Well, I did it - at 54 years old!

[CJP]

Hello! I've been reading this forum for a month or so and find it to be so helpful.

On June 21, 2012 my braces were put on. Yes, I am 54 (55-years-old) in just a couple of weeks!

I have the Clarity clear on upper, metal on bottom. Although my teeth weren't “terribly” crooked, the bite (midline) was off. After the third repair for a small chip on front tooth, my dentist suggested I see an orthodontist to correct the bite, which was causing me to keep hitting my one front tooth on the lower one.

After several consultations with a variety of prosthodontics and "Smile" centers, most wanted to offer me the quick and fast remedy of veneers (and huge $$$). I thought it over for a couple of weeks, read everything I could, talked endlessly about it to my husband, and began reading this forum (and Archwired).

I came to the conclusion that it just didn't seem to make good sense to (1) ruin perfectly healthy teeth to apply veneers (ranging from 6 veneers to 10, depending on the dentist), and (2) veneers would not address the real issue - that the bite is off-center.

And about my age. Sure, I am not young (ish), but I figured I'd be my age no matter what, and in a year or two, I would have all my own healthy, straight teeth. I've never looked back since I decided to correct the issue properly.

Ultimately, I found a smart and competent orthodontist that specializes in both adult and children orthodontics. I feel very confident in her abilities!

Yesterday, I had a TAD (Temporary Anchorage Device) put in with a wire to the molar. The procedure wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. She wants to move the uppers first (to the left), then the lowers (to the right). Wow - that mid-line is really off!

I'm in elastics now too. The Wildlife series, Mountain Gorilla (3/16 in; Medium 4.5 oz) for the front, and the Galapagos Giant Tortoise (3/16 in; Heavy 6.5 oz) for the side/back. I have the Neon colors, which I like so much better than the rubber color one that looks as though something is hanging front my teeth. Today, it is soup only and fairly sore.

I teach college courses and the braces have been an adjustment to lecture – to say the least! But with the elastics, I wonder now how much more difficult it might be. The Dr. said I do not have to wear the front elastic when I lecture. Thank you!

I hope to contribute to this forum and perhaps make some friends here along the way because it has helped me with many of my questions already. I'll post a photo or two in the near future! (Again, following much of the good advice here to be sure to take photos to track my progress.)

CJP

[Greenman]

Good on you, CJP. Looking forward to hearing about your journey as it unfolds.

[Hatemybraces]

Awesome, props to you!

[Trace]

I'm with you in spirit! I'm 47 and am getting braces again, after having them as a kid. If I'd only worn my retainer all these years I wouldn't be back here! I'm having ceramics top/bottom put on Monday July 30th. I had metal braces as a kid and remember the sores in my mouth from the brackets and wires.....hope its easier this time around.
Trace

[abbaker]

Congrats on taking the plunge, Professor CJP! :-) It's never too late to do something great for yourself.

[chunkyteeth]

How are you coping with your braces at work. I felt really silly going in on the first day of term . People were very kind and did not mention them so I did, to break the ice. The children were great (4 to 6 year olds). They just wanted to know why I had metal on my teeth. After close inspection they forgot about them. My teeth have moved but now the lower braces are banging on the back of my top teeth - just hope that doesn't cause problems.