Re: Braces as an adult!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I felt the same way prior to braces. In fact, I put them off for 10

years because I just couldn't imagine being a grown-up with metal

mouth. (which I actually avoided by getting ceramic)

I've had mine on for 15 months and it's been a breeze. The first time

people see you with them it can feel a bit awkward. I remember

everytime I'd meet someone new, I'd keep my mouth shut out of

embarrassment. But now I'm pretty oblivious to having braces. The

pain and discomfort I had in the beginning have gone away too.

The thing that has surprised me is how many adults have braces now!

I'm constantly running into people with braces -- business meetings,

the grocery store, old friends. You'll be amazed by how common it is

now.

Maddie

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I felt the same way prior to braces. In fact, I put them off for 10

years because I just couldn't imagine being a grown-up with metal

mouth. (which I actually avoided by getting ceramic)

I've had mine on for 15 months and it's been a breeze. The first time

people see you with them it can feel a bit awkward. I remember

everytime I'd meet someone new, I'd keep my mouth shut out of

embarrassment. But now I'm pretty oblivious to having braces. The

pain and discomfort I had in the beginning have gone away too.

The thing that has surprised me is how many adults have braces now!

I'm constantly running into people with braces -- business meetings,

the grocery store, old friends. You'll be amazed by how common it is

now.

Maddie

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've had braces for almost 2 years now. Most of my friends, family,

and co-workers didn't know why I needed braces since my teeth looked

straight (crossbite couldn't be seen when I smiled) and they didn't

realize that I had painful TMJ. I still have people wonder why I

have braces since I'm an adult. My daughter's new boyfriend -

exchange student from Germany - was SHOCKED when he saw my braces. It

was like he had never seen an adult with braces. I chose gold braces

since they seem richer and because teens usually get silver. I was

embarrassed at first, but soon started getting colorful elastics to

have fun. My boss even started asking me to wear certain colors if

we had special events happening at work. I currently have black and

orange elastics for Halloween... my 4-year old LOVES the colors in my

mouth!

~ S.

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've had braces for almost 2 years now. Most of my friends, family,

and co-workers didn't know why I needed braces since my teeth looked

straight (crossbite couldn't be seen when I smiled) and they didn't

realize that I had painful TMJ. I still have people wonder why I

have braces since I'm an adult. My daughter's new boyfriend -

exchange student from Germany - was SHOCKED when he saw my braces. It

was like he had never seen an adult with braces. I chose gold braces

since they seem richer and because teens usually get silver. I was

embarrassed at first, but soon started getting colorful elastics to

have fun. My boss even started asking me to wear certain colors if

we had special events happening at work. I currently have black and

orange elastics for Halloween... my 4-year old LOVES the colors in my

mouth!

~ S.

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am in my mid 30s and got braces last January. I was not embarrased

at all because I have always wanted straight teeth. I have ceramic on

upper, mini metal on lower. I also wear colorful elastics--mostly

pinks and purples, but once I asked for the clear ones and got the

glow-in-the-dark ones, much to my boyfriend's surprise that night!

Bea

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am in my mid 30s and got braces last January. I was not embarrased

at all because I have always wanted straight teeth. I have ceramic on

upper, mini metal on lower. I also wear colorful elastics--mostly

pinks and purples, but once I asked for the clear ones and got the

glow-in-the-dark ones, much to my boyfriend's surprise that night!

Bea

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I am a teacher, 41 years old and in braces for the 3rd time.

i am 4 months post op. I teach 5th grade (10 and 11 yr olds) and

they think it's cool that their teacher has braces. the 3rd graders,

i sometimes hear them whisper as i go by " That teacher has

BRACES!!! " They are the youngest in my building so i am NEW to

them. Per a previous note, there are SO MANY adults that i see

coming and going at my school who have braces. i almost think it's

in vogue now, people are getting them for the little movement. The

way i look at it, i feel as if they are my badge of honor and

bravery for doing what i have wanted to do for so long to get a

better smile and more functional bite. Best, katie

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I am a teacher, 41 years old and in braces for the 3rd time.

i am 4 months post op. I teach 5th grade (10 and 11 yr olds) and

they think it's cool that their teacher has braces. the 3rd graders,

i sometimes hear them whisper as i go by " That teacher has

BRACES!!! " They are the youngest in my building so i am NEW to

them. Per a previous note, there are SO MANY adults that i see

coming and going at my school who have braces. i almost think it's

in vogue now, people are getting them for the little movement. The

way i look at it, i feel as if they are my badge of honor and

bravery for doing what i have wanted to do for so long to get a

better smile and more functional bite. Best, katie

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an

adult. Is it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make

comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an

adult. Is it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make

comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Maddie that is great to hear. I just keep thinking yikes. But

I know I have to do it.

