Getting nervous and scared of cancelling!

[nikkibabie19]

i was anxious as well..But not in a (I dont want to do it anymore way...more in a lets get it over and done way)
I guess some people are different ^^^^^^^

The thing for me is...Yes my teeth arent perfect but THEY ARE MINE...I know how to pose so that my pics come out the way i want. I know how to eat with them, how to talk with them etc....

And i get why it is scary for some people having to alter how they have done these things for most of their lives...change is scary...

But its all for the best....

[snarfblat]

I know where you are coming from. I had terrible anxiety about dentists for most of my life. It's an irrational fear. I know it's an irrational fear, but nobody can tell you to just "suck it up" unless they've actually sat in that chair with their heartbeat racing and adrenaline pumping, and that "fight or flight" kicking in when you feel completely helpless and will either run or turn violent (god forbid). Some people get nervous, fine. Some people fall asleep in the chair, fine. For some people it's different. Some people are scared of the dark, or of mice and spiders, big deal. I'd say if you can get some drugs to calm yourself just do it. In my case I overcame my fears with age/experience and a "who gives a crap" attitude. Best of luck to you.

[bnelson52]

I'm so confused. Why is everyone acting like they're getting limbs removed? You have jacked up teeth, no? Get the damn braces put on and suck it up. Or don't do it, have the smile you have now and live in misery for the next 40 years. I am failing to see how this is instilling crippling fear in people...Sorry.

People are here to express their feelings - I think you are being kindof rude. Change is hard for people and it's nice to hear that others feel the same way. Support is what this site is for, correct?

[linguallady]

Good for you bnelson52 I agree, we are all here for support not criticism!

As the old saying goes "if you have nothing good to say, SHUT IT"

[bnelson52]

Good for you bnelson52 I agree, we are all here for support not criticism!

As the old saying goes "if you have nothing good to say, SHUT IT"

[nifer237]

I'm not criticizing anyone, but we are talking about a grown adult here, correct? I don't understand the hand holding, we've all been through it. I guess my tolerance for it is much lower than others. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am a realist.

[bnelson52]

I'm not criticizing anyone, but we are talking about a grown adult here, correct? I don't understand the hand holding, we've all been through it. I guess my tolerance for it is much lower than others. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am a realist.

Maybe this isn't the forum for you then. If your tolerance for it is low, why are you reading it? I'm just confused about why you are on here then.

[BellaBraces]

I'm not criticizing anyone, but we are talking about a grown adult here, correct? I don't understand the hand holding, we've all been through it. I guess my tolerance for it is much lower than others. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am a realist.

People can have all kinds of phobias. I am a grown adult but seeing a big spider in the house will send me shrieking in terror for my husband to remove it. My rational brain tells me it cannot hurt me (we don't have poisonous spiders here) but I cannot overcome the fear. No amount of people telling me to grow up and deal with the spider will change how I react to spiders. In fact, people telling me to grow up and deal with the spider may even heighten my anxiety around spiders, because I then have to worry about their censure as well as the spider. Not helpful.

When I read about people with dental phobias I am simply grateful that I don't have one and that I have had a pretty painless experience so far. (As for the spider phobia, I am simply grateful that my husband does not have one so the spiders can be dealt with!)

[bnelson52]

I'm not criticizing anyone, but we are talking about a grown adult here, correct? I don't understand the hand holding, we've all been through it. I guess my tolerance for it is much lower than others. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am a realist.

People can have all kinds of phobias. I am a grown adult but seeing a big spider in the house will send me shrieking in terror for my husband to remove it. My rational brain tells me it cannot hurt me (we don't have poisonous spiders here) but I cannot overcome the fear. No amount of people telling me to grow up and deal with the spider will change how I react to spiders. In fact, people telling me to grow up and deal with the spider may even heighten my anxiety around spiders, because I then have to worry about their censure as well as the spider. Not helpful.

When I read about people with dental phobias I am simply grateful that I don't have one and that I have had a pretty painless experience so far. (As for the spider phobia, I am simply grateful that my husband does not have one so the spiders can be dealt with!)

LOL, I feel the same way about spiders! yuck!

[AM21]

LOL, I feel the same way about spiders! yuck!

Me too! Most of the time, the spider is pretty small... but it still looks huge to me!! Safe to say, my husband is the spider slayer around our house.

[Jerseygirl]

I too was very anxious when I got ready to go on my appointment to be braced.

I think in my mind I KNEW it would not hurt - but it doesnt' matter. If you are anxious about it, it still is the fear of the unknown, and not being in control AND being in a dental chair - which makes me nervous too.

I will say that there was no chance I'd back out - I'd put this off for 4-5 years so I knew it was time. However I would suggest, as others did, that a low dose of something from your general practioner can indeed do wonders! Half a dose of a Xanax or as someone else mentioned an Ativan, will help! It will just take the edge off for you. So you might want to consider it.

Try to stay calm and remember thousands and thousands and thousands of adults and kids get braces every year. If it was that bad, no one would do it. You are in good hands and no one will hurt your - you will do great. Think positive.

Keep us posted!

[Jerseygirl]

I'm not criticizing anyone, but we are talking about a grown adult here, correct? I don't understand the hand holding, we've all been through it. I guess my tolerance for it is much lower than others. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am a realist.

You should do a search on these boards, as her reaction and feelings are VERY common. Ask any orthodontist - adults are more nervous than kids. The reason? It can be any combination of things - but does it really matter? Some people have had horrible experiences in the dental chair. Others have anxiety disorders, or might be prone to panic attacks.

I guarantee that you encounter people with panic and anxiety disorders on a daily basis but you just don't know it. I'm not saying this individual has one - but if she has a fear of the dentist (and many people do) - it can also lead to paralyzing fear and anxiety. Millions of Americans can relate to how she feels.

I don't mean to be rude, but understanding it and learning how common it is is being a realist - your reaction is not.

[xanidu2012]

Way to go Angel269.

[Jerseygirl]

Good for you bnelson52 I agree, we are all here for support not criticism!

As the old saying goes "if you have nothing good to say, SHUT IT"

I could not agree with your response more!

It's about support. It's like the saying 'until you've walked a mile in my shoes'. Who is anyone on here to criticize or judge the reactions people have in the dental chair? Anxiety and panic can stem from millions of things. We can't judge.

We are here to support one another not belittle or QUESTION why someone is for asking for our help.

[nifer237]

I'm not criticizing anyone, but we are talking about a grown adult here, correct? I don't understand the hand holding, we've all been through it. I guess my tolerance for it is much lower than others. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am a realist.

Maybe this isn't the forum for you then. If your tolerance for it is low, why are you reading it? I'm just confused about why you are on here then.

Because I have braces and I'm an adult and I can read and I have feedback. I've been on here the whole time of my treatment but I just don't get the coddling. I am welcomed to that opinion, especially when I went through the very exact thing. If we're going to start rationalizing and saying, "Well some people are scared of spiders and some are scared of monkeys and some are scared of ruffles", then I probably will exit. You can be supportive in various ways.

But I believe the "suck it up" method is just as effective as the "sunshine and rainbows" method that is being bestowed upon the OP. Let's leave it at that.