Braces: Stories

Boy Mochi88,, you sound just like me. I too started with relatively straight teeth, and just wanted to correct a couple of really crooked ones on the bottom plus an overbite. People were shocked when I told them I was getting braces because appearance-wise, they thought my teeth looked just fine. But, I was going through menopause and things were starting to fall all over, so I thought I'd invest in at least a great smile. My bite is corrected and my bottom teeth are no longer as crooked, but my smile is really just as nice as it was before. All of the literature and that talks about getting braces for a great smile, etc. But, for me, anyway, and maybe for other older adults, the trade-off is teeth that are less functional. As an older adult, I'll take function over pretty any day. My main focus is on keeping my teeth, and I didn't realize that there was even remotely the possibility that braces could affect their integrity. I really, really think older adults, especially, should be more informed of the trade-offs and consequences.

I think the best way to put it is that prior to braces, I had teeth that were strong enough to bite into an apple, eat carrots, munch on a full bag of chips, and not feel anything. Now, my teeth hurt if I munch on a couple of carrots, a handful of chips, and I haven't even dared to try to bite into an apple yet. Somewhere I remember reading that it can take up to two years for teeth to become solid again after braces, but I'm not sure if that is true or not. I really miss the old days when I could eat anything without having to think about it twice. Plus, I am having a hard time getting used to the "new geography" of my teeth and mouth. What really bothers me, is that maybe all of this stuff is to be expected with braces, but I was not given a heads-up on what a committment braces really took, at all. I had never had them before, so, for example, when someone said, "Oh, you'll have to wear the retainer every other night for life once you get your braces off," it didn't sink in what that really meant.

I had braces at 53 and the results have been great. I do hope it all settles down for you and that you get full use of your newly straight teeth. Wearing the retainer every night becomes automatic and no big deal - I'm sure you'll get there.

Sorry, but nothing has settlted down for me. I did not have a good experience. But, I'm sure some do. Retainer was just a big of issue for me as braces. In hindsight, I just think there are certain people who are not cut out for braces. They are too sensitive to going-ons in their mouths for whatever reason. Unfortunately, I don't think there is any way to predict until the braces are in and significant money has gone out. This is unfortunate. Maybe professionals could offer some sort of option? I mean, if it is not working out for you, this could be two years of anxiety and additional funds you'd have to go through?

I'm going to run this by some of my professional contacts (I write for Orthotown magazine and I run the Metal Mouth Media braces-resource website) and see if anyone will comment. It may take into the new year, but I'll let you know what I learn. Best wishes.

I agree that braces, like anything else, aren't right for every person. Every office has the ability to set their own policies, so it will probably vary from office to office, but many will stop treatment and refund a portion of the payment depending on what phase in treatment the patient is at. If they happen to be in a phase that would be detrimental to leave the patient in they would probably agree to bring them to a stable point with their bite, then discontinue. Did you express to your orthodontist that you were feeling this way?

Do you know that it takes a full 90 days for the bone to heal after the braces breakdown the original bone. I am in my late 40's and I currently have braces, but I know it will take time for my bone to heal after removal. In fact, most people say you MUST wear your retainer for one year while the bone is healing, otherwise your bone will never heal and the teeth will move back. Also how's your calcium? Or vitamin D level?

Wow! I'm glad you were told that. I know I sure wasn't. My calcium and Vitamin D levels are good, and they have been monitored over the last few years.

Thanks Pam, I commented earlier that I am in my late 40's wearing ceramic braces and have never been warned of any issues with older adults wearing braces. I think it's can be individual to the pt. I'm glad you didn't have problems, so far I have not.