I searched for this topic, and no avail- but I wasn't curious if any members
have had braces, or are currently wearing them. I actually am an adult with
braces, one who couldn't afford them while I was a child and am now taking the
plunge-
I'm curious of how you perceive older people with braces, or younger- if you
think its worth it, if you feel self conscious as well, or like having them-
anyone with braces or thinking about them?
I have no idea how old you are, and what's considered the last "cool"
age to wear braces. I wore them myself when I was 16 to 18 (or maybe it was 15
to 17. I don't remember.)
I wore them for two damned years. Actually, I didn't really have any problems
with the fact that there were metal bars in front of my teeth, but those buggers
were really uncomfortable, not to mention that I needed to go visit the dentist
every month instead of every year. And the dentist's chair is definitely one of
my least favorite places to be. Outside of that, I had no problems with them
whatsoever. And my classmates (at the time) actually thought they were cool.
Why? I have no idea.
On the subject; I seem to remember seeing a comic magazine called
"Braceface". Anyone want to enlighten me on what THAT comic is about?
My assessment from the cover would be that it's a comic magazine about a bunch
of teenagers that wears braces. This leaves the question: Why? Why are they
making braces into a fashion statement, especially in light of the fact that
it's something you use because you need to, not because you might want to. To
those of you who've never worn braces and/or don't know anyone who have/has;
those suckers are EXPENSIVE, and the monthly dental visits certainly doesn't
come cheap.
Medical requirement + huge expences = Fashion statement? That doesn't make any
sense, unless the comic has been sponsored by the dental associations or
something. :P
I myself have no problems with anyone having braces, regardless of age.
Afterall, braces show an awareness to ensure and maintain proper dental health.
But it would seem that society in general views adults with braces with a
certain sense of... weirdness? for the lack of a better term. It's not disdain
or contempt, just that people seem to consider that adults with braces are out
of the "norm," and make them rather self conscious.
Which is why Invisalign is such a big hit with adults. An invisible (at least in
theory, not in practice, but still much less conspicuous) set of braces to
adjust your teeth. I have heard that Invisalign is not as effective as regular
metal and wire braces, but many adults use them because they don't want other
people to know. I would presume that people whose occupations require constant
and wide ranging contacts with other people would be especially self conscious,
i.e. business execs, politicians, etc.
What I really like to know is why some people think adults wearing braces are
"weird." Is it not more important that they are taking proactive steps
to protect their dental aesthetics, even if it is at a later age?
Oh, I hope your braces don't hurt belly. *Offers belly a big cookie *
Well I don't really mind my braces. I've had them for about two years or so and
I should be getting them off soon, it's really just when the braces come lose
that bothers me. I used to be bothered when they stuck into my cheek, but for
some reason that hasn't happened in a long time. It was even worse when it got
stuck in there several times...
As EternalParadox had said there's also Invisalign, but I find it to be rather
stupid. It's like wearing poor contacts (not saying contacts are bad, just that
these are) instead of glasses to "fit in." Oh well, it's sad how
people can actually care what is on someone's body if it helps them, i.e.
braces.
I had traditional metal braces for just over two years, from March 01, 2001
until August 26, 2003. They hurt a lot, and they got in the way during band
(they made playing the trumpet difficult), but I didn't mind them. My mom
noticed that I smiled more with my braces on and after they were removed. I
never smiled before I got my braces. They were a huge confidence-booster for me,
especially during a period when I had none (8th grade).
People told me that they wouldn't be able to stomach starting high school with
braces, that I was brave. Um, no, it wasn't that. They were just cowardly little
preppy people who cared about what they looked like. I didn't care; I was happy
that my teeth were being straightened out and that I'd have a healthier mouth in
return.
Invisalign is the biggst bunch of crap I've ever heard of. They're more
expensive and, according to my orthodontist, they don't work as well as the
traditional metal braces. They're for people who're too concerned with what
people think to consider a more effective method.
