Braces in mid-life intro

[Metal Mickey]

So next week I get my upper brace fitted and an extraction of one tooth on my lower teeth with the fitting of my lower brace taking place in about another months time. This all happens a few days before I turn 41. I am having the six month smile system.

A little history, I had 'traditional' braces on my upper teeth when I was 13 but my teeth were never straightened to my satisfaction and nothing was ever done about the overcrowding of my lowers. At age 13 I didn't really take into consideration the long term aspects of not having beautiful straightened teeth and now all these years later after many years of wanting it done but not looking into my options fully for fear nothing could be done or they'd want to file all my teeth down and cap them, I have finally bitten the bullet and have got the ball rolling.

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself, hope there are others around my age, out there dosing through the same procedure.

I'm excited to finally be doing something but alittle bit scared all at the same time!

[MetalMan]

I'm 45, and I've had braces installed for two weeks now. I also had to have an extraction in order correct some crowding on the bottom as well.

[Metal Mickey]

Hi metal man how are you doing 2weeks in?

What type go braces do you have?

[BellaBraces]

Good luck, Mickey. I had braces as a teen and it all ended up perfect, only to be shoved out of place when my wisdom teeth came in. Back in the 80's they didn't seem to be too interested in life long retainers. Sigh.

So I'm 4 months into the Six Month Smiles treatment, at age 43.

[Metal Mickey]

Thanks Bella, your story is very similar to mine. I too had braces back in the 80's with no retainer and everything moved back when my wisdom teeth came in (had them removed in January). Only 48 hours until I get braced and I am 3 weeks shy of 41.

[bides]

Hi,
I am 34, have never had braces. I needed two extractions last month and my top and bottom braces go on tomorrow. I understand the excited but nervous feeling. Fingers crossed for all of us. Mine will be on for about 18 months though, so by the time you are done with your 6 month sentence, I;ll only be a third of the way through my journey.

[Metal Mickey]

Hi bides

How did bracing day go? I'm on day 3 and already dreaming of eating curry, crusty bread and toffee apples! But I know the end result will be worth it.

[bides]

Okay, so I am day 10. I have had a visit back to the orthodontist to re adhere a bracket that came free the morning after they were fitted, I also asked them to turn in the ends of the bottom wire which was catching on the insides of my cheek. So far so good though, I am still smiling. At first they hurt to touch (eat or brush) but now they are great. I am almost used to the metal caterpillars in my mouth. How are yours going? I got clear ones up the top and traditional metal ones on the bottom with blue bands. How about you?

[Metal Mickey]

Sounds like you are doing well!

I have the 6month smile which are the clear braces on both top and bottom, I had an extraction on the lowers so have had the added complication of that trying to heal along with getting used to the braces.

So far I've only had to use the wax on a couple of brackets as I have a couple of huge mouth ulcers on one side my teeth just feel bruised really.

I know many people get braces in adult life but at nearly 41 I feel really silly at the moment and my mouth feels 'cumbersome' but I am sure I will get used to it.

I miss snacking already so try to eat as much as I can at meal times which you know isn't easy with sore teeth! But we'll get there.

[Redfern]

Hi Mickey,

You'll get used to it quickly. I am over 50 and have had braces for just over a year. I got discouraged a few times because the progress seemed slow at first, but now things are moving faster and I'm seeing the difference in my teeth. It is worth it, but some discomfort here and there. I get a lot of mouth ulcers.

I opted for the full treatment because my back and side teeth were deteriorating as I got older, all because of their "crookedness." Once they are in line, it should cut down on some of the dental problems I was having, and I hope to keep all of my teeth for life. I also had one snaggle tooth in front that stuck out in every picture I've ever had. I hated it. Now it's nicely in its place.

My only regret is not looking harder to find an orthodontist that would do clear braces. I have 6 white ceramic on the upper front, and full metal on the rest. It really looks unprofessional in my opinion, but I'm enduring it.

I'm looking forward to enjoying a nice, crisp apple when I get these off!

Cheers!

[Metal Mickey]

Thanks Redfern!

Glad to hear you are doing well.

I am one month into treatment now and had my 1st adjustment with ipr on Monday. My ortho says I will notice a real difference in my teeth by month four, can't wait for that!

[sfgardengnome]

Hi Mickey! You are in good company with the over 40 crowd, I'm 44 born and raised in San Francisco but my parents couldn't afford braces for me. So here I am 30 years later doing in for myself to save my bottom teeth from my severe overbite. Its been 6 days since my ceramic braces were placed and while I have a couple of sore spots in my mouth, I'm solid! So chin up! and best to you!!!