Barces going on 8/25/05 at age 42

[privatepilot]

I have made the decision at 42 to get these teeth corrected!! Finding this site is a blessing-I thought I was the only "old" person to do this. I am excited!! I was poor growing up and every time I look at my mouth I have that tape that plays in my head: "I was poor and my mom couldn't afford to have my teeth fixed" NO MORE!!! This is more to me than surface cosmetics. Any words of support would be appreciated-my boyfriend isn't real happy about it and none of my friends know yet.

[MadeIn1984]

You're right: Having braces does goes beyond "surface cosmetics". There are many valid health reasons to have correctly-alligned teeth. If teeth are crowded, contorted, or otherwise out of sorts, it makes it all the harder to keep them clean, which could lead to other problems in the future, i.e. cavities or (*gasp*) having a set of dentures made for you.

Also, there's the emotional factor that often times is tied to oral health. I know that one of the first things I notice when I meet new people are their teeth. Now, I realize there must be others out there like me who also take a quick notice to one's choppers. I decided to get braces because I wanted to have a healthy and brilliant smile I could confidently display to others. I didn't want any longer to do 'half-smiles', without showing my teeth.

I believe you will find much support here on these boards as well as many others in a similar position to your own.

I think it's fantastic that you've decided to take the first steps to improve your oral health - nevermind how happy or not it makes your boyfriend. Do it for yourself and noone else.

Welcome to the boards. I hope you stick around.

[Aradia252]

Finding this site is a blessing-I thought I was the only "old" person to do this.

Now that I have braces, I pay more attention to people's teeth. I work in a clothing store and am shocked at how many adults I see come in with braces. There really are SOOOOO many adults in braces, I'm sure you'll start to notice this as well.

[Aine]

I am 47 and got my top braces on July 25th and had 2 teeth extracted on August 1st due to overcrowding. I look forward to my first adjustment on August 15th because I know these "babies" are really gonna start to straighten out now that they have somewhere to go!!!

I have had no pain so far and I know that the joy I get from seeing my teeth impove will outweight whatever discomfort may be involved in the future. I have wanted to have my teeth straightened for over 25 years and always thought that I was too old....wrong...it is unbelievable how may adults I now see with braces!!!

My defining moment to take the "plunge" occurred when I got back from a Carribean vacation in June and had my pictures developed.....the flab hanging over my bathing suit did not bother me nearly as much as my crooked teeth, I called the Orthodontist that day!!!

I have had only positive comments about my braces from family, friends and strangers. For the first few days I felt as if everyone was staring at me but I was wrong....I have the clear on top so most people don't even notice them!! My boyfriend has been so encouraging......imagine my surprise when he confessed that he wore them for 3 years when he was in his early 30's!!!!

19.5 months to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!

[privatepilot]

Made in 1984,Aradia,kk, Aine:

Thanks for the words of encouargement! I can hardly wait to to get the braces on now and get this thing going. You guys are great!! I have about 3 weeks to go to get them and I wish I could get in sooner. Aine-I totally understand your statement about your Carribean cruise photos. I saw a recent photo of myself and am working on the "flab" issue too. I guess most people lose weight after the braces are put on-a blessing in disguise!! Thanks again, I'll be posting again soon!

[Teigyr]

Privatepilot - I just got braces too. Really, the reaction is been really great. I am 42 and mostly people either talk about when they had braces or the fact they should have braces. If anything, I think people have been encouraged to just go do it!!!

Every once in a while I have moods of discouragement but those are abating the longer I have them on.

Hopefully your boyfriend will accept that you are doing something to make you feel better about yourself. It's a brave thing to step into an orthodontists office and he better respect that!!!!

Jane

[privatepilot]

What was the first day like with your braces? I have read that your teeth really hurt. What about being able to eat? Any other info about the "begining" would be helpful. Fear of the unknown you know!

Beth

[Teigyr]

Beth,

I had to work graveyard that night!!! I was really thirsty and my lips felt dry. Eating was messy...food gets stuck in braces really easily. I also tended to lisp a bit and spray saliva when I talked! Not much but enough. You might appreciate judging by your name, I talk to a lot of aircraft on the radio. And somehow, that night, EVERYTHING had to do with "ess" sounds!! That and a pilot cornered me and wanted to talk quietly about a situation and honestly, it was so hard to speak to him in close quarters because I was sure I was drenching him with spit.