I had braces when I was in the 3rd grade all the way till 7th grade and I loved
them, I always thought they looked so good on me, and even now when I wear my
retainer, I feel so ......different, in a good way
Hehe, I remember posting a topic like this waaaaaaaaaaaay back when MT first
started. I guess it was deleted. Anyay, that was back when I had braces. :] I'm fortunate enough to get them
off before I started my senior year in hs
It feels good when you have them off, but I have to wear retainers. I don't have
the normal ones where it's the wire. I have like invisiline ones or something. I
cheat the system and only wear the retainer at night No need to
wear it all day when you eat a lot (I'm not a fatty)
Btw, I had the metal braces, not invisiline. You may complain about them now,
but like...you'll be happy once you get them off :]
I didn't even need braces that much. I was originally supposed to have braces
for 1 year, but they said to keep it on another year "just in case".
I had braces before back in grade 7&8. I was the one of some people to have
gotten braces lolz. But yea I kinda miss having them I remember when i got to
change the colors on my braces it was soo cool lolz.
And I can't forget about the day I got them on September 11,2001 yes ladies and
gentlem 9/11 was the day i got them on.
But what was funnie was when it was world cup for soccer I remember getting the
colors of the Italian flag on my braces lolz Green,White,Red hahaha.
And to answer your question yea I think it's worth it
I had braces in the middle and end of high school. It wasn't really that bad. I
was self-conscious before I had braces. When I had them, I was only worried that
I might get food stuck between my teeth.
But other than that, in the long run it's definitely worth it. I don't have to
worry about how I look in pictures and can smile without my teeth looking
crooked. Surprisingly, the time I had them on went by pretty fast, and before I
knew it they were off. Not to mention that guys didn't think anything of it. I
still had dates. XP
I'd say that the only drawback is having to wear a retainer to bed at night.
It's not that comfortable, but if you want straight teeth and less jaw problems
when you're older, it's a good thing.
Think of it this way... What's two or three years with braces when you get the
rest of your life with beautiful straight teeth?
I got my braces at the age you are now so I don't have a problem with them, I
actually think their becoming more accepted. I only had to wear mine for two
years and now I just wear my retainers at night. I was glad to get off my braces
because I didn't like the fact that my teeth hurt after adjustments because I
like to eat and I actually got down to 86 lbs when I first got them on. I only
had slight buck teeth and two of my lower ones were crooked so I didn't have to
have braces on all my teeth. I did have to get all my wisdom teeth pulled
though, I had them all pulled at the same time. And unlike most people I do like
going to the dentist because I've always tried to take good care of my teeth.
I had remove-able braces when I was still a wee teenager in school. And I kept
taking them out because they hurt so
much
So even though I would love to straighten some of my teeth, I'm just too much of
a coward!
Also, if I was to do it now, it would cost a fortune because I wouldn insist on
having those teeth-coloured/invisible ones like Tom Cruise had
yea i got my braces out like when i wuz 13 an started high school with them off.
i think it better that way cuz u less self conscious when ur younger.
but i think if u need them get them and do every thing the dentist says or it
wont work. i kno tons of kids that didnt listen to their dentists, and just
wasted a ton of money
well bel-san that makes one more of us being an adult person wearing this
painful piece of **** I
didnt want to get them "ever" when I was a kid I think braces was just
a waste of money, but my teeth were beginning to affect my eating in a very bad
way about a year back so I had to get it. *should of got them when I was
younger* I'm sure you know at times *especially after they tighten it.. the pain
of having it on can get just ugh... its hurting me right now as I'm typing
this.. keep on telling myself... only one more yr to go... only one
more yr to go...
as far as worth it, well.. for 5k USD, it better be when I'm done with this..
but
seriously now, u look better, and you have a better/ healthier bite and smile
after this.. I think its worth every penny. even though the pain is me saying
otherwise...
I had braces when I was 12-13.
I think they are worth, for me one of the ugliest things to look at is a mouth
with crooked teeth. Also, there are times where it's necessary because you have
problems with eating and such.
Now, I still have to use some kind of braces but I just have to put them at
night when I go to sleep. I hope I will be able to stop using them soon.
I guess I should've mentioned i'm 21 ...
sorry my bad :P
Northy: I'm glad to hear your experience
was positive and that many view braces as an aesthetically pleasing time- this
makes me feel a tad less funny looking -
well I agree that braces are merely for straigthening and are in that case a
medical appliance, I think it's kind of cool that kids aren't looking at them as
dorky- it's about time!
