braces

[ernalala]

I got braces since yesterday. Yes, myself, at the age of 32. (My kids are too young for this anyway). I always convinced myself I was 'happy' with the 'natural look' in my mouth and only occasional cheek/tongue biting, but actually it's been bothering me for almost 20 years, so I finally found the courage. Any other iron lady moms around here?

[shelbean91]

Not me, but I'd like to. I'd rather do the invisalign, but insurance won't pay for it. I don't dislike my smile $4k worth, only about $700 worth, so I'm not doing it! Kudos to you, though!

[tylerdylan]

I am 32 as well and have had braces for 17 months. Only 6ish more months to go! I hate them, but already have gained so much confidence in myself. I was so embarrassed by my teeth (and they were getting worse and worse) that I hated to smile. I smile all the time now. I can't wait for them to come off so I can have a beautiful smile finally!
I would have loved to get the invisalign as well, but they only work if you need minor corrections done - that wasn't me!!

[jjawm]

I had braces while I was pregnant (not my first time, I had them as a kid). I'm sooo much better this time around as far as wearing my retainers and taking care of my teeth.

[DanaDane]

I will be getting braces soon after an impacted tooth is removed--I'll be 28 in August and I can't wait to get it done.

[mama de dos]

I'm getting braces in 2 weeks and I'm 39!!! YIKES. I'm also way too far gone for the Invisalign. SO it's full metal for me. Ugh.

I've had a **tremendous** amount of dental work already to get me to the point of being able to have braces finally and I will have quite a bit of work to do afterwards, too.

I didn't have braces as a teenager b/c I was playing the flute seriously and it would have affected that. SO, we didn't do it, and here I am with an awful messed up mouth at almost 40. We saved in our HSA so we'd have the $$ to do it. No insurance coverage at all. But, if I don't do it, my teeth will really suffer even more and I may face losing some of them. :

Congrats to you, OP, on taking the plunge! I also can't wait to feel comfortable smiling and not be embarrassed by my teeth. I can't imagine how that will feel! I'll be in braces 2 yrs and permanent/bonded retainer on the bottom after that, regular retainer on top.

What tips do you have for the initial adjustment? How was the pain? How long did it last? How does it feel now?

Thanks for the info!!

Jennifer

[mama de dos]

quick bump in hopes to some answers to my ??s. Thanks a bunch!!

[artgoddess]

I think that's awesome. I have always hated my smile, but never had the $$ to fix it. I'm 39, and if I won the lottery I would totally get braces.

[ernalala]

Well, for now I only have the upper braces still. The first day it felt weird. The 2-5th day it was hurting quite some and I could hardly eat/chew. I applied chewing gum on the parts of the braces that were hurting/damaging the inside of my lips, and that was a bit weird but very soothing/helpful. And then, suddenly it felt all ok, like it'd always been there, so no applying gum protection anymore :-). Also, laughing made my lips hurt for the first week or two but that's over now, too. And I heard that it's always a bit like this after every new appointment where they adjust the braces.
To clean after (outdoor) meals, I always carry a little lipstick box with mirror and toothpicks, a small toothbrush and toothpaste, and chew a lot of sugarless gum with xylitol after meals, too. I find it pretty easy now and do not find 18-24 months seem that horribly long anymore :-). I even think to see some minor result now after wearing braces for almost 1 month.

Success!