Two little stories and some questions:
1) The other day, I saw a picture of myself and remembered I need braces. I had braces as a teenager — it was actually my freshman year of college — but they have since gone a bit wonky on top. I confess, I was never good about wearing my retainer. : )
2) Our friend Olya came to visit last week. During one conversation she mentioned that eyelid surgery, botox and fillers were really popular where she lives — even for women in their twenties. I was shocked! I’m not sure I know any one in real life who has tried any of these procedures.
Both of these stories have me thinking. Yes, I would definitely be interested in having my teeth fixed and no, botox has never crossed my mind, but they are probably equally invasive. It makes me wonder, what do you consider cosmetic surgery? What’s okay with you and what’s not? Are botox and breast augmentation the same in your book? How about teeth whitening? Or laser treatments for spider veins? Are there any lines you draw when considering cosmetic procedures? Maybe nothing that requires general anesthesia? Are cosmetic procedures common where you live? If yes, are women secretive about it, or is it out in the open. I’m so curious!
Also, back to my teeth for a minute, are braces on a 30-something too tacky to even think about?
Living in Dallas, my idea is probably a bit skewed too. I’m in my 20’s, and almost half of my friends my age have had something done (breasts, laser hair, lipo, lips, botox, tummy tuck, etc.). I’m okay with whatever makes you feel good, buuuuut…. I agree that it should look natural. I also think maybe one should try working out before lipo, but maybe I’m just crazy like that.
As for myself, I’m waiting until I get a little older. I am having a photo facial this year to get rid of some age spots (hopefully), but I’m staying away from botox for as long as possible. I’m sure I’ll eventually cave. I also think I want a boob job when I’m 41 – I feel like 1) If I ever decide I want them, I’ll for sure be done having kids by then and 2) I feel like I’ll need a literal and figurative lift at that point. :)
My mom got braces in her 40’s. It wasn’t a big deal because she had kids going to the ortho at the same time. I had braces in HS, but wasn’t good withmy retainer either. And now having my own babies my teeth are shifting again. I really want them, but I’m thinking it might be better to wait until I’m done with babies. :)
Go Braces! I must state that I am bias…my husband is an orthodontist. He has many adult patients, and yes, there’s many options. My advice is to go and get a consultation with an orthodontist (not a general dentist) when you get back in the states. An orthodontist has 2.5 to 3 years of additional training than a general dentist. He or she will give you options based on the type of treatment you need. I have noticed that a lot of people are suggesting Invisalign. Keep in mind that Invisalign is for limited types of treatment, in other words, they are not for everyone. They are clear retainers/trays that you have to wear 23 hours a day. Personally, the clear trays would drive my nuts. You can often get better results with metal or clear brackets.
Also, I don’t think braces should be put in the same category as other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, Botox, and lipo. Orthodontic treatments do not just take care of cosmetic concerns. In fact, most orthodontist are more concerned about tooth health and gums, not just straightening the teeth. Bad bites and crowding can contribute to gum recession, bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear on the tooth, headaches, and jaw joint pain.
So long story short, go for it Design Mom! I am not sure where you will be “landing” once you move back to the states, but if you end up in Utah or Colorado I can give you many recommendations for FANTASTIC orthodontists!
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontics, check out http://www.braces.org (the American Association of Orthodontics website) or you can go to my husbands website at http://www.priceorthodontics.com.
Thanks!
Emily Price
Here in Guatala permanent eye liner is really common, apparently it hurt quite a bit in the moment but you will wale up with “make up” face for 5 years in a row witout worrying about it. Cosmetic surguries are common also but no one will say they had it.
I recently got invisalign braces at 38…always had spaces in my teeth but never had braces to correct when i was younger. They are definitely a commitment to wear but they are WORKING! and working fast. I highly recommend them!
I whiten my teeth (molds made at the dentist and the whitening compound from the dentist). I drink tea and I do not like what it does to my teeth…
I have friends who had braces in their 30’s not a big deal. I am wondering if a product like invisalign might be a good option.
