Help! Will braces make me look like I do in a mouthguard?

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#1 Post by **believer1964** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 7:49 am

I have to wear a mouthguard at night, which makes me look really weird and I cant even talk right at all. (lips and chin area really distorted)

Are braces going to do the same thing to me as far as looks and not allow me to talk right?

#2 Post by **haywire** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:16 am

No.
it could actually make you more attractive (bigger lips)

also, you won't have any problems talking

#3 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:17 am

It will not be like your mouth guard. Some people experience slightly fuller lips. Some don't. I didn't experience this at all. Same with talking. Some people have issues; others don't. Any issues you may have will be minor and will be sorted out in a few days as you get used to your braces.

The best thing to know about braces is that the anticipation is going to be much worse then the actual event and your life afterwards. You can worry yourself sick with the what-if's. Relax. Get them on, get used to them, and in a few weeks---your life with braces will be the new normal.

#4 Post by **believer1964** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:14 pm

The mouthguard i wear at night doesnt allow me to talk audibly

I care about my appearance dont want to look strange like my mouthguard makes me look (like the boxers and football SPAMMERS LIKE ME on tv)

I keep thinking my braces will effect me that way.

#5 Post by **SDFD TSchott** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:06 pm

... That's why. You keep thinking, the more you think the longer its going to bother you. Braces don't nearly have the same effect/appearance as a mouthguard does.

#6 Post by **alimommy1** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:12 pm

The braces should not affect you like a mouthguard - unless you also have things such as an expander, a bite plate, a lip bumper, etc WITH your braces. Even so, braces do not take up as much space as a mouthguard does, so it shouldn't distort your lips, chin, or cheeks.

I will say that when you first get them, they LOOK small but FEEL huge, but after a couple weeks like Tumble said, after-braces quickly becomes 'the new normal'.

Even appliances are quick to get used to, as long as you wear them as much to 24/7 or as prescribed (sometimes it's just at night, or 12 hours).

#7 Post by **itsabouttime22** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:29 pm

I have to say, braces did change my appearance somewhat at first. I have a very small mouth, so the braces are very big- especially the ceramic uppers. I had a very noticeable fuller upper lip. Now that my "fangs" have come down a bit my lip is not as full. But even if your mouth looks different- trust me after a few weeks you'll get used to it. Despite my different appearance, I am still glad I decided to go through with braces- and I'm sure you will be too.

#8 Post by **GeenBug** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 9:52 pm

It may make your mouth protrude a little. After two weeks or so it shouldn't protrude as much. Mine still does a little, i hate it

, but that's just me. It has also affected my speech, especially on the phone, people have been having a hard time hearing me since i got them. I hate that too. But now it's not so bad. Maybe i'm finally getting used to talking with them, almost, but i still hate the way i talk with them. But everyone's experience's different. You may not experience any of these at all. I'm still happy i got them. Wouldn't change that for the world.

#9 Post by **equaeternal** » Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:55 am

I don't think that they effected my lips or face at all. They did feel HUGE like other's have said. That does go away after a bit.

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Help! Will braces make me look like I do in a mouthguard?

Help! Will braces make me look like I do in a mouthguard?

My mouthguard makes me look like a boxer or football player.