I'm considering getting braces. I had them as a kid, but I didn't get everything fixed. My father had a huge space between his two front teeth, and I inherited this from him.
Lucky me.
And I don't know if he thought he was being funny or clever, but he wouldn't pay for that to be fixed with braces, because it was a family trait. And my mom couldn't afford to do it on her own, so I was stuck with my big space.
Between high school graduation and college, my mom paid for my teeth to get caps on them, so instead of a big space, it just looks like I have two VERY big front teeth. I think it looks fine (and so does everyone I ask), and had been fine with it for a while. But as I've aged, the space has gotten even bigger, and you have to maintain caps. Not a huge deal, but they need to be replaced every certain number of years, blah blah blah.
So about 5 years ago, I looked into getting braces. It was right around when I was going to be starting IVF, and Aaron and I decided not to do it, as did I really want to dealing with sore teeth on top of IVF and hopefully a pregnancy? I bagged the idea. fast forward a few years and I was hanging out with my cousin, and noticed that her teeth looked AWESOME. She had done invisalign. I asked her about it, and thought that maybe that is what I would try when I finally got around to it.
Well, its getting to time for me to deal with getting my caps redone, and I thought I would look into braces again. I just found out the cost, and while not cheap, it's doable. So I'm trying to decide if I'm just being silly about my space, or if I really want to go through the pain and expense of braces.
Anyone out there do braces in their late 30s? I would do the invisalign and fix some other issues on my bottom teeth too.... so I'm not going to running around with a metal mouth (although I bet Cam would think that was cool! Mommy! You look like a robot!)
6 comments:
When I picture your smile, I think of very nice, straight teeth. I don't think of a big gap or snaggly teeth! :) However, my mother got braces to straighten just her lower teeth when she was in her mid 40's, and she never regretted doing it. I think if it would make you feel more confident about your smile, then go for it!
My husband got braces when he was 48! He needed them for a long time and finally I just pushed and pushed. So glad I did! My sister is 36 and she just got braces too! The time you put into will go so much faster than you think!
My mom got braces in her forties, a couple of years after I did. She was really pleased with the results. Though I remember her being a whiny baby while they were on.
My SIL has braces - just got them a couple of years ago. I was surprised when she told us she was getting them - her teeth weren't bad at all, in my opinion, but she said that she had been annoyed with them for years. She knew it was changeable, so why not?
They're a lot to maintain (she has rubber bands and whatnot, too), but she said that she is very happy with her decision to get them.
I say go for it. :)
After having braces twice as a kid and still using retainers/bite planes, etc., I did invisalign this summer. It is no fun! But, it did correct my minor issues. I think it is faster to do regular old braces- but check with your ortho. Nobody really noticed my invisalign except when I had to take it out to eat or drink anything (except water).
I doubt you will ever regret investing in your teeth. Doing this now could ward off problems in the future. Besides, if it will make you happy, go for it!
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