Your questions really have me thinking this morning. I’ve always thought braces are no big deal (I’ve had them myself) teeth whitening, no big deal (I’ve used crest white strips in the past but no dental whitening procedure). But, when it comes to botox or breast augmentation, I say no way. And this is coming from someone who is an ‘almost a.’ I’m probably on the fence about some other treatments you mentioned. I think overall, society has trained us to believe that there is a certain look to acheive to be attractive. I think it’s so much more important to be happy with what you look like AND what others around you look like. I have several close friends and relatives that have a very different look, maybe looks that wouldn’t be considered attractive but that’s what gives their appearance such character! It would be sad to see them change that!
BTW, I can’t say that I noticed your teeth needing straightening. :)
As I’ve gotten older and given birth to 2 kids who were both breastfed, I have become less critical of cosmetic surgery. I have no desire to have larger breasts, but could see in 10-20 years that it might be nice not to be droopy in the chest. I work out at the Y with plenty of older women who are in good shape and there really isn’t much you can do to keep the girls from heading south over time.
Definitely go for braces if you are really thinking seriously about it, it’s better to get it off your mind and it’ not a big deal like surgery.
I did the laser vein treatment on my legs and it was totally worth it. The spider veins really bothered me and now they are gone. It wasn’t all that expensive either.
Draw the line at some of the big facelift procedures that look creepy.
I had braces as a teenager, but went back at 35 to get them again as my teeth shifted enough where it bothered me. The orthodontist recommended invisalign and it was much faster and much less painful than the original brace tightening of my teens, and it had the bonus of preventing my chronic teeth grinding. My coworkers at the time were shocked when I confessed – nobody even could tell, except one person noticed a slight lisp every two weeks or so (which happens for a day or two when you get a new set of aligners and your mouth adjusts). Interesting fact i learned in the process: your teeth are likely to shift during pregnancy. Even apart from the aesthetic component of having one’s teeth straightened, you may be better of for it in terms of preserving the health of your teeth. The shifting can make you more vulnerable to decay and also to jaw [alignment] issues. Its definitely worth a consultation with an orthodontist at the very least.
P.S. I caught the July airing of House Hunters international – Your family is so lovely!
I too had a full set of metal mouth from age 10 through 13 and over the years they have shifted just enough to drive me nuts. Now I am in a situation as an adult to try and get them all in a row again.
I am in the process of researching lingual braces – they are placed behind the teeth. I had already checked out Invisalign but they needed to shave the sides of several teeth and told me that may compromise the enamel. Not something I am willing to do.
Hopefully I will get the lingual ones on very soon! I am very self conscious about my slightly crooked upper teeth.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
I used to have big opinions against plastic surgery. Now I only have one or two. The big one, it seems addicting. Friends that have had it often can’t stop with one procedure (just like my friends who get tattoos) but those who do their one procedure and stop have been happy with the result.
My mom had a face lift because her face was sagging so much that she always looked mad. She looks beautiful now and natural. My mom also gets botox in her forehead, to help her from getting migraines.
I learned this past weekend that after 3 kids and loosing a full cup with each baby I (am now a 30B…have you ever even heard of a 30? Neither had I.) I was a 32DD prior to babies. The sweet 70 year old woman who was helping me suggested I get breast augmentation so that clothes will fit. I had not even considered it until she said that. Now, it doesn’t sound like a bad idea. If only surgery was not involved :)
Braces: absolutely!
I’ve had moles removed, and am eager to get some laser hair removal done too. But these are pretty minor procedures that don’t require going under.
I get nervous when anything that requires actual surgery is elective. But at the same time, I’m very much tempted by laser eye surgery. I’d love to be able to see without my glasses. Especially when it comes to loafing around on the couch or in bed watching movies (though with kids, that’s a luxury I only vaguely remember). I would also love to have breast reduction surgery (and a lift while they’re at it!). The eye thing is a bit more plausible though. I’ll likely never get anything more than that.
I had braces as a pre-teen/early teen, and I hated it. But a lot of friends had them, and I’m grateful for my teeth. I know a few people who’ve had them as adults. Time goes sooooo much faster as an adult, as we all know, so I’m sure the time in braces will just zoom by.
