New in the adult braces club.

[Ashca]

Hi all,

I am having braces put on in less than two weeks time at 27. Honestly I can say I have never smiled with my mouth open, and my teeth have been a constant state of self consciousness. I am scared to have them put on as I am a new mother to a beautiful 7 month old little girl. I worry that try might make me look much younger than I am receive criticism.

My husband is 100% supportive of me getting the braces and cannot wait to see me smile. I know he finds me attractive above anyone else, I just feel awful that it's "his" wife that will have braces.

I'm so upset that I need to do this. I know the outcome will be amazing, but these next few years feel like they're going to be hell.

Anyways, this is my first rant. Just want to hear from people that have gone through this themselves. I'm not a depressive, sad person in any respect. But this is tearing me up inside.

[Lia77]

Hey! I put off getting braces for years because I was self-conscious about getting them. I am 23 and got my braces when I was 22. If you look around the forums 27yrs is still considered quite young! I'm sure loads of people wish they got them at your age

Anyway one day I just decided that I would get them and that's that. And I couldn't believe how happy I was to get them! You almost forget you have them after a week or so. And anyone I've spoken to that has their treatment finished always say the time flies When you start to see the progress that's what really makes you glad you got them!
This: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/ ... is/5-3.jpg is what my teeth looked like when I started the treatment and this: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/ ... ris/16.jpg is them now...4 months later!

[auco99]

From personal experience, the worst part about the process is simply the anticipation of getting them. I've had mine for 10 days and already forget they are there unless I am eating, and sometimes talking.

Don't worry about how you think you will look in them....trust me, your fears are much worse than reality. Hardly anyone has said a word to me about having them, and when I think about how my teeth look with them, I think about how unsatisfied I am with my teeth WITHOUT them. As many have said, braces are only a big deal to the people who have them. The rest of the world largely doesn't care that any of us have braces.

I am sure your husband likes the way you look just as you are, and he will still love you and find you attractive when you have braces. My wife has invisalign, and I think the little brackets look cute on her, as would regular braces. I am not a creep, but I think women look great with braces. Not sure all the reasons, but for one thing they exude confidence, almost like "I don't care what anyone thinks, I'm doing this." Also shows they take care of themselves. I just find it attractive.

After about a week, you will be glad you did this. Best of luck on your journey.

[margarets]

Be PROUD of yourself. It does take courage.

But also, braces really don't look that bad. Pretty soon people will forget you have them and so will you most of the time.

It will be SO WORTH IT. You'll end up with beautiful perfect teeth and you have your whole life ahead of you to smile with them!

[kellyb]

Welcome to adult braces club

I am 32 years old and just got braces 5 weeks ago. Like you, I was abit concerned about what others would think about me getting braces. In fact, the only people I told I was getting it was my bf and my sisters. I was wearing them for 3 days before anyone at work noticed and that was only because I told them (basically they invited me for lunch and because of tender teeth, i had to decline so that is how I broke the news to them). As expected, everyone had questions initially but after about 10 minutes, it was old news. As someone else said in this topic, it is only a big deal to you.

[tmroy79]

I am 32 and getting them put on tomorrow. I even have to get married in June with them on! I just keep reminding myself that this will all be worth it. Someday I am going to have a pretty smile...something I have wanted my whole life.

:D

[kamor]

Welcome Ashka,
i am 48 years old and have braces for the first time. My braces have been on for almost 5 months. I wish i had them put on when i was your age. I have not regretted my decision so far. My jaw problems and bite alignment issues were my primary reason for getting braces. My straight teeth are a bonus, and i am constantly amazed by how quickly my teeth are moving, and how much better i feel.
The anticipation of getting braced was worse than actually being braced. I was relieved to finally have the braces put on. Hang in there, it will be fine. This site is wonderful for moral support, keep checking in.

[megan1976]

Congratulations on your little girl! : )

I'm in the same boat. Married, scared. I don't think it's going to be hell. I hope not! I don't have them on yet either, but I can't imagine braces are a big deal. Be glad you can do it, you have a supportive husband and a great baby girl! That's what is important and let's rock our braces not be embarrassed or ashamed. It's all your perspective. ; )

[Jano]

Hi all and welcome to the braces club for those who are about to be "braced" .
I am 55 and have only had mine a few months . I wish I had done it when I was young like you 30 years or so ago .
The first few weeks I was so self conscious and I spent hours in front of the mirror trying to brush and pixster and floss and attach wax on the sore spots . But after about 3 weeks I forgot I had them on . My cheeks toughened up , my work colleagues didnt even notice, my friends had more important things to talk about after the first 10 minutes and I have never been sorry . Dont even need the wax any more and have the cleaning process down to about 15 minutes . You will be fine . Its hard to believe but it does become the new "normal " to have braces . And SO many people at supermarket checkouts look at me and say "I had braces , how are yours going ?" . Its like a new special club I now belong too .
cheers
Jano

[Ashca]

Thank you everyone for your kind words! The braces go on tomorrow morning at 7am. I have mixed feelings about having them put on, however I know the outcome will be worth it. I hope you're all right and this becomes "normal" for me as fast as possible. I can't even imagine the emotions I will be feeling. Hopefully it all goes well!

Looking forward to getting to know you all through this journey!

[EbonyQ]

Good luck!

[auco99]

Good luck! The first day or two can be a little overwhelming, so be ready for that. You might even second guess yourself. I am a newbie myself, so trust me, after the first week, you will forget they are there except when you eat or talk. After the second week, you'll only know they are there when you eat. It's incredible how quickly the body and mind adapt. Check in with us afterward!

[Breel]

Good Luck Ashca!

I am 53 and a newbie too.... I have had my braces on for one month.
Auco99 is right - the first few days/week can be a bit overwhelming, but it quickly gets better and becomes the new normal.

Let us know how it goes!!