EP: **eats cokie** yummy thanks!
Quote:
What I really like to know is why some people think adults wearing braces are
"weird." Is it not more important that they are taking proactive steps
to protect their dental aesthetics, even if it is at a later age?
I would like to know as well- even before I got them- I would notice adults with
them and smile- I always thought it was neat, especially since I never had them,
and foresaw a future where I would be socially accepted if I wore them- not that
I'm a huge socialite, which in all honesty I would be quite the opposite, [^_^']
you still wouldn't have to deal with the attention. ie: strangers coming up to
you and asking "why" you have them [wait- it's already ahppened :?
...] and the like- looking at you like you're trying to 'relive' your adolesence
or something to that degree
...
as for invisaligns, I must admit I Wanted them at first- you would be surprised
moments before getting these suckers on you go crazy- you want something
unnoticable so you yourself can stay
unnoticable really- you don't want anyone to see you so fragile :P ...
but I have a big thing against them- why? they don't work/super expensive/etc -
I'm a member of an online adult braces community and have heard many horror
stories, and ultimately they would end up paying for metals later on
anyways-
eXDream2K5: oh the dreaded pokey metal
things- hate those [takes out some wax] :P
I will agree with you on that one- I never smiled with my teeth showing before I
had these puppies on, now I seem to always do it, and I think it's because i've
been taking progress pictures and notice a ton of change since day one! and as
such I smile at everyone now- regardless. Doesn't help that my all too habitual
"trained smile" [anyone with not so perfect teeth knows what i'm
talking about!] with braces made me look like I was chewing on a sour candy looked
ridiculous- so now I only smile displaying my lovely 5,000$ appliance
:P
PANDAgirl: aha! I wondered if you'd post
here- if I recall, you had a journal on GFXBlog before and we discussed your
rbaces/getting them off soon
I cannot wait until that removal date-
lol... I look like I'm twelve when I Smile- it's awkward right now ... but I
agree- I ended up getting Damon 3's self ligating braces [which means they're
metal but with ceramic [clear] top hats on them] and they don't use elastics or
RPE's they are supposed to take less time and move your teeth more naturally- so I
say bring it on teeth!
saikusa: you'd be surprised- the ceramic
ones [like tom cruise ] are
roughly the same price as regular metals now- many ortho's will actually do them
for the same prices- especially for adult patients I'm
moving soon and i'll possibly be switiching ortho's and because of that I may be
receiving ceramics instead as well- I don't mind them- actually I originally
wanted those but my ortho really rants about how great self ligating braces are
in comparison
Frosty: *gasp!* you two? who knew?! I
agree- when I Was a kid, I didn't have the money plus I could care less because 'i was sooo much cooler than that'
but now i'm glad I finally took the plunge I know-
they are starting to align better now and my wires are straighter
[exciting]
Now, if anyone cares to see- you can check out my progress on Archwired.com by this link: Belly's
brace blog and let me know what you think- I see improvements, but it may
just be me also, anyone looking for adult brace support/FAQ its a great
place to find it
i guess people assume you look geeky if you wore any...i know my life was at its
lowest when people kept on looking at me and my braces...but that was back in
2000 or so, when I had to do it cause my jaw was jutting out due to uneven set
of molars.
anyway, regarding adult wise, now that all the school bullies are out of the
picture, I say it is quite fine, only thing you do not want is to get one of
those that has a wireframe outside the mouth, reminds me of clive Barker's
Hellraiser, especially if you happen to be bald.
That aside, if it is social perception of beauty you are talking about, there is
no biggie on that, it is afterall, just something you do to make you look
better. I could not care less however, I don't mind, but it was good when I had
to do it cause I keep biting my lips (it caused more ulcers than I can
remember).
Lest one thing, do remember to floss, and regular floss at that, as well as
brush those braces clean, otherwise...at the very end, you will realize you have
caffeine marks under the braces...which the doc will have to manually clean
them...it is a very funny feeling, and I hate that.
