Hi all , anyone over 50 like me and care to swap notes ?
My journey started today with spacers and in 2 days time a full set top and bottom . Have a full time job and a family and not sure how grumpy making this is going to turn out to be . Apparently the older you are the longer the braces need to stay on ?
Over 50's club ?
Moderator: bbsadmin
Re: Over 50's club ?
Hey Jano--Well, I'm 55 and my ortho tells me that my teeth have moved "alarmingly fast" in 6 months. I have no idea what that means in terms of how long I will be in braces--but my scheduled time is 24 months, so that's what I have gone with.
Adult teeth are supposed to be harder to move, because they have been in that position for so long. That's why we absolutely have to wear the after retainer stuff all the time. Our teeth would go right back to where we started if we don't.
The first week you might feel a little overwhelmed and wonder why you got yourself into this (it's normal to feel that way), but then it gets easier and easier, and then it's just your new normal. I have NEVER been sorry I got braces. I am sooooo happy that I went through with it.
You will have your big "ups" (which really make it worth it!). And there will be some "lows"--(adjustments usually). But it's just soreness for a few days and then your back to your new normal for 6-8 weeks until the next adjustment. Really, it is soooooo worth it!!!!!
Adult teeth are supposed to be harder to move, because they have been in that position for so long. That's why we absolutely have to wear the after retainer stuff all the time. Our teeth would go right back to where we started if we don't.
The first week you might feel a little overwhelmed and wonder why you got yourself into this (it's normal to feel that way), but then it gets easier and easier, and then it's just your new normal. I have NEVER been sorry I got braces. I am sooooo happy that I went through with it.
You will have your big "ups" (which really make it worth it!). And there will be some "lows"--(adjustments usually). But it's just soreness for a few days and then your back to your new normal for 6-8 weeks until the next adjustment. Really, it is soooooo worth it!!!!!
Re: Over 50's club ?
Thanks klobird .. I am 55 as well ... that makes me feel a lot better 
I am encouraged by your words .Where do you get that little row of flowers and the date tracking from on your post ? It looks fun.
I am encouraged by your words .Where do you get that little row of flowers and the date tracking from on your post ? It looks fun.
Re: Over 50's club ?
Jano, as a 56 year old who finished with braces in July 2010 I just want to reassure you. It will be fine. My estimate for treatment was 18-24 months and I finished in 20 months.
I agree - everything Klobird says is true, especially that the hardest times are around adjustments. Salt water for rinsing is a big help then.
After braces my teeth were sore for a couple of months but now they are absolutely fine and it really is the best thing I have ever done. Good luck!
I agree - everything Klobird says is true, especially that the hardest times are around adjustments. Salt water for rinsing is a big help then.
After braces my teeth were sore for a couple of months but now they are absolutely fine and it really is the best thing I have ever done. Good luck!
Re: Over 50's club ?
well I was going ok on the morning of getting my braces on until a friend rang .She asked me what I was up to .. actually I said , I am going to get braces on in 2 hours time . What !! she shrieked and burst out laughing ... " you've got to be kidding ... as if your teeth arent big enough already and you are going to draw attention to them with braces .... and why ruin whats left of the couple of years before you lose your looks to old age anyway" ..and she laughed to the point of hysteria saying she couldnt wait to tell all her friends as she could use a bit of entertainment . I tried to explain my dentist and orthodontist said I didnt have a lot of choice due to my severe occlusion and bite problems but she was laughing so hard she didnt listen .
Ridiculous I know at my age, but after she hung up I started crying
and had to get myself together to try and look half way optimistic at the appointment .
Anyway , I went along to my appointment and have spent the weekend getting used to the feeling and experimenting with what to eat and how to eat it .
Not sorry ,but I think the advice of get ready for highs and lows was good . That was a low .but I am not sorry I have done it ..fingers crossed it all works out .
Ridiculous I know at my age, but after she hung up I started crying
and had to get myself together to try and look half way optimistic at the appointment .Anyway , I went along to my appointment and have spent the weekend getting used to the feeling and experimenting with what to eat and how to eat it .
Not sorry ,but I think the advice of get ready for highs and lows was good . That was a low .but I am not sorry I have done it ..fingers crossed it all works out .
Re: Over 50's club ?
Well with friends like that.........
