Nervous about getting braces

[oldperson]

So i'm going to be getting braces in a few weeks time, and as the title says i'm nervous. Not about the pain or getting them on etc. But about how I will look, i have to get metal ones because of what needs doing (two impacted canines) and that i like coffee, so ceramics are out of the option.

Any advice on how to not feel so anxious/nervous about getting them

Thanks for any help

[Bracingmyself33]

I can feel your anxiety... the awkwardness we faced as adults. But rest assure that braces doesn't affect (much) our looks... most fellow adults don't give a damn about them. People who bring up the braces topic are usually the ones who had been-there-done-that or people who are contemplating braces.

Don't worry!

[Tinchi7]

I just got my full metal braces on yesterday. I was anxious and nervous for awhile. To help calm myself, I ended up searching other peoples' experiences which led me to joining archwired. Also, I would talk to friends and family about my concerns which definitely helped. I had some whiskey during some of those moments . I still feel some anxiety about how I look right now with them on, especially going to work or events. I think I'll get over it as I tough it out and let people see them for the first time. Eventually, I know no one will really care, because it's all just in our heads. Working out helps to calm my nerves as well. Keep your mind occupied if you still can't get over it. Best of luck on your journey

[jaime]

You're definitely in good company, oldperson (love the username).

Before braces, I had to get surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion which is a crappy ordeal. Then after braces I got double jaw surgery. Literally the only time in the whole process I was ever nervous was right before I got the braces on.

I just kept focused on the fact that the day I got my braces on was going to be the worst my teeth ever looked. Everyday, they would look better and better. That made it a lot more exciting because I was so sick of having ugly teeth.

[djspeece]

Another old person reporting in. It's all fun and games until someone starts slapping brackets on your teeth and then you are wondering what part of your brain went dead to permit this to happen.
For starters, anxiety is completely normal leading up to the big day. The more you think about it, the worse it gets. Been there. Done that. You try to keep the end game in mind, but your thoughts return to eating, sex (at least mine did), and appearance. As it turns out, many people will not even notice your braces! Serious. I came to understand that people don't nearly pay as much attention to me as I imagined. I know, weird. You'll read many posts about the trials and tribulations of the early days of braces; trust that it will get better as you settle in to the "new you." I love to smile, but was really self-conscious early on and that resulted in a weird looking facial expression that got more attention than the braces, so smile bravely and boldly. It's like your braces will be hiding in plain sight. Once you realize you won't be socially exiled, you'll begin to accept the braces (and god help you, elastics). You'll probably become obsessive about oral hygiene, since brushing after every meal is mandatory. Get a Waterpik so help flush out debris; currently their Waterflosser model comes with a portable unit as well that I guess you could pack in a suitcase or use in the office. I thought the first few weeks were especially annoying due to the changes in my appearance, but also as my cheeks toughened up. So drink heavily during the first few weeks. Just kidding of course.
You'll slowly see or feel real changes and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Then at some point, you'll think things have changed enough and you'll want them off, but it goes on until your ortho is happy. This was the longest phase for me. My initial two year sentence stretched to three. I was so over braces. While some of the lucky ones say that time flew during their orthodontic adventure, that was not the case for me. I got them off last October. It was worth it.
The actual application of braces was a bit anticlimactic for me. I sort of expected a sense of urgency and great seriousness, similar to setting up for an open-heart procedure (I'm a nurse) but for the ortho crew it's business as usual, no big deal. It's all over in about 45 minutes, as I recall. Bring some chapstick to keep your lips supple because your mouth will be open for a while. You can search on my posts for similar advice/insights if you'd like. Also, make sure to read oldfart's "Confess Your Orthodontic Sins" thread for some orthodontic humor. Some days will be better than others, so try to keep your sense of humor and motor on. You'll get through it. Best of luck to you.
Oh and by the way, I had Damon ceramic brackets and mine didn't stain, and I am a certified coffee addict. Check with your ortho for sure, though.

[Ziggy]

The biggest problem I see with people who are concerned about looks and braces is trying to hide it. Seriously, nobody cares. Just smile big smiles and realize those braces may open up interesting topics and conversation starters. One of my friends, an adult and a very pretty girl with braces, drew more attention to herself when she held her hand over her mouth every time she smiled. Be brave and don't worry about it.

[Lisamichelle18]

Really the only reason I waited so long was due to the fact that I thought I would look awful in braces. I too got metal ones (my choice ... Feel like clear ones stain too bad) after I was braced I was a little self conscious but now I hardly even think about them. I want to smack myself for waiting so long just because I was afraid I would look awful. No one cares and everyone is right ... Only people who have/had braces ever say anything.

Good luck and you will be fine!!