Job Interviews & being a "mature" braces wearer

[WiredOldLady]

I'm job hunting...and wondered if anyone had any advice about being a "mature" braces wearer (over 45 and under 90). I don't want to call attention to them, but I'm not exactly ashamed of them either.

So...aside from the obvious of "showing off", any advice about what to do/say if someone asks in an interview???

Thanks in advance!

[kathydell]

Do you have metals or ceramics? I'm 47 and have to do a lot of speaking in front of an audience or in smaller group meetings with strangers. I've found the best way for me to handle it is humor. If my lips get really dry or I'm having a bad day, I simply say "pardon me if I trip over my lips, I'm still getting used to braces". Everyone I've ever said it to has either laughed with me for all of one second and then moved on or I've gotten major kudos for having the braces to begin with and they want to ask questions because they want to do it! I've actually been midly annoyed from time to time that people don't notice the ceramics unless I mention it LOL.

[WiredOldLady]

I have ceramic on top and metal on the bottom. My ligs are for my football team...so they're orange and blue. I'm doing pretty good with talking most of the time, until my lip gets caught in either my tops or bottoms.

So...I guess handling with humor might be the best way to fly! Thanks.

[BikerChic]

I'm 53, metal on both top and bottom. I regularly meet with people face to face. Not one person has said a word! Even close friends take a while to ask if I got braces....I deny it!! LOL. Most of the people I meet with who know me ask when....and how my teeth feel...others that I am meeting for the first time don't even blink. And I have to be credible: I am handling their finances!
If you have confidence in yourself - and your smile - braced or not - no one seems to care. I even wear the boldest lipstick since this is the first thing I have found that actually keeps lipstick off your teeth!

Rock On!!

BikerChic

[sirwired]

If you are nervous, and have metal conventional braces, use grey or silver ligs.

[GettingStraight]

I'm 46. I went thru a successful job search this spring for a senior technical position. Braces were a non-issue. Nobody obviously noticed or commented on mine. Of the 4 people on my team, 2 of us are in braces, although the other one is just out of college.

[djspeece]

Just be yourself and make sure you speak clearly. I wouldn't mention them at all. Most people really don't care, and are looking for competent employees as the main priority. Best of luck to you. To me they would indicate an active interest in improving yourself, and that is a good thing!