First Orthodontic visit coming up...nervous!

[librarianlk]

Hi, I'm 53 years old, and while I never had perfectly straight teeth, it's been in the last 15 years that my teeth have really gotten crooked. I have big gaps in some places and crowding on others. I have my consultation on January 8. I'm really nervous, since I've been doing a lot of research online, and then I obsessively check my teeth in the mirror, imagining all the things that are wrong and what it will take to fix them. I never realized how many adults out there are dealing with braces, and this website has been so informative. About a year ago, I had a consultation on Invisalign, and after doing research, I just don't think they're for me. I know myself well enough to know that "patient compliance" is going to be an issue. I'd probably stick with it for a few months, and then stop wearing them. With brackets, not much chance I'll remove them! Really appreciating all the sharing on this forum, I'm learning a lot and yes, I'm nervous, but not as much as if I didn't have everyone's stories to read.

[Nana51]

Welcome, librarian.
This forum is a great place for encouragement and support. Without it, I probably wouldn't have made the decision to move forward and take the plunge. I am now 52 but notice there are even more "experienced" folks on here with braces. I'm about five months into a three-year plan.
If I can do it, you can do it!
Good luck. Will be watching for updates.
Merry Christmas!

[harry]

Hey Librarian..Yes..your first ortho appt is a bit of an experience...I remember mine and being told that braces would be the best idea.The decision is all up to you.I have had mine for about 3 months now and yes...they do feel a bit strange at first,but I am happy I did it.....

[oldguy]

Old Guy here...........

I wish I got braces at 53, every year you wait makes it harder to align

your teeth properly, think Red Wood Trees. Due to my alignment, I was

breaking chunks of my lower teeth and wearing them down. I'm in my

60's and have had metal Damon top and bottom for a year and a half

No negative comments, my kids think it's fun, Just go for it...sooner the better.

[LeeAnnD]

I felt the same way! My teeth were once all pretty and as I got older...not so much. I am very paranoid about my teeth so to the ortho I went and here I am, day 2 into braces at age 49!

[Fionisimma]

Wishing you the very best... making the decision certainly isn't easy but the posts on this site give us encouragement and hope