Anyone had braces as an adult?

[Alicia870]

My teeth have bothered me all my life. Had a brave on top row only as a teen but bottom teeth are so crooked and top teeth have moved so much since brace was on.

The only type I could afford is probably just the metal ones but I am a little hesitant due to the appearance. Anyone have/had these? How was it? For how long did you need to wear them etc?

You can have the metal ones on the inside of your teeth. I don't know if they cost more.
I had mine done a couple of years ago and although it hurt like hell im glad I've done it.
Having said that if you can only afford the normal ones and your teeth bother you, who cares what others think?
Mine were on for just under 18 months and I had to have two teeth out to make space. Finished treatment with Invisalign and now my teeth are as perfect as they'll ever be. Good luck.

Totally worth the 18 months of pain and tears! LOVE my teeth now and often get complimented on them!

The ones behind your teeth are more expensive and take longer.

The metal ones are quicker than the clear ones (at least that's what my orthodontist told me) and cheaper too.The first month of metal braces was tricky for me, but once I got used to it I didn't mind so much.

I'd go with invisalign if I were to do it again (I've had metal braces twice now - once as a kid, and once as an adult). As an adult, I feel like braces weren't great for my gums and overall tooth health. I think children's teeth are a bit more forgiving as they have more enamel and adults are more likely to suffer from receding gums. (Yes, I did follow all the oral hygiene guidelines my orthodontist told me to - he did compliment me on my teeth at checkup!).

I had my braces on for a 12 months (top row) and 16 months (bottoms).

In short: Check prices for Invisalign because they'll be better for your teeth overall (I believe!). But failing that, metal braces are bearable.

Oh, and bear in mind that once the braces are off you'll have to commit yourself to a life of wearing retainers to ensure they stay in the same positions. That's the worst part in my opinion! My permanent retainer is useless!

I’m considering braces so am also interested.

I did see someone previously for a consultation and was advised that invisilign and the six month smiles are only really any good for minor crookedness.

I am 47 and 4 month in with metal braces! Top teeth are perfectly aligned already! Not done yet though but nearly. Bottom front 4 were squashed and one overlapped a bit - 3 perfectly positioned - saw a difference in a fortnight tbh!! Amazing!! Went to my usual dentist who does them for £1500. Deposit and then pay as you go what you want.
Def go for it op!

I'm interested, I absolutely hate my bottom teeth, they stop me from smiling.

Invisalign and six month smile are for teeth that aren't that bad.

You can have cosmetic orthodontics, eg straightening without making sure your bite is right etc.

Retainers for life are the worst but I've weaned down to two nights a week so even tho I hate it, it's worth it for the smile.

Best thing I did was go for three free consultations at three different orthodontists. The best one was the most expensive but I'd pay for the service any day. All the staff were soooo nice and invested in every patient. Even down to the receptionists.

Thanks everyone!

I just can't afford any more than the metal ones at the minute though wish I could do Invisalign. At the same time though I kinda think who even cares it's a blip of time in the grand scheme of things so probably worth it for nice teeth.
I remember the pain of them as a teenager and I got loads of cuts and mouth ulcers so hope I don't have to go through that again as it was grim!!
Does anyone know any of the reasons you can get them on the nhs? Friend of a friend had them on nhs but not sure the reason why!

You can normally get Invisalign etc via finance and pay monthly. Would that help?

@Dirtyjellycat unfortunately still can't stretch to it with other commitments 😭

I am currently 5 weeks into 12/18 months of treatment with Invisalign. My teeth are very crooked (should have had a brace as a child but refused!). I have been shown an Invisalign computer mock-up of how my teeth will look and I will be very pleased with that outcome. I was told that Invisalign has come on over the years and whereas once it was for minor tweaks, it can now be used for more advanced straightening. A further advance in treatment is that trays are worn only for one week whereas it was once for two weeks, shortening treatment time. An important factor is your gum health and having good tooth roots to withstand the treatment.