, but did follow through. I had the operation and did get full braces top & bottom. Shock, no big deal, even with elastics. Bonus. the bone growth also had "closed" the right Parotid salivary gland which 2 months later opened up, and passed several stones (calculi). My dentist said that probably saved me an operation later in life that may have left me with damaged facial muscles/nerves. Homert Simpson says"is there nothing donuts can't do?" I say "is there nothing braces can't do." I'm already getting compliments on my teeth from friends and students. I smile more than ever, I speak clearly and can chew easily and I still have a year to go. I'm thinking about early retirement, going to dental school, and finishing life as an Orthodontist.

[Chris]

Congratulations! Always happy to hear a happy ending.

[jame]

Good for you. I'm 52 and have an appointment to have braces installed the end of this month...I cycle between being excited and being terrified of what people will think. So far I haven't cancelled the appointment yet!

jame

[Davep]

I am 50 and have had braces since the 13th of June. I will need surgery as I have an underbite which all my life caused various problems. I live in Ireland and alway thought that this type of surgery could only be had in USA. Totally wrong and so I decided to check it out. Why my dentists never sorted this or told me years ago is a mystery but on June 13th I got the braces and will be in them for many months more. I am a teacher on holidays but have met many kids in town, they have no problem and think nothing of it. same with friends, who havbe all been very supportive.
Go for it the months pass very quickly
Dave