I know plenty of people that have plastic surgery. Not that they shout it from the rooftops, but their close friends know/knew. One had a tummy tuck and breast lift after her twins rendered her body a little odd. I would have plastic surgery in a heartbeat if I could afford it. Spider veins, breast lift, tummy tuck, you name it. I guess it’s a little vain, but there are a few things that will not go away, no matter how much I work at it.
I would get braces if I could afford it, too. My brothers both had really bad teeth so my parents dental budget went towards them. My sisters all have great teeth but mine needed braces for sure, but I never got them. I really wish I had.
I got a quote for invisilign — about 5k for me. I’m in my late thirties and I just decided to put it towards the implants that are surely in my future in the next decade or so!
My mother is 64 and just finishing up the invisible retainer braces thing. She has always been uncomfortable with her crooked teeth. I thought it was silly at first but now I realize why the heck not. It makes her feel better. My husband got braces in his 30s – he and our daughter had them a the same time :) Go for it.
I am not considering any botox or anything though I had a breast reduction a few years ago and my back reminds me every day that it was one of the best decisions I ever made :)
You should try invisalign, but if it´s not possible for you, you should find a orthodontist who can glue the brackets of your braces to the INSIDE of your teeth. Absolutely invisible!
I always considered braces in a more “medical” category than other procedures that change how you look, so they seem okay to me.
As far as age goes, I don’t think it matters. My grandmother got braces when she was 80 because she said she wanted to enjoy straight teeth for 20 more years :) So if you’ll enjoy having straighter teeth- go for it!
My boss went for regular braces in his mid-40s — faster and really, I think, a little cheaper than some of less noticable types of correction. It’s been five years and he’s much happier with how he looks (and he grins more!). Being able to laugh out loud without being self-conscious will keep you younger than Botox.
Great topic, and one I’m planning on blogging about soon myself.
I had braces in my mid-20s to correct my bite (as well as to improve my smile since I was on stage). While braces do make a cosmetic change, I consider them to be in a different category than invasive surgeries or injections. Women have always, and in every culture, sought to beautify themselves. But I’m personally disturbed at the lengths many women will go today in search of perfection and eternal youth. I know a few woman who are not even in their 30s getting Botox and face lifts – and they were gorgeous in the first place. How are these women going to handle aging when they’re 50 and 60 and 70?
Here’s where I draw my own line: Nothing that requires surgery unless it’s medically necessary or beneficial. Nothing that involves injecting chemicals (or botulism!) unless it’s medically necessary. Non-invasive, health-promoting procedures that enhance one’s beauty and confidence like hair dye or make up are fine in moderation. One’s circumstances and motivations also matter.
We pay a lot of lip service to “different kinds of beauty” and “aging with grace,” but what do they really mean? Most people can greatly enhance their physical beauty simply by taking care of themselves — exercising, eating well, resting more, wearing flattering clothing, etc.
I have known several adults who have had braces. I bet if your really start paying attention in public, you’ll notice that it’s way more common than you realize. Personally I have never had braces and consider myself very fortunate. However, if I thought I needed them I would get them no matter my age.
As for cosmetic procedures, I used to feel very strongly that they were unnecessary. Then I had children and was left with stretch marks that start below my belly button and continue well below anywhere you would want to have stretch marks. It was very difficult to accept that they were not going away nor were they fading (It’s been 7 years). I would love to have a tummy tuck and be rid of them forever. Never again will I judge someone for having a cosmetic procedure. If it makes you feel good and you can afford it, you should do it. Of course, I also think that less is more.
I never had braces when I was younger but always wanted them since I had very spaced out teeth along with the classic gap in between the top two front teeth. Not too long ago, in my late twenties, I was having issues biting through my food, specifically thin things like chips and tortillas. My top and bottom teeth started to move away from eachother, however that happens. It wasn’t preventing me from eating but it was bothersome so since I had the money to do it I got braces, full fleged metal ones. I had actually grown to like my gap at this point in my life so I was actually a little sad to see it go but I am very happy with the results now. I think as an adult you appreciate them more (since you’re paying for them) and you take care of them better than most young children and teens do. I had mine on for a year and a half and still wear my retainers at night.
