Hello from Colorado! Getting braces next week at 34!

[lydime]

Hi everyone. I am a 34 year old mom of two and am getting my braces (ceramic on top, metal on bottom, traditional) later in the week. I am so excited, but of course nervous too.

I am getting braces for an overjet and open bite. I am a night time tongue thruster and will be working on therapy to break the habit so I do not have to have spurs (not sure my husband would like that much ;)). I did not want surgery (insurance isn't great) plus I can't deal with the downtime or risks with having small children. Plus I like my face, overall and honestly, scared I would look too different. My orthodontist feels confident I have enough room to widen the top arch by pushing out side teeth and then moving the front back. And I think tilt out the bottom a bit. He did mention some filing, maybe, but no extractions, which makes me happy because I would be worried about such a thing at my age. Of course rI know I will have to wear my retainer as much as possible for the rest of my life to maintain but that is cool. Oh, he estimated 18-20 months. I hope that is what it really is, I hear about things happening slower sometimes!

If anyone has similar teeth issues, I would love to hear your experiences!

I will put pictures soon, but think I need more posts first.

[Kazorina]

Hi Lydime,

I'm a 30 yr old Mum of 3 and just got my braces last month :) I felt the same as you nervous and excited! I have an overjet, my front teeth are wonky, the left sticks right out and i hate it!! I am due to get orthognathic surgery to bring my lower jaw forward, after 18 months of braces but if further down the line I feel I dont want it, I can back out at any time. Understand your worries of complications and children! I feel at this time i'll go for the surgery but who knows how i'll feel when I see my teeth all nice and straight.

The first month is the hardest eating and pain wise but I just got on with life and my children love seeing them and asking me about them. I've found social interaction the hardest!

Kazorina x

[lydime]

Hi, my kids are excited about seeing them too. Braces are cool to kids so at least there is that. What bothers you socially uncomfortable about braces? Is it because it makes you speak differently or because people act strange about it? I hope the ceramic uppers will make them not very noticeable, but I see adults with braces quite a bit, plus I just work from home part time so that helps A LOT. Back in my 20s I worked in a very social enviroment with clients all day long, and that is why I held off. I wish I would of done it, though. Oh well, it's never too late I guess. Just think about how it will be all worth it with confident smiles at the end! I am recovering from 3 fillings I had to have today before I can get them on. Ouch!

[Kazorina]

I have metals on both upper and lower, NHS specials as I'm from the UK and getting it all free. Social issues are mainly the change in appearance I'm a shy person as it is! They are not as common here in adults, although I think that will change over the next few years. I hate pity would just rather people asked me about them and why I have them, then wonder and stare!

:( to the fillings but your right, look forward to the confident smiles! That's what I think about when I have a low moment. Tbh I secretly love them, makes me feel like a teenager again, just other peoples opinions I struggle with. Wish I could be super carefree and not bother.

[rocco11510]

I'm the same age as you (34) and I just got braces this month! Don't worry, socially it gets a lot easier and FAST! After a bit, you're going to care less and less.

[al1979]

Hi Lydime (and others).

I'm a 35 year old mum from London. I get my Inman Aligner brace today.
Slightly apprehensive, I'm not getting the discreet fixed braces, more the major engineering works, removable one.

Apparently I'll slur and drool for a week. Can't wait for that! I've taken a week of of work as I'm determined to get over the slur. Lots of reading aloud for me I think. Practice makes perfect hopefully, I'll let you know how I get on.

Let me know how you're getting on, I'll be interested to hear how you're finding fixed braces.

Al

[lydime]

I had to delay because I got food poisoning and had to reschedule. So next Friday is the day! I just hope my ortho can do what he says he feels confident he can reduce overjet with out extractions. My teeth seems so bad to me, even though people say they seem fine.

[kelse]

Hi OP & others

I got full metal braces at 37 befors christmas in preparation for double jaw surgery. My teeth are moving really well and yesterday I got powerchains for the first time - eek!

Good luck to you x

[mysticgirl916]

I got my braces a few weeks before I turned 34

[loa]

Yay it's exciting :) I'm 30 and I should be getting my braces next week :)

[lydime]

I got them Friday, I will probally start a new post with a better title so I can share pictures and progress. Oh man they are hurting! But it is already getting better

Nice Lola! I have already almost forgot o have them, I mean I am having discomfort, but I don't feel as silly as I thought, I actually feel younger, lol.