23, 2nd Round of Braces Concerns
Moderator: bbsadmin
Re: 23, 2nd Round of Braces Concerns
Hi Amm531, it's been really interesting reading your posts and seeing the great progress you have made in such a short period of time. I had braces in my 20's but unfortunately the dentist I used closed his practice so I had to discontinue treatment. Fast forward quite a few years and I finally decided to start all over again and to wear braces at the grand age of 46. Wearing braces as an adult and all that it entails can be quite an overwhelming experience particularly if you feel self conscious about it. I'm sure most people on this board have experienced many of the feelings you describe as it is still unusual meeting another adult undergoing orthodontic treatment and that in itself can make it an isolating experience.
I've now had mine for nine months and opted for metal brackets top and bottom which makes it next to impossible to hide the fact I'm undergoing orthodontic work (just take a look at my posts and you will see what I mean!). Within 20 mins of getting them I was out and about collecting for a charity with a colleague so probably several hundred people got to see them in the first couple of hours which also helped me to quickly come to terms with them. Getting a great smile is something I have wanted for a long time so for me, everyday is a day closer to achieving that goal and my braces are helping me to reach that goal. I decided on day one to really enjoy the whole experience and to face the world with renewed confidence. In doing so, I have found people around me to be kind caring, friendly, approachable and kind in all sorts of situations from ordering food in restaurants, getting served in shops, going out for a drink with friends, striking up conversations with strangers and conversing with work colleagues. And in the last nine months I've had plenty of negative thoughts going through my head but no negative reactions from anyone. So what benefit have these negative thoughts given me? Absolutely none whatsoever! Yes it can be a little annoying cleaning my teeth after every meal or having to use a public washroom, yes I'm aware that bits of food might get stuck in the brackets, yes it might be a little sore after an adjustment but these are all really minor inconveniences compared to the goal I'm working to achieve.
I hope you soon get used to wearing braces for a second time and can soon start enjoying the experience. Most people won't notice, those that do either won't care (they are probably too wrapped up in their own lives anyway), or will be supportive and interested in what you are doing. You have a lovely smile and I wish you every success with your treatment.
I've now had mine for nine months and opted for metal brackets top and bottom which makes it next to impossible to hide the fact I'm undergoing orthodontic work (just take a look at my posts and you will see what I mean!). Within 20 mins of getting them I was out and about collecting for a charity with a colleague so probably several hundred people got to see them in the first couple of hours which also helped me to quickly come to terms with them. Getting a great smile is something I have wanted for a long time so for me, everyday is a day closer to achieving that goal and my braces are helping me to reach that goal. I decided on day one to really enjoy the whole experience and to face the world with renewed confidence. In doing so, I have found people around me to be kind caring, friendly, approachable and kind in all sorts of situations from ordering food in restaurants, getting served in shops, going out for a drink with friends, striking up conversations with strangers and conversing with work colleagues. And in the last nine months I've had plenty of negative thoughts going through my head but no negative reactions from anyone. So what benefit have these negative thoughts given me? Absolutely none whatsoever! Yes it can be a little annoying cleaning my teeth after every meal or having to use a public washroom, yes I'm aware that bits of food might get stuck in the brackets, yes it might be a little sore after an adjustment but these are all really minor inconveniences compared to the goal I'm working to achieve.
I hope you soon get used to wearing braces for a second time and can soon start enjoying the experience. Most people won't notice, those that do either won't care (they are probably too wrapped up in their own lives anyway), or will be supportive and interested in what you are doing. You have a lovely smile and I wish you every success with your treatment.