Sectional brace with Damon clear brackets fitted to front 6 upper teeth 3 January 2012
Brackets added to premolars 2 April 2012
Estimated treatment time originally 6-9 months. Brace removed on 22 July 2013 after 18 months and 19 days
Now enjoying bonded upper retainer plus part time essix/hawley( I have both)
Click here for my story http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42194
Brackets added to premolars 2 April 2012
Estimated treatment time originally 6-9 months. Brace removed on 22 July 2013 after 18 months and 19 days
Now enjoying bonded upper retainer plus part time essix/hawley( I have both)
Click here for my story http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42194
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Realizingadream
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:04 pm
- Location: Northwest US
Re: Over 50's club ?
This is a test this is a test this is only a test.
I tried to post earlier, but it didn't "go."
So if this works, I'll post a real note.
Elle
I tried to post earlier, but it didn't "go."
So if this works, I'll post a real note.
Elle
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Realizingadream
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:04 pm
- Location: Northwest US
Re: Over 50's club ?
Well, I am definitely over 50, and am going to talk to the orthodontist tomorrow. He will want me to take a blood test because I've had Fosamax the bone drug, and it might have "done something" to my jaw. But if all works out, SOON I will be in braces. I am so excited!
Tell me true: Should I go for a bold color or something, well, less bold.
It will be Damon braces, of the orthodontists I talked to, this guy seemed to know the most about how to help me.
Yay ! Tell me I won't regret it! I am so old but never had the money to do it until now! And just barely at that, but oh well. Sounds like I will save on my food bill since I won't be able to eat?
Tell me true: Should I go for a bold color or something, well, less bold.
It will be Damon braces, of the orthodontists I talked to, this guy seemed to know the most about how to help me.
Yay ! Tell me I won't regret it! I am so old but never had the money to do it until now! And just barely at that, but oh well. Sounds like I will save on my food bill since I won't be able to eat?
Re: Over 50's club ?
Hey Realizing---I am 55 and have not regretted one minute of getting braces. Yes, there have been some uncomfortable times, both mentally and physically (as in sore mouth), but very doable. Very!
The time goes by a little too fast, I'm finding. When you have something to measure it against, then us "seniors" can see how fast time flies!
One day closer to getting my braces off means one day closer to death... 
(OK, I'm sorry.... 
) But in 2 years, I will be 2 years older whether or not I have braces...so it's all good....
I don't have the pearly whites that a lot of the people's pics show on this site, but I have every last one of my teeth (even my wisdom teeth) and at my age I'm going to keep it that way....and my dentist says braces are the best investment toward that goal.
I am the only person on this site, I think, who has gained weight since braces. About 8 lbs! It's all that ice cream, and soft desserts, and puddings--those few days after adjustments--I haven't eaten like that in the past....
As for colors--I have all metal Damon Q self ligating braces--so no colors until I get a power chain next month, because self ligating braces don't have those colored bands around each bracket...
I consider braces to be one of the best investments of my life and I really had to pull money out of my ---(dark place) to get them...
Good luck tomorrow!!
The time goes by a little too fast, I'm finding. When you have something to measure it against, then us "seniors" can see how fast time flies!
One day closer to getting my braces off means one day closer to death... (OK, I'm sorry.... ) But in 2 years, I will be 2 years older whether or not I have braces...so it's all good....I don't have the pearly whites that a lot of the people's pics show on this site, but I have every last one of my teeth (even my wisdom teeth) and at my age I'm going to keep it that way....and my dentist says braces are the best investment toward that goal.
I am the only person on this site, I think, who has gained weight since braces. About 8 lbs! It's all that ice cream, and soft desserts, and puddings--those few days after adjustments--I haven't eaten like that in the past....
As for colors--I have all metal Damon Q self ligating braces--so no colors until I get a power chain next month, because self ligating braces don't have those colored bands around each bracket...
I consider braces to be one of the best investments of my life and I really had to pull money out of my ---(dark place) to get them...
Good luck tomorrow!!
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Realizingadream
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 4:04 pm
- Location: Northwest US
Re: Over 50's club ?
Ah yes. Dr. did say something about the braces he would put me in, that that particular kind would NOT have a color option. I think. He used a whole bunch of words I am not familiar with. I met him last summer. I live in the Pacific Northwest too, Klo, and I believe I had to work the 2 days we had summer this past time. Meh.
I talked to Sue his front office lady on Thursday, and she couldn't find my file. She says about half the people who come in for a chat, never come back. And I admit it took me a long time to resurface, because I had to hunt hard for the money. I hope they didn't put me through the shredder. I had an exam AND a lady took pictures while I held big retaining devices to keep my lips out of the way. Boy did that feel, well, invasive? Icky? Finger pointing bad?
