Braces at 40

[KichenDancefloor]

Thinking of going for braces (for teeth, not to hold my trousers up).

But at my ripe old age is it silly vanity? Would you judge someone for getting their wonky teeth corrected if they weren’t a teen or Hollywood starlet?

It’s about £3k and I don’t know if I can justify that. But it would be nice to smile without my lips clamped together.

Interested to hear from anyone who has bitten the bullet (and not left wibbly teeth marks behind ).

I'm about to get them on my bottom teeth and I'm 43. They only cost £1000 though so not as big a decision as you face. I couldn't give a toss what other people think of me getting them. I'm not going to give up on looking after myself just because I'm over 40

I'm in my fifties and I had braces fitted to my bottom teeth earlier this year. I also wondered if I should go ahead but my orthodontist said he is treating women in their sixties. Apparently, our teeth move when we are older and he has noticed a big increase in women of all ages having braces fitted.

I am really glad I went ahead. I went for fixed braces because they were cheaper than invisalign. They are white and to be honest a lot of friends didn't see them until I showed them.

I am coming to the end of my treatment and my orthodontist is recommending a fixed retainer. A thin wire that is fixed to the back of the teeth to stop them moving. I will also wear a removal retainer at night. I'm not too keen on the fixed retainer (I just don't want the metal in my mouth) you can't see it and it is the best way of keeping your teeth in place. Apparently, they are more likely to go back to how they were with adults very quickly if you don't wear the retainers.

Meant to say - DH has noticed that the bottom half of my face looks better and now my teeth are straight I can really see how much they had moved. I would say defiantly go ahead.

I am 31 and almost 2 years into my orthodonic work with double jaw surgery next year some time.

Best thing I have ever done, my confidence has soared since the day I got them on. I can't reccomended it enough.

Sinve getting mine on, I have noticed lots of adults with them, all ages.

I'm considering it now, and I'm much older than you. My dentist says most of her patients are adults in their forties - it's only a six month commitment now and depending on what kind you have it can be hardly noticeable. If the vanity angle upsets you, having straighter teeth will make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, so could save you money in the long term ... and improve your overall health. It's only the money preventing me taking the plunge ....

I had my teeth straightened when I was 45. Best thing I ever did, I love my teeth now after a lifetime of hating my cross-over front teeth. Definitely go for it!

See if you can get Invisalign. They’re not that obvious. My sister has just had it and her teeth look lovely. And she looked normal in the process.

Thanks all. My dentist has recommended clear fixed braces and it should only take 4 months, then a fixed retainer.

I only casually mentioned my crossed over front teeth and then he presented me with a full cost break down, interest free payment plan, etc.

I’m very tempted. It’s very unlike me to spend money on myself for anything cosmetic. (I last has a manicure three years ago.) But if it’s for health reasons then I can persuade myself