I can not believe that I have braces again. Two whole weeks I’ve had them, and I can finally write about them.
I told you about how I wanted Invisalign, but was told more than once that I wasn’t a great candidate and how after considering the cost I decided to go ahead with braces.
So the truth about braces at 40…I forgot how incredibly painful they are. Oh my goodness. For about a week I didn’t eat much at all, and it was about a week and a half before I began to eat most food again.
I am so thankful for all the wonderful products that I brought home to help this process go smoother, but that is a different post.
Braces at forty is a bit traumatic. It really is. I feel like people look at me funny. Some people say they didn’t notice them, others kind of gasp and blurt out, “You got braces!” But mostly I feel funny, and when I look in the mirror I don’t look like myself. That’s something else that I didn’t remember from braces as a kid. Having the brackets really changes the look of my face and my smile. I’m planning on getting completely used to them, but after two weeks I’m still very self conscious.
I purposely chose this photo because it is the one that looks the most like me without braces. How is that helpful? I don’t know. I tried to make myself post the others that are more like I look now, and I couldn’t do it. Ha ha. I guess I’ll break you in easy. But they will come so don’t be shocked.
When my insurance came back and rejected the clear brackets my orthodontist gave them to me anyway and didn’t charge me extra since he had already given me the quote including the clear. I am so happy for them. From a distance it looks like I’m just wearing a retainer.
I have also been amazed at how much my teeth have already moved back in just two weeks. The amount of progress excites me! I try hard to smile big and when I feel self conscious about it, I tell myself that then end result is worth it and remind myself to be thankful for the opportunity to get them fixed, however, I’m counting down the days!
So I’m curious. Have any of you had braces as adults? Did you get to where you quit being self conscious about them? How long did it take?
You look as good as anybody and better than most. You know I always tried not to make my children vain!
Ha ha! I KNEW this would bring a vanity comment from my mom! Yes, you always told us none of us could win any beauty contest, but you were wrong. I won the ugly contest at camp in the fifth grade, and I was very proud of that. lol
Esther!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your mom is WRONG!!!!! (Sorry Freida) You COULD win a beauty contest!!!!
I’m sorry I can be of no help. I have never had braces at all. My former dentist had them, though, around 30. I can tell you from this perspective that, even though you think you look different, generally people only notice that you have them and they really don’t make you look different (that’s my opinion anyway). Keep on keeping on 🙂
I had braces in high school and college…and I remember feeling funny the first two weeks or so, then I LOVED them! For the first time ever my teeth were starting to be “normal”. (I had a gap between my front two teeth that even my friends teased me about). So…maybe I am strange, but I loved them, chose bands that were colorful and matched the seasons—basically decorated myself! (-: Show off your beautiful smile!
Woops!!! I meant Frieda. Sorry!!!
Mari, Thank you so much. You made me smile! 🙂 I think you’re right that other people don’t generally notice a big difference…but those that do can make a big deal out of it! lol
Michelle, Thanks for the hope! That is what I am hoping will happen to me!
I had braces for two years in my 30s and that was through a pregnancy too.I went through a lot of pain and my mouth was tore up.My mom later reminded me that I was allergic to some metals and maybe that is why my mouth was a mess. I said I never would go through that again. My 13 year old has them, our orthodontist uses a new kind called Sure Smile and my son is doing terrific with them. He has little pain and after a year still has the packet of wax the office gave him. When I had them, there were two other adults on my street that had them and my sister had them when she was 40.
On a good note, I only wore my retainer for a couple of years and ten years later my teeth have not moved.
You are beautiful Mrs. Irish (Miss.Thompson!)
I’ve never had braces so I can’t comment on that. But I did laugh out loud about you having won the ugly contest at camp. And of course, I’ve never met your mom but I like her already…
This post makes me happy. I’m a 24yr old mum of two and I need braces quite badly. I missed out on getting them for free before I turned 18 (a UK thing) so now I have to pay quite a lot to get them done. I’m worried about how I’ll look and feel but yours look great, and I’m sure I’ll cope now!
Eight months ago at the age of 33, I got braces for the first time. I have really big teeth, and I have severe crowding because they are too big for my mouth. I had the option of clear brackets on top, but just went with steel “speed braces” mainly to save money. I know I look ridiculous, and they can be extremely uncomfortable, especially when I wake up with my lips stuck to my teeth, but I keep reminding myself that they’re temporary, and I know they are going to be sooooo worth it! They’ve moved so much in eight months, they look so nice, and it doesn’t appear that I’ll need any extractions. 10-16 months to go, wish me luck!
Francine, I’m sure you’re the only one that thinks they look ridiculous! I know it feels that way, because I feel that way too, but I’m with you. It’s so worth it. I’ve had them for a month now and am so much more used to them. I am SO excited about how much straighter they already look. Actually I think they look better straighter with braces than crooked without. I can’t say I love them, but I’m definitely thankful for them. 🙂
I read this after you posted it & came back today to read it again. I went for another consultation with my orthodontist & am still considering getting braces for my first time (at over 40). I think you look beautiful & I know you will love your smile even more afterwards. Any tips you can offer w/ me considering them would be awesome 😉
By the way, I was also at BBC Dallas
I’m 39 years old in two weeks I get my spacers put in. The following week I will get my braces. I don’t like pain at all I’m afraid I’m going to be this huge baby. Also afraid what I’m going to look like with braces. It can’t be any worse than how I feel now every time I smile I’m paranoid about my buck teeth.I love to smile I just don’t want no one to see my teeth crazy right? If you have any helpful tips please send me a message. Will the braces messed up my speech? By the way I’m getting the custom braces.I guess they will be white any tips on that?
