New Job - would you tell them about a brace?

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#1 Post by **Aurelia** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:49 pm

Hey there, I'm hopefully going to be starting a new job in the new year, got a second interview with a company tomorrow. Thing is I'm worried that they would be annoyed if l got the job, start in the new year and then have to tell them about the Brace as its being fitted in Jan. I thought maybe I should mention this to them but my partner says not to, he says having the brace is not going to affect my ability to do the job. I just wondered what sort of reaction you have had from people about your brace, has it been positive, do people not seem bothered you have got one? I work in an office by the way and have to talk a lot on the phone and meet and greet people.

Thanks, would appreciate some advice.

#2 Post by **jenns91civic** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:55 pm

The only thing you should consider telling them is that because you will be getting braces, you may need an hour off once a month or so for your followup appointments. The appointments themselves are generally short but you'll have to allow time to get there, wait, be seen, and get back to work. As far as affecting your job it shouldn't at all. I've only heard very few people say braces alone affect their speech. Usually the things that affect speech are retainers, expanders, and other devices that are in the mouth.

If I were you I wouldn't even mention it in an interview unless specifically asked about things you may need off work for. When you are hired, talk to your direct supervisor one on one and tell them. Hope that helps,

Jenn

#3 Post by **Megera_S** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:58 pm

Unless your job requires you to eat mass amounts of carrots or hang from a rope by your teeth you shouldn't worry about it

I got my braces on 4 days ago and everyone I work with has been really positive about it. They've asked all sorts of questions (if it hurts, how much it costs, how long I'll have them on etc) and seem pretty interested in the whole process. I don't deal with the general public with my job though... If someone had a problem with you and your braces, its their problem not yours. People shouldn't treat you differently because of it

(it's pretty much on the same level as getting glasses - you wouldn't call up a potential employer and ask them if it's ok you have glasses would you?

)

#4 Post by **weird_wired** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 1:06 pm

People have hardly noticed my brace.

I would say that unless your job is in the entertainment/performance industry, there is no need to say anything. Obviously if you are going to be doing face-modelling or acting then a brace is relevant, but for any normal job, it's no different than putting on a sticking plaster if you cut yourself (ie not your employer's business).

#5 Post by **Svensk Tiger** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 1:39 pm

I can only echo what the others have said, don't worry about it! I would only even think about mentioning it in relation to any possible time off you may need, but your ortho may provide after work appointments anyway so this may not be a problem. It's worth finding out if you don't already know

#6 Post by **aussierob** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 1:56 pm

Megera_S wrote:Unless your job requires you to eat mass amounts of carrots or hang from a rope by your teeth you shouldn't worry about it

DARN! There go my hopes of becoming an acrobatic circus mule

#7 Post by **smileysue** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 1:56 pm

I started a new job in November and had lingual braces put on in September and extractions in October, so you can't actually see the braces, although I am aware of my extraction gaps which show if I smile too much! I was aware of people looking at me oddly when I started but I think that was me being paranoid and also nervous. With the linguals there is more problem with a lisp which I am aware of and find a bit difficult occasionally especially as I am on the switchboard and the office is really quiet.

The worst thing, though, was worrying about it beforehand as I didn't know how I would be affected. I think I spent about 2 months worrying which was very draining. But it's pretty fine now and I'm sure you will be too.

The only other problems I have is eating. They all seem to eat sandwiches at their desks which I can't manage. I usually take something to a local park where I can make a mess on my own! So I'm not as sociable as I would normally be. Also I spend time cleaning my teeth which I would never have done before.

As the others say it won't affect your ability to do the job. Go for it and good luck.

#8 Post by **ssfw** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 2:16 pm

Hi Aurelia,

I agree with the other replies.

Only if you are going to have to have appointments during work time and do not have any leave available (and because you are a new employee), I would mention that you will need to take some time off approx. once/month (the appts. are probably going to be about ever 4-6 weeks) but this will probably be a good thing to say in case you have an orthodontic emergency. The first appointment when placing the brackets on will probably be the longest. If you haven't gotten the molds, x-rays and photos done this appt. usually takes about 45 minutes. Otherwise the follow-up appts. are usually about 15 - 30 minutes. If you can, you can ask if you can make-up the time by coming in early or staying late. You may want to use your lunch break as part of the time you go to the orthodontist. Some othodontic offices have some early morning, early evening and are open some Saturdays.

My suggestion is to discuss this when they offer you the position so that this will not come as a surprise soon after you begin your new job.

Good Luck.

ssfw

#9 Post by **Megera_S** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 2:20 pm

aussierob wrote:
Megera_S wrote:Unless your job requires you to eat mass amounts of carrots or hang from a rope by your teeth you shouldn't worry about it
DARN! There go my hopes of becoming an acrobatic circus mule

Sorry to crush your dreams

#10 Post by **Aurelia** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 2:29 pm

Wow...thanks everybody for your replies and advice, its really helped. I think I was just a tadge worried about it, I know it shouldnt affect anything and maybe its a case of me being more bothered about it than anyone else. Yep true you wouldnt tell em about having to wear glasses and it is the same thing. I'll have to remember that one ...lol

Thanks all, greatly appreciated

#11 Post by **Aurelia** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:11 am

Many thanks KK, your absolutely right about it being a tiny issue in the overall picture of life, its just in our own minds it seems massive doesnt it. Well, I had the interview today and didnt mention it to them. I got a call when I got home saying I had got the job and after meeting my new employers I feel that they would be supportive about it. The company helps people with learning disabilities and they made a big point in the interview about how these people are made to feel worthless in society because they cant fit in or get a job. This also made me realise that me having a brace will not make people look at me differently and if it does well, then they are not worth knowing.

Smiley Sue - awww I really felt for you saying you go out and eat lunch on your own away from the others, bless, thats the sort of thing I would have done. You'll be so pleased when its all over though.

#12 Post by **caryca** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:02 pm

I got braces 3 months after starting a new job.....and now it's 5,5 months since...no comment from any one!!! oh now, just one, a friend broth some sticky stuff to eat...so I've asked whether it's stick she said yes...than I said I cannot...'oh sorry it's because of...'- she was more embarassed then me....for not thinking that I will not eat... some people got supriced that I do not eat chocolade

so, do not worry they may even not say a word about it!! as it is in my case!

#13 Post by **swan** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:11 pm

caryca wrote:some people got supriced that I do not eat chocolade

I'm surprised, too. Why don't you eat it? It melts in your mouth