Adult with braces?

[Anonymous]

I just got braces put on, full-on metal mouth, mid-30's, one adorable toddler and a sibling for him on the way. Absolutely horrified about this whole thing and feel completely foolish and ugly. Has anyone ever had braces as an adult? How did you cope? I'm almost afraid to go to the office next week and deal with the torrent of comments. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

I haven't personally, but I have friends who have had braces as adults... I kind of think it's cute, actually. I wouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed as that will almost certainly attract more attention to them.

[Anonymous]

had braces as a child, hated it, had them as an adult, loved it, just knowing my teeth were going to look great when they were removed. I get comments on how beautiful my teeth are all the time. Look for the "silver" lining. It will end and you will look great.

[Anonymous]

I know several adults who did the metal braces thing and really no one paid it much attention.

[Anonymous]

I had braces as an adult - I got the clear brackets. Really after the initial - oh you got braces - no one really cared. And in fact after I got them off, it took some people a while to notice?! You get used to them - it's just a pain (sometimes literally). Hang in there. It will get better.

[Anonymous]

I know several adults who had braces as an adult. Their teeth look amazing now, btw. And it's such a short period that they had braces that I hardly even remember how it looked. I'm sure it probably felt like a longer time period for the person wearing the braces, but to everyone else, it seems like a very brief time and not at all strange looking.

[Anonymous]

I would love, love, love, to have braces.

[Anonymous]

I'm in my third year with braces - nearly done. It sucks in many ways, but my bottom teeth are no longer destroying my top teeth and vice versa. I have fewer headaches. I have fewer sinus infections (yes, that happens when you expand an upper palette). I have no regrets.

I promise you: no one cares that you have braces. Some folks at work may ask, perhaps because they are thinking about it. You may lisp for a bit, but that goes away quickly.

It is kinda like having a baby. You join a heretofore secret club of adults. Many of us have had extensive work over many years for a whole lot of money. I have yet to have anyone express any regret.

Oh, and after about a week, they didn't even interfere with my sex life.

On a practical note: carry wax, toothpicks and a toothbrush everywhere you go. Don't eat raw spinach outside the house.