Braces at 50? Am I nuts?

Have you ever deeply disliked something about your appearance but hesitated to do anything about it directly? For me, it was my smile, specifically the one stubbornly crooked tooth on my lower teeth and my slight open bite. This annoyed me endlessly, yet I convinced myself for years and years that it wasn’t worth fixing, that no one really noticed it, that perhaps I was too old to bother. “Who cares anyway?” I rationalized, but the truth was, it always gnawed at me beneath the surface.

It wasn’t until I took my 18-year-old son to his Invisalign consultation last year that a new possibility dawned on me. As the orthodontist outlined the benefits—promising a perfect bite and radiant smile—I couldn’t help but wonder why can’t I reap the same rewards? Though I’ve always adored my son’s smile, it was clear his bite needed some adjustments. We didn’t hesitate to want the best for him, but that visit was truly a revelation for me: dental corrections aren’t just for the young. Maybe it was time for me to rethink my own smile.

So, at the age of 52, I finally decided to take action and get braces. I walked into the orthodontist’s office feeling confident, but my confidence began to falter when I noticed the waiting room was full of teenagers and their parents, clearly there for similar reasons. It felt a bit awkward, being the odd one out, but I kept my head high and walked in when they called my name.

Overcoming Hesitation and Embracing Change

The orthodontist’s examination was thorough. He explained that I would need traditional braces on both my upper and lower teeth, and they would need to stay on for about two years. Invisalign wasn’t an option for my case. Come again? He also mentioned that braces have come a long way and now offer options like ceramic, which are much less noticeable than the traditional metal braces. This information was somewhat comforting as I pondered my decision.

I hesitated, wondering if I really wanted to go through with this. He noted my hesitation and reassured me, explaining that my cross-bite needed correcting and adding, “Two years will pass whether you get the braces or not. You can spend them transforming your smile into something perfect.”

This perspective was a game-changer for me, and I decided to go for it.

The Struggle is Real

I’m nearly five months into my orthodontic treatment, and I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s been tough to adjust. The challenge isn’t so much the pain from the braces being tightened every four to six weeks; it’s more about getting used to the feeling of having them in my mouth. They’ve changed the way I talk, eat, and even sleep. I’ve also become incredibly self-conscious, which has been emotionally draining. My poor husband, who has to endure the brunt of my complaints, can certainly attest to that.  

They originally told me I’d get used to the braces by the third or fourth week, but it took me over three months to somewhat adapt, and I still have moments of struggle. Despite these challenges, I’m confident I made the right choice. I can feel my teeth shifting, my jaw aligning better, and my bite improving—it’s actually quite incredible. I’ve become fascinated by the mechanics of it all, watching hundreds of YouTube videos to understand the process better.

A Smile Worth the Wait

At the end of the day, I’m really proud I took this step for myself. Although it hasn’t been easy, I know my teeth will be healthier and my smile more radiant in the long run. More importantly, it’s shown my sons that taking care of myself and making positive changes is valuable at any age.