-

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , mstiness

<no_reply@y...> wrote:

>

> Hi ,

>

> I felt the same way prior to braces. In fact, I put them off for

10

> years because I just couldn't imagine being a grown-up with metal

> mouth. (which I actually avoided by getting ceramic)

>

> I've had mine on for 15 months and it's been a breeze. The first

time

> people see you with them it can feel a bit awkward. I remember

> everytime I'd meet someone new, I'd keep my mouth shut out of

> embarrassment. But now I'm pretty oblivious to having braces. The

> pain and discomfort I had in the beginning have gone away too.

>

> The thing that has surprised me is how many adults have braces

now!

> I'm constantly running into people with braces -- business

meetings,

> the grocery store, old friends. You'll be amazed by how common it

is

> now.

>

> Maddie

>

>

> >

> > Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult.

Is

> it

> > embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> > brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe

this

> > may happen again.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Maddie that is great to hear. I just keep thinking yikes. But

I know I have to do it.

-

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , mstiness

<no_reply@y...> wrote:

>

> Hi ,

>

> I felt the same way prior to braces. In fact, I put them off for

10

> years because I just couldn't imagine being a grown-up with metal

> mouth. (which I actually avoided by getting ceramic)

>

> I've had mine on for 15 months and it's been a breeze. The first

time

> people see you with them it can feel a bit awkward. I remember

> everytime I'd meet someone new, I'd keep my mouth shut out of

> embarrassment. But now I'm pretty oblivious to having braces. The

> pain and discomfort I had in the beginning have gone away too.

>

> The thing that has surprised me is how many adults have braces

now!

> I'm constantly running into people with braces -- business

meetings,

> the grocery store, old friends. You'll be amazed by how common it

is

> now.

>

> Maddie

>

>

> >

> > Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult.

Is

> it

> > embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> > brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe

this

> > may happen again.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

WOW you are brave but how cute. My 9 year old is going to

need braces and she told me to get pink so we can match. I guess it

is all a mind set. My teeth dont look bad either so I know people

will wonder why. But my jaw is not symetrical and my TMJ hurts

> >

> > Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult.

Is

> it

> > embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> > brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe

this

> > may happen again.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

WOW you are brave but how cute. My 9 year old is going to

need braces and she told me to get pink so we can match. I guess it

is all a mind set. My teeth dont look bad either so I know people

will wonder why. But my jaw is not symetrical and my TMJ hurts

> >

> > Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult.

Is

> it

> > embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> > brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe

this

> > may happen again.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

-

Thanks

I have a daughter in grade 6 and 1 in 4 they dont seem bothered by

it which is a good thing. I work in a jail so I guess we shall see

how it goes.

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " albertiway "

<albertiway@y...> wrote:

>

> , I am a teacher, 41 years old and in braces for the 3rd

time.

> i am 4 months post op. I teach 5th grade (10 and 11 yr olds) and

> they think it's cool that their teacher has braces. the 3rd

graders,

> i sometimes hear them whisper as i go by " That teacher has

> BRACES!!! " They are the youngest in my building so i am NEW to

> them. Per a previous note, there are SO MANY adults that i see

> coming and going at my school who have braces. i almost think

it's

> in vogue now, people are getting them for the little movement.

The

> way i look at it, i feel as if they are my badge of honor and

> bravery for doing what i have wanted to do for so long to get a

> better smile and more functional bite. Best, katie

>

>

>

> >

> > Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult.

Is

> it

> > embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

> the

> > brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe

this

> > may happen again.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

-

Thanks

I have a daughter in grade 6 and 1 in 4 they dont seem bothered by

it which is a good thing. I work in a jail so I guess we shall see

how it goes.

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " albertiway "

<albertiway@y...> wrote:

>

> , I am a teacher, 41 years old and in braces for the 3rd

time.