Just don't let the bad remarks from your mates (if any) get to you. Hope to see
your supermodel look after you are all done.
well i had to wear braces because when i was younger my lower jaw was a bit off
... like you know that the teeth of your upper jaw go infront ot the teeth of
the lower jaw? well for me it was the other way around. in order to fix it i
start wearing braces at the age of 6 until i got 17 and the dentists were sure
that i wouldnt grow any longer because if i did my lower jaw would jump to the
front again.
fortunately that didnt happen and now i got a nice set of teeth lined up
perfectly. in germany there are a lot of people who wear braces when they are
young so they dont have to go through all that struggle when they are older. on
top of that a lot of girl dont really like them especially when they are between
14 and 18 years old.
as long as people brush their teeth regularly when wearing braces i'm fine with
it because eating with braces is like collecting food for the poor between your
teeth ... that's quite gross ...
I had braces when I was in the sixth to seventh grade. It wasn't that bad for me
because my orthodontist was nice and I got used to them after awhile but let me
tell you, it was easier to get used to them off than them on! I only had them on
for about 9 months because my teeth relocated themselves rather quickly although
I don't see how. The only other problem was that my gums got puffy, that wasn't
good.
im not wearing them, nor have i ever. I take fine care of my teeth, but my
friend has them, he;s had them for 2 years now. he said at first they wee
difficult but now he harldy even notices there their, i see he so much i don;t
even notice them myself so it's cool. i guess depending on your situation you
might need them, though i don't think i could go 3 weeks with them.
I got my braces pretty late. I had them in 11th grade and I was disappointed
(especially for my 12th grade picture). In 12th grade I was used to my braces
but I never smiled for my picture. It wasn't until after my first year in
college that I got them off. By then, I actually felt attached to my braces
because I felt charmingly unique and proud to have braces by then. I felt people
saw me as an outcast when I had my braces. When people got to know me, I am
pretty sure that changed. At least my teeth are more or less straight. My
feelings tell me that those with braces are not the same, but my logic tells me
that if I personally knew those people, I would find different things about
them. I have a retainer and I don't mind what people see. I am one the few who
has noticible retainers at my age now.
I searched for this topic, and no avail- but I wasn't curious if any members have had braces, or are currently wearing them. I actually am an adult with braces, one who couldn't afford them while I was a child and am now taking the plunge-
I'm curious of how you perceive older people with braces, or younger- if you think its worth it, if you feel self conscious as well, or like having them- anyone with braces or thinking about them?
I have no idea how old you are, and what's considered the last "cool" age to wear braces. I wore them myself when I was 16 to 18 (or maybe it was 15 to 17. I don't remember.)
I wore them for two damned years. Actually, I didn't really have any problems with the fact that there were metal bars in front of my teeth, but those buggers were really uncomfortable, not to mention that I needed to go visit the dentist every month instead of every year. And the dentist's chair is definitely one of my least favorite places to be. Outside of that, I had no problems with them whatsoever. And my classmates (at the time) actually thought they were cool. Why? I have no idea.
On the subject; I seem to remember seeing a comic magazine called "Braceface". Anyone want to enlighten me on what THAT comic is about? My assessment from the cover would be that it's a comic magazine about a bunch of teenagers that wears braces. This leaves the question: Why? Why are they making braces into a fashion statement, especially in light of the fact that it's something you use because you need to, not because you might want to. To those of you who've never worn braces and/or don't know anyone who have/has; those suckers are EXPENSIVE, and the monthly dental visits certainly doesn't come cheap.
Medical requirement + huge expences = Fashion statement? That doesn't make any sense, unless the comic has been sponsored by the dental associations or something. :P
I myself have no problems with anyone having braces, regardless of age. Afterall, braces show an awareness to ensure and maintain proper dental health. But it would seem that society in general views adults with braces with a certain sense of... weirdness? for the lack of a better term. It's not disdain or contempt, just that people seem to consider that adults with braces are out of the "norm," and make them rather self conscious.
Which is why Invisalign is such a big hit with adults. An invisible (at least in theory, not in practice, but still much less conspicuous) set of braces to adjust your teeth. I have heard that Invisalign is not as effective as regular metal and wire braces, but many adults use them because they don't want other people to know. I would presume that people whose occupations require constant and wide ranging contacts with other people would be especially self conscious, i.e. business execs, politicians, etc.
