Braces at uni

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Hi everyone,
I am 18 and just about to go through the process of having braces done- I have gone for white ceramic braces which have metal brackets (the bit connecting the braces). I did want white brackets as well but apparently this wasn't an option for me, although I'm not sure why. I am really self conscious about my smile at the moment and I have a large overbite as well which affects the way my jaw/shape of my face looks so I know in the long run it will hopefully be worth it. However, I am very self conscious and I have suffered with poor mental health in the past related to anxiety/eating disorders so I guess I am looking for some reassurance that it won't be as bad as I think! Is it really uncommon for people to have braces at uni or not, and how do you think other people will react to them? Thanks for any advice or experiences you can give!

Hi!
I can tell you my experience, which is not the same but similar. I have been SO self conscious about my teeth to the point I was avoiding smiling... Then in my LATE thirties I finally put aside enough money to buy an expensive Invisalign treatment. I had to wear it for two years, with attachments and elastics!!! Visually that's probably even worse than wearing braces.
AND... I was in a professional customer facing job, dealing with C-level executives on a daily basis, giving presentations etc...
It was fine. Some noticed, others didn't. Overall I become more and more confident once the treatment started showing results. The excitement was more than my embarassment.

Go ahead, I promise you will not regret and that it's not as bad as you think.

Hi, thank you for replying! I think I am supposed to have the brace for around 15 months, although I haven't had my final appointment before they're fitted so that might change. Did you find them painful at first or was it okay?

I've known plenty of students, including mature students, who've worn braces at uni (I'm a lecturer). I also had them until I was early 20s, no one commented. Don't worry, and it'll all be worth it in the end :)

Yes, I can't deny they were mildly painful at first. But only for the first half day after every adjustment and only for the first few appointments. Then it's like your bones get used to be pulled and pushed. And it's not too bad, I never needed painkillers. It's a general pulling sensation that involves all your teeth, not like having a toothache if you see what I mean.
Just make sure to eat something soft or soup etc. afterwards.
In general, as I work full time, I used to have my appointments in the evenings. That mean I had some discomfort eating food that evening, but then I had all night to recover while sleeping and in the morning I was back to be ok.

I had braces at university (as a mature student age 24-26) and loved them, never felt self-conscious. Just get them! I often see people in their 20s and older with braces and always think they look lovely.

One of my best mates has had to have braces in her 30s at work but no one ever said anything negative despite her being self conscious about them.

I have a 19 yr old colleague with braces who has started dating an attractive male colleague of ours. Braces certainly haven't put him off & why should they?

I also know 2 girls in their 20s with braces who work at the local Starbucks- they get male customers chatting them up anyway.

So don't feel bad about having braces as a lot of people just don't seem to notice that other people are wearing them or don't care.

Ive only noticed people with braces since my friend had them.

Not uncommon at all. I'm nearly 50 and I have braces - best decision I ever made. Braces look better than bad teeth without braces.

I’m 26 and I’ve had ceramic braces for 3 months now. I was also really self conscious about having them but honestly it’s made no difference to how people treat me or being chatted up etc!
The first few days killed me and my mouth was really swollen and sore but now they only hurt a little after being tightened.

I’ll be honest they are an absolute pain in the arse to eat with, so much food gets stuck in them! I carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with me at all times now. Also, only eat curry before you get them tightened as they’ll stain bright yellow!

I’ve been taking photos and can already see a massive difference and I believe it’ll all be worthwhile in the end!