I’m 41 years old and I just got braces on March 18, 2014. I also have started a blog of my journey. http://adultbracejourney.blogspot.com/ This is my first time having braces. I needed them all my life but didn’t get them as a child/teen and then always put it aside as an adult. Since my teeth are really crooked, I have always been self conscience and would not smile showing my teeth. So now only having braces for less than a month it’s actually already helping build my self esteem. Especially since I know it can only get better from here. I am looking forward to the first time in my life to have a straight beautiful smile. I have a long ways to go though…. 😉
I’m getting braces next week for the first time at 40 years old. I have always needed/wanted braces, but my parents could not suited them. My son got his off last year so it’s my turn. I’m good with my decision, but some of my friends have asked me “why now?” I wish they were all supportive. My husband, son and my mom are supportive. I just have to stay confident and know it will be worth it.
Oh I’m so excited that you are getting your teeth straightened! What a blessing. I had braces as a kid and had straight teeth all my life so it was really hard to go back to braces. I’ve hated wearing them, but they are coming off soon and it’s totally worth it. However, everyone I know that got braces as adults for the first time absolutely loved wearing braces. It’s so exciting to see your teeth getting straighter and it happens so fast!
I’m getting braces in 2 weeks and yes I’m nervous. I’m 42 and people keep asking me why am I getting braces now? My husband and kids are supportive, but others… Reading your blog makes me exited to get this done. I can’t wait until I start to see the changes.
How are your braces doing? I’m 42 aND thinking of braces because of anew adult tooth stuck up in my gums and have a huge gap with no teeth when I smile so my orthodontist thinks he can pull it down with braces. I’m nervous about price, pain and my age.
Wow! This site is so encouraging. I’m 41yo and just got my braces on 1 week ago. I have never had them before and always wanted them. Like some of the other post I also did the grin in pictures or covered my mouth to laugh. I have total smile envy of most people. I took the plunge and am still a little traumatized. I don’t regret my decision because I realize I will love the end result. It’s really great to hear others going through this – thank you all for sharing.
I just ran across this blog (a few years after the fact) I am weeks away from becoming 48 and I got braces 2 days ago. I LOVE them! I have always found them to be sexy! As a child I always wanted either braces or a cast and thought it would be cool. I have had a small gap ever spreading in my front teeth and for me that has been what made me cover my mouth or shy away from photos. I look at it this way… At least I am still taking care of myself and doing what I need to feel better about myself. I feel amazingly gorgeous with them on and other than 2 spots have no real pain either. Oh, and side note? Now I am way too old for that cast too look cool! LOL
I am 40 and planning to get braces in a few weeks. My husband is not supportive of the decision and thinks that it would affect my facial/ lip appearance. Has anyone had experience with their lip stretching dramatically?
Hi Kate! I absolutely hated how I looked in braces as an adult. It ruined my smile and I felt like I looked like I was always frowning, but that was only while wearing them. Once they came off my teeth were straight and my smile went back to normal.
What an encouraging blog this is. I am turning 50 this year and have wanted braces since I was a kid. My family couldn’t afford them. After raising my own kids with everything they needed, braces, cars, college etc…. It’s finally my turn. a few years ago, I made a decision to get healthier. I lost 40 pounds and decided to become a health coach to help others do the same. Some of the reason for my decision to get braces is cosmetic but most of it is about my overall health. Both of my parents had terrible teeth and I really want to hang on to mine. Also, I am pretty tired of biting my mouth and my lip from a bottom tooth that sticks out. I have already made my decision to get them and I have an appointment today at 1pm for the consultation and if that goes well, I will be getting by braces today at 1:30. I am nervous but excited for the end result.
Oh Shannon, I’m so glad you’re taking care of your health! I always said I didn’t want to be frumpy at forty, but then I had my youngest at 40 and definitely felt frumpy. lol Now I’m pushing toward fit at 50. Nice ring huh? 🙂 On the other end of braces, I’m so glad I did it, and I’m also glad it’s over.
What a lovely blog, I’m 40 and I wear braces, I’ve just had them fitted, I have to be honest, I don’t think people bat an eyelid now, they sometimes glance at my teeth complete with traintracks, but no more than they would if I was a teenager, it’s acceptable and normal now. Nobody has passed a negative comment. If anything, it shows that you care for your teeth and are trying to improve your smile, I’m really looking forward to wearing them with pride, for quite a while yet!
Oh I’m so happy for you! I did not enjoy wearing them again at 40, but now that they are off, I’m so much happier with my smile. Worth it! 🙂
I’ve just put on braces 5 days ago (as a 41yo) after having a tooth pulled to make room…so not feeling very great having a gappy mouth + train track metal braces
BUT have faith that in 9-12 months time I should have a level line of teeth and no crowding!
Better late than never I say!
Congratulations!!! It is painful and a little bit awkward for a while, but you’ll love your smile. So worth it!!!
I just discovered this post. Thank you for sharing. It was inspiring. I just started treatment. I too had braces when I was younger, lost my retainers in my early 20s and now at 41 I have felt self conscious about my smile.
I decided to take the leap about 6 weeks ago, however this time I needed my upper wisdom teeth removed to have space that the orthodontist needed . As I sit here 24 hours after the procedure, I have been feeling stupid for wasting money and going through the pain this late in life.
It doesn’t help when family and friends are asking why?
But hearing your story reinvigorates my confidence in my decision. And reminds me that I have a long life ahead to enjoy the results.