> i am 4 months post op. I teach 5th grade (10 and 11 yr olds) and

> they think it's cool that their teacher has braces. the 3rd

graders,

> i sometimes hear them whisper as i go by " That teacher has

> BRACES!!! " They are the youngest in my building so i am NEW to

> them. Per a previous note, there are SO MANY adults that i see

> coming and going at my school who have braces. i almost think

it's

> in vogue now, people are getting them for the little movement.

The

> way i look at it, i feel as if they are my badge of honor and

> bravery for doing what i have wanted to do for so long to get a

> better smile and more functional bite. Best, katie

>

>

>

> >

> > Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult.

Is

> it

> > embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

> the

> > brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe

this

> > may happen again.

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

It's only embarassing if you make it so. I chickened out of braces in

my early twenties, but am glad I did as nobody mentioned orthognathic

surgery at the time, just extracting four teeth and putting braces

on. This time around, no extractions! I saved 4 good teeth.

Things felt funny the first day, until late that afternoon I realized

that I was not going to be able to hide all that metal upper & lower,

so I just smiled broadly at everyone who came near me so they could

get a good look! Several people in my office came up to talk to me

about them, that they were considering getting braces to straighten

their teeth, etc. It was really no big deal except in my OWN mind.

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

It's only embarassing if you make it so. I chickened out of braces in

my early twenties, but am glad I did as nobody mentioned orthognathic

surgery at the time, just extracting four teeth and putting braces

on. This time around, no extractions! I saved 4 good teeth.

Things felt funny the first day, until late that afternoon I realized

that I was not going to be able to hide all that metal upper & lower,

so I just smiled broadly at everyone who came near me so they could

get a good look! Several people in my office came up to talk to me

about them, that they were considering getting braces to straighten

their teeth, etc. It was really no big deal except in my OWN mind.

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I am 36 and have had braces on for 18 days. I'm still getting used to

it, and yes, I feel self-conscious sometimes (well, often!), but I

think it's more about who we are than the braces. I don't really care

a lot what people think of me, probably because I have done a lot of

work on self-esteem and body-image issues. I never really thought

braces looked bad, anyway. Then again, I don't think fat, baldness or

glasses look bad, either.

For me, I am feeling awkward because of how the braces feel in my

mouth (pain first 11 days, now just uncomfortable, although every day

is a little better). I am also self-conscious about a slight lisp I've

developed. I am accustomed to communicating very clearly so this is

hard for me.

But nobody's said anything negative to me -- the worst I've gotten so

far was, " Why didn't you get the clear ones? " I got metal for a few

good reasons, as well as maroon o-rings to match our school colors. I

am trying to think of the braces as just another accessory! If anybody

does think I look bad, well, that's their problem, not mine.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Luna

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I am 36 and have had braces on for 18 days. I'm still getting used to

it, and yes, I feel self-conscious sometimes (well, often!), but I

think it's more about who we are than the braces. I don't really care

a lot what people think of me, probably because I have done a lot of

work on self-esteem and body-image issues. I never really thought

braces looked bad, anyway. Then again, I don't think fat, baldness or

glasses look bad, either.

For me, I am feeling awkward because of how the braces feel in my

mouth (pain first 11 days, now just uncomfortable, although every day

is a little better). I am also self-conscious about a slight lisp I've

developed. I am accustomed to communicating very clearly so this is

hard for me.

But nobody's said anything negative to me -- the worst I've gotten so

far was, " Why didn't you get the clear ones? " I got metal for a few

good reasons, as well as maroon o-rings to match our school colors. I

am trying to think of the braces as just another accessory! If anybody

does think I look bad, well, that's their problem, not mine.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Luna

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi --

I felt a bit awkward at first (I got mine on Halloween 2002 at 34)

and I got metal ones. I was actually excited to get braces because

it meant that my insurance finally approved my jaw surgery (my ortho

wouldn't start braces until receiving approval for the surgery 1 1/2

years in the future!!!). I think I felt a little self conscious at

first. I would unconsciously put my hand up to cover my mouth when

speaking with people, but that ended pretty quickly.

Actually, I had a double whammy. I was still wearing braces when I

got pregnant @ 35 so, here I was in the orthodontist's office with

all these teenagers as a pregnant 35 year old. Now that made me a

little self conscious. One day I said to my ortho " I bet you don't

see to many pregnant 35 year olds in your practice " and he smiled

and said " better 35 than 17 " . I had a chuckle out of that. He also

told me that about 35% of his practice is adults.