What I really like to know is why some people think adults wearing braces are "weird." Is it not more important that they are taking proactive steps to protect their dental aesthetics, even if it is at a later age?
Oh, I hope your braces don't hurt belly. *Offers belly a big cookie
*
Well I don't really mind my braces. I've had them for about two years or so and I should be getting them off soon, it's really just when the braces come lose that bothers me. I used to be bothered when they stuck into my cheek, but for some reason that hasn't happened in a long time. It was even worse when it got stuck in there several times...
As EternalParadox had said there's also Invisalign, but I find it to be rather stupid. It's like wearing poor contacts (not saying contacts are bad, just that these are) instead of glasses to "fit in." Oh well, it's sad how people can actually care what is on someone's body if it helps them, i.e. braces.
I had traditional metal braces for just over two years, from March 01, 2001 until August 26, 2003. They hurt a lot, and they got in the way during band (they made playing the trumpet difficult), but I didn't mind them. My mom noticed that I smiled more with my braces on and after they were removed. I never smiled before I got my braces. They were a huge confidence-booster for me, especially during a period when I had none (8th grade).
People told me that they wouldn't be able to stomach starting high school with braces, that I was brave. Um, no, it wasn't that. They were just cowardly little preppy people who cared about what they looked like. I didn't care; I was happy that my teeth were being straightened out and that I'd have a healthier mouth in return.
Invisalign is the biggst bunch of crap I've ever heard of. They're more expensive and, according to my orthodontist, they don't work as well as the traditional metal braces. They're for people who're too concerned with what people think to consider a more effective method.
I had braces when I was in the 3rd grade all the way till 7th grade and I loved them, I always thought they looked so good on me, and even now when I wear my retainer, I feel so ......different, in a good way
Hehe, I remember posting a topic like this waaaaaaaaaaaay back when MT first started. I guess it was deleted. Anyay, that was back when I had braces. :] I'm fortunate enough to get them off before I started my senior year in hs
It feels good when you have them off, but I have to wear retainers. I don't have the normal ones where it's the wire. I have like invisiline ones or something. I cheat the system and only wear the retainer at night
No need to
wear it all day when you eat a lot (I'm not a fatty)
Btw, I had the metal braces, not invisiline. You may complain about them now, but like...you'll be happy once you get them off :]
I didn't even need braces that much. I was originally supposed to have braces for 1 year, but they said to keep it on another year "just in case".
I had braces before back in grade 7&8. I was the one of some people to have gotten braces lolz. But yea I kinda miss having them I remember when i got to change the colors on my braces it was soo cool lolz.
And I can't forget about the day I got them on September 11,2001 yes ladies and gentlem 9/11 was the day i got them on.
But what was funnie was when it was world cup for soccer I remember getting the colors of the Italian flag on my braces lolz Green,White,Red hahaha.
And to answer your question yea I think it's worth it
I had braces in the middle and end of high school. It wasn't really that bad. I was self-conscious before I had braces. When I had them, I was only worried that I might get food stuck between my teeth.
But other than that, in the long run it's definitely worth it. I don't have to worry about how I look in pictures and can smile without my teeth looking crooked. Surprisingly, the time I had them on went by pretty fast, and before I knew it they were off. Not to mention that guys didn't think anything of it. I still had dates. XP
I'd say that the only drawback is having to wear a retainer to bed at night. It's not that comfortable, but if you want straight teeth and less jaw problems when you're older, it's a good thing.
Think of it this way... What's two or three years with braces when you get the rest of your life with beautiful straight teeth?
I got my braces at the age you are now so I don't have a problem with them, I actually think their becoming more accepted. I only had to wear mine for two years and now I just wear my retainers at night. I was glad to get off my braces because I didn't like the fact that my teeth hurt after adjustments because I like to eat and I actually got down to 86 lbs when I first got them on. I only had slight buck teeth and two of my lower ones were crooked so I didn't have to have braces on all my teeth. I did have to get all my wisdom teeth pulled though, I had them all pulled at the same time. And unlike most people I do like going to the dentist because I've always tried to take good care of my teeth.