Honestly, you will be ok. Just keep chapstick (or something, lipstick is kind of drying) around. Also keep close to water. For some reason I was always thirsty for the first week. Oh and with the food, your teeth won't hurt a lot but they might be tender. Take ibuprofin before you go get the braces. And make sure to have food that'll be easy to eat and clean.

Let me know how it went and if you have any more questions. It really isn't that bad.

Oh and do you mean Class II? I think that is an overjet or bite, that is what I have. Good times!

Jane

[Nikkiekoala]

I am 43 getting braces on Aug. 11th. I think you are never too old to improve yourself. Good luck!

[privatepilot]

Thanks for the info. I am going to buy the biggest chapstickI can find, and a recipe for pumpkin soup. Nikkikoala-let us know how it goes

Beth

[Nikkiekoala]

I cetainly will! 3 more days! I am going in equipped with everything I read on this board. Chapstick and water good idea. I would imagine after being in the mouth expander for a while one would be thirsty and the lips would be soooo dry. I will also take some advil, although wont have any problem remembering that since my molar that is to be extracted in a week is really giving me a lot of grief right now.
I will keep you posted.

[LisaH]

Hi Private Pilot, I'll be 41 in September and just got my braces on August 2nd. I too didn't have any extra money growing up and braces were never even a consideration. I have these two beautiful "dracula" teeth! ugh. I've always hated my smile and now that my two children are both out of braces I decided it was my turn! First week teeth felt sore and a bit loose. I used wax everywhere! front teeth were the worse because they drove the brackets into my top lip..ouch! But I am happy to report one week into it and I'm feeling much more confident and a lot less pain.Chewing was not an option for mefor the past 6 days, but today I had a nice piece of baked Haddock that mushed in my mouth with some mashed potatoes
The push for me to get braces came last spring while vacationing in Cancun I was at the swim up bar when a group of men and women were having drinks and all of a sudden one of the women yelled across the pool bar that she loved my fangs!!! OMIGOD what adult does something like that! Well i'm all done with that! Good luck with your braces and I hope you get Lots and lots of support.
Lisa

[Nikkiekoala]

Hi Private Pilot, I'll be 41 in September and just got my braces on August 2nd. I too didn't have any extra money growing up and braces were never even a consideration. I have these two beautiful "dracula" teeth! ugh. I've always hated my smile and now that my two children are both out of braces I decided it was my turn! First week teeth felt sore and a bit loose. I used wax everywhere! front teeth were the worse because they drove the brackets into my top lip..ouch! But I am happy to report one week into it and I'm feeling much more confident and a lot less pain.Chewing was not an option for mefor the past 6 days, but today I had a nice piece of baked Haddock that mushed in my mouth with some mashed potatoes
The push for me to get braces came last spring while vacationing in Cancun I was at the swim up bar when a group of men and women were having drinks and all of a sudden one of the women yelled across the pool bar that she loved my fangs!!! OMIGOD what adult does something like that! Well i'm all done with that! Good luck with your braces and I hope you get Lots and lots of support.
Lisa

How mortifing! I can not believe someone one would say such a thing. I am so sorry you had that experience. Good for you for taking the step towards a better smile!

[privatepilot]

Thank you for your support!
LisaH, I have Dracula teeth too. My friend's son (age 7) asked me why my two teeth stuck out and I replied "because I am a vampire" then just went on talking without missing a beat. He seemed satisfied with that answer! As far as that person in Cancun-what a Jackass! I hope they lose all their teeth! Someone probably will puch them out at some point if they keep making comments like that.

I decided it was time for braces when I noticed someone staring at my teeth and it made me feel insecure. I hope things keep going well for you, and keep in touch we are in the same boat..er uh, I mean archwires.

Beth

[fins]

How are you doing with the new braces? I felt soooo much better on day 4, now I just have normal sore teeth that I can live with just fine. Hope you are feeling well.