And now I am ready to go and time's a wasting and WHY has my orthodontist not jumped to my wishes? Kidding. Juuust kidding. I'm going to talk to Sue again, or the other office lady, on Monday 5 December and see what happens next.
I wonder if I should go to my regular dentist and my physician beforehand so my lovely teeth will be able to stand the treatment? Do you have any advice?
I know they'll want me to do the CTX bloodwork because of the Fosamax. It was years ago so I should be okay, knock wood. I don't know if my regular MD should do it, or the guy who took out my kids' wisdom teeth, they mentioned his name. I guess he could maybe read it better than a GP, as this CTX thing seems to be more of concern to dental type doctors.
Whooh. If you were as excited as I am now, waiting for your treatment to start, this is huge. Great Expectations indeed. I read your journal that looong journal and appreciated every bit of it, and probably will appreciate it more as I learn more. Eeek.
If anyone wants to encourage me, now's the time!
I talked to Sue his front office lady on Thursday, and she couldn't find my file. She says about half the people who come in for a chat, never come back. And I admit it took me a long time to resurface, because I had to hunt hard for the money. I hope they didn't put me through the shredder. I had an exam AND a lady took pictures while I held big retaining devices to keep my lips out of the way. Boy did that feel, well, invasive? Icky? Finger pointing bad?
And now I am ready to go and time's a wasting and WHY has my orthodontist not jumped to my wishes? Kidding. Juuust kidding. I'm going to talk to Sue again, or the other office lady, on Monday 5 December and see what happens next.
I wonder if I should go to my regular dentist and my physician beforehand so my lovely teeth will be able to stand the treatment? Do you have any advice?
I know they'll want me to do the CTX bloodwork because of the Fosamax. It was years ago so I should be okay, knock wood. I don't know if my regular MD should do it, or the guy who took out my kids' wisdom teeth, they mentioned his name. I guess he could maybe read it better than a GP, as this CTX thing seems to be more of concern to dental type doctors.
Whooh. If you were as excited as I am now, waiting for your treatment to start, this is huge. Great Expectations indeed. I read your journal that looong journal and appreciated every bit of it, and probably will appreciate it more as I learn more. Eeek.
If anyone wants to encourage me, now's the time!
Re: Over 50's club ?
Hey Realizing--You don't happen to live in the capital of the Pac NW do you? That's where I live...
Anyway--I see you will be speaking to the ortho's tomorrow....You need to have the lab tests done by your regular physician to see what kind of situation you are in right now, but then the ortho/dentist needs to know the results and then decide where to go from there. If they have questions, they can call the physician. They are generally very careful about whether or not your teeth are ready for braces.
I would suggest getting your teeth checked and cleaned before you get braces...
I am a weirdo--I like having braces. I really do. It's a constant reminder to me that I have done something really big and really expensive--just for me. And I really, really need them. It's like this window of time opened up--it was a small window--(I wouldn't be able to do it now, just 7 months later)-and I was able to get the braces.
Go for it!! Get 'er done!! Sooner is better!!!
Oh ya--when I'm writing my story, I try to keep in mind what someone getting braces might want/need to know...braces are a learning process, and reading other's stories is where I learned what supplies work best etc...and am very appreciative of all the information I get from this website...so ya, I'm glad it is helping...and hope it helps after you get your braces on!!
Anyway--I see you will be speaking to the ortho's tomorrow....You need to have the lab tests done by your regular physician to see what kind of situation you are in right now, but then the ortho/dentist needs to know the results and then decide where to go from there. If they have questions, they can call the physician. They are generally very careful about whether or not your teeth are ready for braces.
I would suggest getting your teeth checked and cleaned before you get braces...
I am a weirdo--I like having braces. I really do. It's a constant reminder to me that I have done something really big and really expensive--just for me. And I really, really need them. It's like this window of time opened up--it was a small window--(I wouldn't be able to do it now, just 7 months later)-and I was able to get the braces.
Go for it!! Get 'er done!! Sooner is better!!!
Oh ya--when I'm writing my story, I try to keep in mind what someone getting braces might want/need to know...braces are a learning process, and reading other's stories is where I learned what supplies work best etc...and am very appreciative of all the information I get from this website...so ya, I'm glad it is helping...and hope it helps after you get your braces on!!
Re: Over 50's club ?
Jano--sorry to take so long--you go to a website called "Ticker Factory"--it will let you choose the designs you want and tell you what you need to do...