I had remove-able braces when I was still a wee teenager in school. And I kept taking them out because they hurt so much
So even though I would love to straighten some of my teeth, I'm just too much of
a coward!
Also, if I was to do it now, it would cost a fortune because I wouldn insist on having those teeth-coloured/invisible ones like Tom Cruise had
yea i got my braces out like when i wuz 13 an started high school with them off. i think it better that way cuz u less self conscious when ur younger.
but i think if u need them get them and do every thing the dentist says or it wont work. i kno tons of kids that didnt listen to their dentists, and just wasted a ton of money
I have braces now and I don't mind them much (just when i first got them they cut my mouth to shreds)
I think they look fine on anybody and shouldn't be considered a fasion statement (although some girls look cute with them)
well bel-san that makes one more of us being an adult person wearing this painful piece of ****
I
didnt want to get them "ever" when I was a kid I think braces was just
a waste of money, but my teeth were beginning to affect my eating in a very bad
way about a year back so I had to get it. *should of got them when I was
younger* I'm sure you know at times *especially after they tighten it.. the pain
of having it on can get just ugh... its hurting me right now as I'm typing
this.. 
keep on telling myself... only one more yr to go... only one
more yr to go...
as far as worth it, well.. for 5k USD, it better be when I'm done with this..
but
seriously now, u look better, and you have a better/ healthier bite and smile
after this.. I think its worth every penny. even though the pain is me saying
otherwise... 
I had braces when I was 12-13.
I think they are worth, for me one of the ugliest things to look at is a mouth with crooked teeth. Also, there are times where it's necessary because you have problems with eating and such.
Now, I still have to use some kind of braces but I just have to put them at night when I go to sleep. I hope I will be able to stop using them soon.
I guess I should've mentioned i'm 21
...
sorry my bad :P
Northy: I'm glad to hear your experience was positive and that many view braces as an aesthetically pleasing time- this makes me feel a tad less funny looking
-
well I agree that braces are merely for straigthening and are in that case a
medical appliance, I think it's kind of cool that kids aren't looking at them as
dorky- it's about time!
EP: **eats cokie** yummy thanks!
I would like to know as well- even before I got them- I would notice adults with them and smile- I always thought it was neat, especially since I never had them, and foresaw a future where I would be socially accepted if I wore them- not that I'm a huge socialite, which in all honesty I would be quite the opposite, [^_^'] you still wouldn't have to deal with the attention. ie: strangers coming up to you and asking "why" you have them [wait- it's already ahppened :? ...] and the like- looking at you like you're trying to 'relive' your adolesence or something to that degree
as for invisaligns, I must admit I Wanted them at first- you would be surprised moments before getting these suckers on you go crazy- you want something unnoticable so you yourself can stay unnoticable really- you don't want anyone to see you so fragile :P ...
but I have a big thing against them- why? they don't work/super expensive/etc - I'm a member of an online adult braces community and have heard many horror stories, and ultimately they would end up paying for metals later on anyways-
eXDream2K5: oh the dreaded pokey metal things- hate those [takes out some wax] :P
and as
such I smile at everyone now- regardless. Doesn't help that my all too habitual
"trained smile" [anyone with not so perfect teeth knows what i'm
talking about!] with braces made me look like I was chewing on a sour candy 
looked
ridiculous- so now I only smile displaying my lovely 5,000$ appliance
:P
I will agree with you on that one- I never smiled with my teeth showing before I had these puppies on, now I seem to always do it, and I think it's because i've been taking progress pictures and notice a ton of change since day one!
PANDAgirl: aha! I wondered if you'd post here- if I recall, you had a journal on GFXBlog before and we discussed your rbaces/getting them off soon
... but I
agree- I ended up getting Damon 3's self ligating braces [which means they're
metal but with ceramic [clear] top hats on them] and they don't use elastics or
RPE's 
they are supposed to take less time and move your teeth more naturally- so I
say bring it on teeth! 
