Adult Braces

[Anonymous]

I'm getting braces as an adult and I'm most nervous about the perception at work and professional implications.

What are your thoughts on adult braces in the workplace?

[Anonymous]

Well, I just got braces and I am a 47 professional woman. People tell me I look 15 years younger lol.
It is not a big deal and nobody looks down professionally. Just make sure you keep your teeth/braces clean!!

[Anonymous]

DH got braces in her late 30's, he never felt out of place. This was 30 years ago when workplace perceptions were way different than they are now. You're fine!

[Anonymous]

Doing that now. I'm primarily on zoom. I did shell out for the clear braces so they are noticeable but not distracting. That being said, I'm so excited about the outcome that I honestly don't really care. Just glad to be on the path to fixing these teeth!

[Anonymous]

I did braces as an adult in my late 40s. This was in 2017 (pre-covid), so I had more in-office days than I do now. I didn't notice any change in perception in the workplace.

I did thought I noticed some change within my friend group, which I thought was weird. It's definitely possible I was overthinking or being extra sensitive. (Things improved after a few months.)

I would recommend considering the clear brackets. I was really concerned about coffee or other food stains. I think my concern was really unwarranted. Ask your orthodontist about the options and what the advantages / disadvantages are.

Several years later, my teeth are fabulous and I'm very happy. I think everyone has totally forgotten about them (except me).

[Anonymous]

I had them in my late 49s, and several friends did the same. It's never too late to get your teeth fixed. Just beware of eating certain foods (in my case lettuce), which frequently would get stuck in them. After every lunch, I would head to the rest room to check my teeth

[Anonymous]

OP here- glad to hear it's not as stigmatized.

[Anonymous]

No one is gonna care about your braces op. No one.

[Anonymous]

I had braces in my 30s. I'm sure folks noticed--it would be hard not to--but I don't recall a single person ever saying or doing anything to call attention to them.

[Anonymous]

I have braces now (again) at 45. The only people who say anything are kids, surprised that I too have braces. Nobody cares. PITA to keep clean, though.

[Anonymous]

Have you looked into invisalign or something similar? I got those in my mid 30s, and it was one of the best investments I ever made!

[Anonymous]

I’m a SAHM so maybe my experience doesn’t matter but I had braces at age 36 a couple years ago and no one cared. I got clear on top but silver on bottom - my orthodontist said clear would not work as well on the bottom (where my teeth were much more crooked) and I didn’t want it to be all for naught.

[Anonymous]

Do you have kids? Their braces funded? Is college funded for them? Braces for you are likely a vanity decision, even if you say they aren't. I don't believe you or the dentist. It's vanity. And that's fine. Absolutely fine as long as other family expenses are covered.

[Anonymous]

I think nothing bad about anyone who does anything to improve their health.

[Anonymous]

I’m 46 and plan to get them soon. I had perfect teeth until my mid-20’s when I got my wisdom teeth pulled (which never bothered me, so I think I was scammed), and my teeth shifted. I have a huge gap now. I plan to shell out for Invisalign though. I know other people that have gotten them in their 40’s as well, so not a big deal.