Adult Orthodontia: A Whole-Hearted Endorsement (SLIDESHOW)

It's been about three years since I've been to the dentist, and Monday I have an appointment. (Don't start, Mom.) My greatest fear isn't the drill, isn't the bill, but that look that says: "You-haven't-been-wearing-your-retainer-and-mouthguard, have-you?" The look that could send me back into middle school, back into braces, and back four grand.

I remember the threat Dr. Guy spewed a few years ago -- it had something to do with baby food, drooling, and exile to Elba -- but, so far so good; I've been leading a normal life even though my bottom jaw is making a slow but determined trek to starboard. The only side effect that I know of is some awesome teeth-grinding at night.

So as I prepare for my visit to Dr. Guy, I thought I'd comfort myself with a slideshow of famous adults who have gone where most 12-year-olds have gone before, Orthodontiaville. These adults are successful, beautiful, and total metal-mouths, brace-faces, and Black 'N Decker Pecker Wreckers. And they don't care who knows it!

• • • • • •

Betty Suarez (played by America Fererra)
The most lovable character on TV, Betty Suarez from Ugly Betty makes railroad tracks on teeth look so out, that they're in.

Comments

[lilkunta]

My bottom 2 fron teeth are crooooked. Bc my lips overs them my dentist said dont worry about braces.
I now notice that what I thought were my perfect top row has a big gap on the right side!

Once I get that job with good benefits perhaps Ill consider it.

How much are invisalign ?

[dididangerlove]

Mine were about $5,000. It depends on how many trays are needed to correct the problem.

[dildeaux]

So cool! I got my braces on at age 41, should get them off at the end of the year!

[jerrypenguin]

I'm a mature adult who had the misfortune of having his front teeth knocked out. An implant procedure was initiated. Due to a standard financial reversal, I elected to stop the procedure. There simply isn't tens of thousands of dollars available to do the entire procedure. Some dental procedures are more properly available to others.

[Melanie226]

My single mother couldn't afford to brace my crooked teeth when I was a child, so I did it in adulthood. It was, hands down, the best thing I could have done for myself. I can now go through the rest of my life with a great smile!

[doomsday]

I still remember having the biggest crush on a lady years ago who had braces. I was of course a teenager bagging groceries at the time. But I have since then really been oddly attracted to women with braces. Now that I see the image of Gwen Stefani, Oh baby!!

[Annieke]

Strange, when I had braces in my teens, I was not allowed to drink Cola, 7-up or anything with bubles since this would cause my braces to go off.

And now I see a picture of Cindy Crawford advertising for Pepsi with the same kind of braces I once had.

[liarsclub75]

I had the clear braces as a teen. I think they look totally cute on adults.

[juanchopancho]

What about Invisaline?

[GinaMOB]

I got braces when I was 41. I was so happy with the results. It was worth all the hassle. I wear my retainer nightly and my dentist can tell. So if you can afford it do it.

[LMPE]

There's nothing wrong with getting braces at any age. America Ferrera makes braces look really sexy.

[tulipa44]

Man, I wonder if my adolescence wouldve been slightly less hellish without the big old braces and instead had them as an adult. But, I dont regret getting them at all (even though they were painful, not so cute..i did not look like Cindy Crawford in mine...and a good reason to hate my parents at the time)....theyre definitely worth it.

[MKC]

I have 'adult braces'- I'm 20 months into round #2- got them back on in order to have surgery to have an underbite fixed. The techniques and braces used have improved greatly since my first round. Have to admit- the worst part about them is being thought to be about half my age (which, at 24, is NOT a good thing!)

[Bariis]

Although, some are lucky enough to have worn braces in their youth (save them from having to wear it now), I don't regret having put mine on at 23. I still have them on and I just past the 2 and half year mark (scheduled to have them off in a few months). Initially, I was somewhat embarrassed and conflicted about whether I should get them or not. But then, I come to realize that gaining a beautiful smile at any age is definitely worth the investment. I got that extra boost of confidence when I saw Manu Ginobili and Tom Cruise wear it just before I decided to get mine. In the end, it is absolutely worth it!

[LegalMomma]

It wasn't until I was adult and finally got insurance which would cover part of the cost of braces for myself (rather than my nonexistent children), that I got braces to correct a bad bite. It was painful and expensive but worth it for the long term advantages. I find myself looking at professional people with bad crooked teeth and wondering why they don't do something about it. It's no fun to go through but in some cases would definitely help people (who can obviously afford it) be taken more seriously in the business world.

[5dillydally5]

At 63 (yes, 63) I got braces. Great experience and the results are amazing.