What would you think of an adult wearing braces? (the teeth kind!)

[SheWillBeLoved]

That's it really I'm 24, and have been looking into getting one now after turning down the chance to have one when I was 14.

Would just like to hear what some people would think if they walked past an adult with a mouth full of metal! (Yes it'd have to be metal, none of these Invisalign jobs - single mother budget won't stretch that far!)

I think go for it... it's obviously something you are conscious of and the fact that you are now rectifying any issues you have is great.

I don't think they are that noticeable and if I saw someone wearing one I would never mock them or think it odd, I would probably think well done you for doing it now!

Hope you have amazing teeth soon!

I had braces in my late 30s. One of my colleagues, who is in her late 50s, had her braces taken off last year.

Go for it. I know plenty of people who are much older than you who have worn braces. I might even have to myself, given what my wisdom tooth is doing right now, and I am nearly 44!

Go for it

I wouldn't think anything at all

I would think that you were sorting out something that needed correcting and good for you. I wouldn't think anything bad.

go for it
I had mine at 30
Friend has them now at 35

Loads of Italians are sporting them I notice (I think many have left it to adulthood because dentistry costs and arm and a leg here and they simply couldn't afford it before)

Go for it, and think how great you'll feel afterwards!

You are rectifying something that will, once fixed, boost your confidence. I say go for it.

I'd be envious more than anything - I'd like mine done when funds permit.

A mate recently had a fixed brace at 33. She wore it for 18mths, and it really wasn't that noticeable. Her teeth look brilliant now - lovely and straight, but much more natural than implants/veneers look.

I had them at 28. I had a bad overbite and a gap in front two - HATED my teeth, never smiled properly in photos.

Should of had them as a teen but didnt bother.

Had to have a big op at the end where they broke my jaw and slid bottom one forward and then screwed it into place.

It took two and a bit years all together. They look amazing.

It was a lot of work. I had a child on chemotherapy, was pregnant, and then a small baby, who then needed physio - all at the same hospital - I was always there

I had them off in the July and was married in October (oh so also planning wedding) and i have NEVER regretted it

Martha - mine was on NHS as overbite was over certain measurement, have you asked dentist, they will refer you if it can be done on NHS

you are left wearing very unattractive retainers - a bit like rugby mouthguard but hard, but it keeps teeth in place - you have to wear it forever..... or till they fall out

I'd say good for them. My husband and best friend have both had 'train tracks' as adults, didn't feel self-conscious about it (it was occasionally a bit of a conversation-starter) and now are really pleased they did it.

I had them as a kid, but while my bite is now good enough for the NHS, it still isn't quite right. Apparently the skew gets more exaggerated the older you get, so I am considering getting it sorted out now.

Not sure about necessarily having to wear the retainer for ever - I wasn't told to.

I've had braces twice, between 12-15 and between 19-21 and it was fine. The second lot was a LOT more painful than the first, but socially it was much better.

You do need to wear a retainer for ever (usually at night). I didn't the first time which is why I had to have them again. Second time I stopped wearing it when I was pregnant (because it made me feel sick) and by the time DS was born I had an overbite again. You might be lucky and have more stable teeth, but I wouldn't risk it.

I'm thinking about doing it again. Don't know if I can afford it though.

I wouldn't think anything, you should do it. I really should get my teeth sorted out as I have a bad overbite which doesn't look bad, but interferes with the way I eat.

I keep putting it off as it is going to cost a fortune and I remember the pain (sorry) from when I had them as a teenager. I wasn't very good at wearing my retainer, hence why my teeth are crap again. Plus one evil dentist started talking about breaking my jaw?! to sort it.

Better to do it while you're younger. Hardly anyone used to notice my train tracks, and if anyone did think anything bad of you because of a brace, well they're a plum.

go for it, without a doubt!

Thanks for the replies

I bloody hope they wouldn't have to break my jaw It's only really my top teeth which are a problem (two teeth next to the front two are set lightly behind the rest)

I have an appointment for the 15th June, so I'll mention it to my dentist then, see if we can get the ball rolling again. I just can't seem to get out of that teenage mindset of braces being tres uncool I have always been massively self concious so this is/would be a huge deal for me.