It will be 2 years in braces for me this Halloween and I should have

then off in 6-9 months and I am excited, but don't worry about any

stigmatization (a word??). I never experienced anything...I think

braces are like glasses ... almost cool nowdays.

Hope this helps.

Helen

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi --

I felt a bit awkward at first (I got mine on Halloween 2002 at 34)

and I got metal ones. I was actually excited to get braces because

it meant that my insurance finally approved my jaw surgery (my ortho

wouldn't start braces until receiving approval for the surgery 1 1/2

years in the future!!!). I think I felt a little self conscious at

first. I would unconsciously put my hand up to cover my mouth when

speaking with people, but that ended pretty quickly.

Actually, I had a double whammy. I was still wearing braces when I

got pregnant @ 35 so, here I was in the orthodontist's office with

all these teenagers as a pregnant 35 year old. Now that made me a

little self conscious. One day I said to my ortho " I bet you don't

see to many pregnant 35 year olds in your practice " and he smiled

and said " better 35 than 17 " . I had a chuckle out of that. He also

told me that about 35% of his practice is adults.

It will be 2 years in braces for me this Halloween and I should have

then off in 6-9 months and I am excited, but don't worry about any

stigmatization (a word??). I never experienced anything...I think

braces are like glasses ... almost cool nowdays.

Hope this helps.

Helen

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

I find kids ask the most questions. I have kids in elementary

school and their classmates have asked what is that on my teeth, why

do i have braces (to fix my teeth duuh!), do braces hurt, aren't you

kinda old for braces, only kids get braces. None of the kids were

mean spirited, they just wanted some info.

Adults are another story. In 3 1/2 years in braces (I'm 42) I have

never had an adult ask me directly about my braces. I can tell when

people are looking at them while I talk, but I just ignore it and

talk on.

In a strange sort of way, having braces and seeing peoples reaction

to it has become a weird sort of litmus test of their personality

and compassion for other people. If an adult would make fun of a

person with braces, what does that say about their maturity level??

I am certain that some people have looked at me as an oddball and I

know for a fact that some people have laughed about it behind my

back; those people I immediately write off as not worth knowing.

There are 6 billion people in the world, I only make time for the

ones who show some character. The greatest thing about being older

is being more secure in who I am, what I am doing and letting

foolish peoples comments roll off my back.

3 1/2 years of pain is well worth the years I have ahead with

straight teeth and functional jaws. My braces are due to come off

in early Dec.

Hannah

[Guest guest]

>

> Just wondering how many of you handled the braces as an adult. Is

it

> embarrassing? Or you don't care? Do people make comments? I did

the

> brace thing as a teenager and hated it. It is hard to believe this

> may happen again.

>

> Thanks

>

>

I find kids ask the most questions. I have kids in elementary

school and their classmates have asked what is that on my teeth, why

do i have braces (to fix my teeth duuh!), do braces hurt, aren't you

kinda old for braces, only kids get braces. None of the kids were

mean spirited, they just wanted some info.

Adults are another story. In 3 1/2 years in braces (I'm 42) I have

never had an adult ask me directly about my braces. I can tell when

people are looking at them while I talk, but I just ignore it and

talk on.

In a strange sort of way, having braces and seeing peoples reaction

to it has become a weird sort of litmus test of their personality

and compassion for other people. If an adult would make fun of a

person with braces, what does that say about their maturity level??

I am certain that some people have looked at me as an oddball and I

know for a fact that some people have laughed about it behind my

back; those people I immediately write off as not worth knowing.

There are 6 billion people in the world, I only make time for the

ones who show some character. The greatest thing about being older

is being more secure in who I am, what I am doing and letting

foolish peoples comments roll off my back.

3 1/2 years of pain is well worth the years I have ahead with

straight teeth and functional jaws. My braces are due to come off

in early Dec.

Hannah

[Guest guest]

Hannah, I like your attitude! Luna :-#

> In a strange sort of way, having braces and seeing peoples reaction

> to it has become a weird sort of litmus test of their personality

> and compassion for other people. If an adult would make fun of a

> person with braces, what does that say about their maturity level??

> I am certain that some people have looked at me as an oddball and I

> know for a fact that some people have laughed about it behind my

> back; those people I immediately write off as not worth knowing.

> There are 6 billion people in the world, I only make time for the

> ones who show some character. The greatest thing about being older

> is being more secure in who I am, what I am doing and letting

> foolish peoples comments roll off my back.