Having braces fitted as an adult?

[VenusStarr]

Hi

This is something I have been considering for a number of years (I'm 28, 29 later this year). Just wondering if anyone has experience of this when they were an adult?

I've always had crooked teeth with an overbite, but my dentist has said that my teeth are sturdy and no issues. However recently I have had quite stressful situations and I know I grind my teeth when stressed but with the particular issue at the moment I have noticed that I'm pushing my tongue behind my two front teeth and my teeth actually hurt, it feels like I've moved my teeth! I can stop myself doing this during the day but obviously at night time it is impossible!

Has anyone got any advice, pros and cons of braces in adulthood and also recommendations of type if brace. Unfortunately my budget is limited, as much as I would like invisigilign I'm not sure I can stretch to it (I'm hoping you can pay in installments? But guess this depends where you go?)

Thank you in advance

In my opinion (bearing in mind have had lots of hideous tooth related grinding pain) if you have gone this long with crooked teeth and they are healthy teeth don't mess with them for cosmetic reasons. In regards to the grinding and tongue pushing a night time guard fitted by the dentist would be a wise move as grinding can cause many problems in the future with painful teeth and jaws so catch it whilst it's a relatively early problem. If you are doing this now do you think braces might further irritate your mouth into grinding and poking about with your tongue? I would recommend some relaxation techniques before bedtime and positive affirmations to yourself during the day to try and relax.

Hi thank you for your quick response :)

My dentist did mention last time I went in April about a mouth guard which would help retain my teeth in their current position. She did briefly mention braces (because I asked rather than bringing it up herself) and it was more cost wise.

My sister has said she doesn't think I should do it as it would change my features and she thinks I'm ok as I am. I'm just concerned they will go even further forward :( think I need to go back to the dentist to at least see about a mouth guard. Thank you again

Part of our beauty is our individuality and minor flaws, you don't need perfect teeth perhaps it's more some other anxiety being channeled towards the teeth and worrying they will be further flawed rather than the fact you want straight teeth. It might help aswell as having the mouth guard to try and tackle the feelings behind the grinding as it can be a way or expressing inner stress.

Going against the grain here- if you are unahppy with your teeth, have them fixed!

My mum had terrible teeth and had a brace at 75!

I am still thinking about it and am twice your age:)

I have gone as far as having a quote for Invisalign, but my own dentist favours more trad braces. I am still mulling over the 3K cost, and no one has yet told me if i would need an extractio- something I am cowardly over- as my problem is overcrowding.

But in your case, I'd just get on with it while you are young.

Get them fixed. I had braces in my late 40s. Yes, they DO change the shape of your face, if your teeth protrude to the extent they push the lips out. I lost my rather nice pouty upper lip - no need for lip injections for me - but still it's still nice, no lines/wrinkles. I also got a permanent little wrinkle in my lower cheek on one side as everything moved downwards a notch, but as you're so much younger, you won't get this.

I had to have extractions to make room for the front teeth to move backwards which I wasn't keen on as I was rather proud of never having had tooth out. As for the years ( and it IS years) of wearing braces, well, I teach in secondary schools, always on display, and never had anything other than polite interest from students, especially those who had braces themselves.

I hope I haven't made this sound frightful. It was the best decision I made.

I'm really pleased with the results - my teeth had become so badly protruding, not crooked, that I avoided smiling in photos.

OP, I'd do it now, not later. Good luck.

About the tongue pushing. It will move your teeth, definitely. Try relaxation methods or go on a self-hypnosis course. The latter is cheaper in the long run than going to be hypnotised, and you have the techniques for life.

Still here. Invisalign is always tempting because of the aesthetic effect, but orthodontists will still back it up with the train tracks.

I forgot to say an aspect of braces which may please; they're good for a 7-8lbs weight loss,as the urge to graze disappears. Same for nail-biting.:)

I had braces when I was 38. I went for the train tracks with metal brackets on the advice of my orthodontist - because the job would be quicker and less chance of breakage.

In the end I had them on less than a year, and they were to correct fairly crooked teeth as well as an overbite and TMJ.

I had a fixed brace on my top teeth for sticky out, gappy teeth aged 38. I now have a permanent fixed in retainer at the back. I LOVE my new teeth. Was very sore first couple of weeks. Had the brace on for about a year. Was a bit embarrassing but I did it when I moved to a completely new area...gave me the confidence to do it amongst strangers!

I had a fixed brace at 37 for six months - I'm really glad I got my happy teeth fixed.

Perhaps try a hard plastic nightguard for the grinding/clenching at night first.

You are not grinding due to misaligned teeth, but due to stress. Braces would not stop this. A night guard is your best bet.

I've done a metal one when I was 39. It lasted for around 2 years and enjoyed every second of it. I still wear a plastic thing during a night that help me with grinding so I would strongly recommend it.

Thank you for all your comments. I'm swaying between yes and no. I've booked an appointment with my dentist in a couple of weeks to talk through the options.