Re: Over 50's club ?
Hi Klobird , thanks for that .. I realised it was written on the top of the image when I looked more closely . I created one but wasnt able to post it to this message board - something about not being allowed to put a url in here .
Hi Realizing ... I am 55 and I had my braces put on about 2 weeks ago . Ceramic on top arch and metal on bottom arch . It was a weird but gentle process and although I was stocked up on over the counter pain killers from the local chemist I didnt actually need one at all until about day 4 in the evening and I fell asleep fine so maybe I didnt really need that one. Havent had a pain killer since and its the second week .
Here are my tips -
Allow an extra half an hour in the morning getting ready for work so you can go through the steps the dental hygienest says to do each morning . Took me about 10 mornings to get it down pat .
Put little wax blobs on all the sharp metal edges till the inside of your mouth adjusts and toughens up a bit .(I had enough wax in there each day to light up a dozen xmas candles) .
Get a really good quality lip balm and put it on all the time all over your lips and lip edges .
Have a full glass of nice drinking water handy all the time
I bought 2extra things which have been a blessing _ a good blender for my smoothies for food the first 4 days( because biting down on hard food feels a bit tender) and a magnified make up mirror for my dresser which has a circle light around its perimeter so I can see what I am doing with the cleaning regime .
cheers
Jano
Hi Realizing ... I am 55 and I had my braces put on about 2 weeks ago . Ceramic on top arch and metal on bottom arch . It was a weird but gentle process and although I was stocked up on over the counter pain killers from the local chemist I didnt actually need one at all until about day 4 in the evening and I fell asleep fine so maybe I didnt really need that one. Havent had a pain killer since and its the second week .
Here are my tips -
Allow an extra half an hour in the morning getting ready for work so you can go through the steps the dental hygienest says to do each morning . Took me about 10 mornings to get it down pat .
Put little wax blobs on all the sharp metal edges till the inside of your mouth adjusts and toughens up a bit .(I had enough wax in there each day to light up a dozen xmas candles) .
Get a really good quality lip balm and put it on all the time all over your lips and lip edges .
Have a full glass of nice drinking water handy all the time
I bought 2extra things which have been a blessing _ a good blender for my smoothies for food the first 4 days( because biting down on hard food feels a bit tender) and a magnified make up mirror for my dresser which has a circle light around its perimeter so I can see what I am doing with the cleaning regime .
cheers
Jano
Re: Over 50's club ?
Hi Klobird - I'm with you .. I dont have the pearly whites but who does when they are over 50 ? I have tons of fillings some crowns and a couple of root canal fillings.
One really good change for me now is that I have a much increased awareness of the health of all my teeth. Including the ones you cant see when you look in a normal bathroom mirror front on. I am now going to take very good care of my teeth and examine them all carefully with the help of mirrors and magnifying glasses and observe what is happening to them all during this journey . I might even get to learn what their names and numbers are so I can understand the technical stuff a bit better.
Its about taking responsibility for my own health and decisions and ( guided by expert advice ) calling the shots about what I want to do and when I do it . Very empowering. No one except ourselves can make these decisions .
One really good change for me now is that I have a much increased awareness of the health of all my teeth. Including the ones you cant see when you look in a normal bathroom mirror front on. I am now going to take very good care of my teeth and examine them all carefully with the help of mirrors and magnifying glasses and observe what is happening to them all during this journey . I might even get to learn what their names and numbers are so I can understand the technical stuff a bit better.
Its about taking responsibility for my own health and decisions and ( guided by expert advice ) calling the shots about what I want to do and when I do it . Very empowering. No one except ourselves can make these decisions .
Re: Over 50's club ?
Hi Jano
Well I am 62 and got braces Jan 2011. It has been quite an experience but really not that unpleasant. For me it was correcting my bite and some overcrowding on top. It is about preserving your teeth. Have had mostly positive reactions from folks and I am still amazed at how many adults I see with braces. Years ago you would never see that.
So welcome to this elite group.
Just got my Christmas colors. Red powerchain on top and alternating red and green ligs on the bottom.
Well I am 62 and got braces Jan 2011. It has been quite an experience but really not that unpleasant. For me it was correcting my bite and some overcrowding on top. It is about preserving your teeth. Have had mostly positive reactions from folks and I am still amazed at how many adults I see with braces. Years ago you would never see that.
So welcome to this elite group.
Just got my Christmas colors. Red powerchain on top and alternating red and green ligs on the bottom.