I cannot wait until that removal date- lol... I look like I'm twelve when I Smile- it's awkward right now
saikusa: you'd be surprised- the ceramic ones [like tom cruise
] are
roughly the same price as regular metals now- many ortho's will actually do them
for the same prices- especially for adult patients 
I'm
moving soon and i'll possibly be switiching ortho's and because of that I may be
receiving ceramics instead as well- I don't mind them- actually I originally
wanted those but my ortho really rants about how great self ligating braces are
in comparison 
Frosty: *gasp!* you two? who knew?!
I
agree- when I Was a kid, I didn't have the money plus I could care less because 'i was sooo much cooler than that'
but now i'm glad I finally took the plunge 
I know-
they are starting to align better now and my wires are straighter 
[exciting]
Now, if anyone cares to see- you can check out my progress on Archwired.com by this link:
also, anyone looking for adult brace support/FAQ its a great
place to find it 
Belly's brace blog and let me know what you think- I see improvements, but it may just be me
i guess people assume you look geeky if you wore any...i know my life was at its lowest when people kept on looking at me and my braces...but that was back in 2000 or so, when I had to do it cause my jaw was jutting out due to uneven set of molars.
anyway, regarding adult wise, now that all the school bullies are out of the picture, I say it is quite fine, only thing you do not want is to get one of those that has a wireframe outside the mouth, reminds me of clive Barker's Hellraiser, especially if you happen to be bald.
That aside, if it is social perception of beauty you are talking about, there is no biggie on that, it is afterall, just something you do to make you look better. I could not care less however, I don't mind, but it was good when I had to do it cause I keep biting my lips (it caused more ulcers than I can remember).
Lest one thing, do remember to floss, and regular floss at that, as well as brush those braces clean, otherwise...at the very end, you will realize you have caffeine marks under the braces...which the doc will have to manually clean them...it is a very funny feeling, and I hate that.
Just don't let the bad remarks from your mates (if any) get to you. Hope to see your supermodel look after you are all done.
well i had to wear braces because when i was younger my lower jaw was a bit off ... like you know that the teeth of your upper jaw go infront ot the teeth of the lower jaw? well for me it was the other way around. in order to fix it i start wearing braces at the age of 6 until i got 17 and the dentists were sure that i wouldnt grow any longer because if i did my lower jaw would jump to the front again.
fortunately that didnt happen and now i got a nice set of teeth lined up perfectly. in germany there are a lot of people who wear braces when they are young so they dont have to go through all that struggle when they are older. on top of that a lot of girl dont really like them especially when they are between 14 and 18 years old.
as long as people brush their teeth regularly when wearing braces i'm fine with it because eating with braces is like collecting food for the poor between your teeth ... that's quite gross ...
i'm currently wearing braces right now!
my friends think they're cute!hehehe.....
the only problem i'm having because of this is the difficulty when i'm eating...and the pain!
other than that,it's okay...
at least i could show off a very pretty smile once i'll take them off!
I had braces when I was in the sixth to seventh grade. It wasn't that bad for me because my orthodontist was nice and I got used to them after awhile but let me tell you, it was easier to get used to them off than them on! I only had them on for about 9 months because my teeth relocated themselves rather quickly although I don't see how. The only other problem was that my gums got puffy, that wasn't good.
im not wearing them, nor have i ever. I take fine care of my teeth, but my friend has them, he;s had them for 2 years now. he said at first they wee difficult but now he harldy even notices there their, i see he so much i don;t even notice them myself so it's cool. i guess depending on your situation you might need them, though i don't think i could go 3 weeks with them.
I got my braces pretty late. I had them in 11th grade and I was disappointed (especially for my 12th grade picture). In 12th grade I was used to my braces but I never smiled for my picture. It wasn't until after my first year in college that I got them off. By then, I actually felt attached to my braces because I felt charmingly unique and proud to have braces by then. I felt people saw me as an outcast when I had my braces. When people got to know me, I am pretty sure that changed. At least my teeth are more or less straight. My feelings tell me that those with braces are not the same, but my logic tells me that if I personally knew those people, I would find different things about them. I have a retainer and I don't mind what people see. I am one the few who has noticible retainers at my age now.
I wear braces since a year ago and I don't like
but you know, everything for a good teeth