TOTALLY worth it!!! Had braces as a teen, never wore my retainer and had braces again at 36. Got them off at 38. SO it is a bit of a commitment. My husband also had braces at age 38 (at same orthodontist I used) because of a more medical situation, not purely cosmetic.
About other cosmetic procedures, it is a lot of work and commitment. Nothing is as easy as it sounds. Teeth whitening was incredible painful. Went for IPL photofacial this past Saturday to reduce some ‘fine lines’ and blotchiness and, seriously, it was like they were stapling my face with a burning hot staple gun. Unbearable! Yowch.
I’ve never really though about braces as being cosmetic surgery.
I think braces are fine, and corrective cosmetic surgery is great if a person has had their face damaged by a car accident, burn from a fire, or something like that, but I don’t understand the desire to have surgery just because you want a different look.
Everyone has something about their looks that they really like, but surgery is painful, expensive and dangerous. In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk, just for something like “fuller lips” or “higher checkbones”, etc..
I’m not far from 40 and will be getting braces in the coming months. Periodontal issues as we age make it better to have “aligned” teeth. Without proper blood flow in your gums, you will loose your teeth sooner as you age. Lovely thought right? So I’m choosing braces (also for the second time) over loosing teeth. I’m not a candidate for invisalign, but am getting the clear ones so I don’t feel so ugh about the whole thing.
Funny how my acceptance of Botox is directly related to my increasing age! The laugh lines and crow’s feet of my late 30’s didn’t bother me one bit, but those forehead lines I’m seeing the last year or so….ugh! I’ve given it some serious thought, which my 30-yr-old self would have found appalling. Funny how that works!
I also say “to each their own,” but I would not personally consider a boob job mostly because I wouldn’t want my kids to think I wasn’t “enough” because my breasts weren’t naturally big. There’s a lot more to me — and every other woman — than curves. But because women on TV and billboards are sexually objectified, it makes it hard for real women to measure up. We shouldn’t have to try.
I just got my first set of braces last year at 28! I am so happy I did. Just get clear they are not super visible in photos. Some orthodontist don’t even charge extra for clear brackets. Although I was in target and pregnant with my 3rd baby when an employee asked me if I was 19! So it may just make you look a whole lot younger.
I have been thinking about this issue a lot because my friends from college have a blog about it: beautyredefined.net. They are working on their PhDs and researching how the media hurts women’s perspectives of themselves. Because of this, I have become more sensitive of critical comments people say about others.
I’ve considered getting a tummy tuck after having my kids because my skin resembles Kate Gosselin’s, but without having multiple kids at one time! We’ll see how I feel about that when the time comes. With anything like that, you teach your kids that they need to do anything, even extreme measures, to make themselves “pretty.” That’s not a message I want to give, especially if I have daughters.
I had braces in my youth, but didn’t wear my retainers much in college, and totally skipped them when I was pregnant due to gagging and morning sickness. (TMI?) I got clear braces to fix some shifting when I was 40…best money ever. I didn’t get Invisalign, because they cost a ton. You can get other brands of clear braces for a lot less. I think I only spent $1,000 and my teeth were straight again in less than a year. Plus, the last set of clear “braces” became my retainers which I wear a few times a week to keep my teeth straight. Also, those clear braces can be used with tooth whitening gel. I got Opalesence which my sister (who is a dental hygenist ) recommended.
I also had the inside of my nose fixed for a deviated septum and polps, but the outside remains the same, bump and all. I would love a breast reduction, but I’m too scared of the surgery. Botox seems pretty expensive for something that is temporary so I just try to ger smile lines instead of frown lines. :)
Invisalign, Invisalign, Invisalign! I had horrible teeth growing up and grew used to them, knowing that my parents could never afford braces. But, as an adult, I had jaw problems, mainly due to my VERY crooked teeth. I decided to go with Invisalign, and my teeth are PERFECT….and it only took 6 months. I swear, I’d do a commercial for them. From a complete cross bite to perfectly straight in 6 months is a miracle. If you have questions, let me know, but I would NEVER go with metal braces after having Invisalign.
In fact, if any of your readers who can see this have questions, my email is julianataylor@hotmail.com
I’ve read a lot of these comments and the one thing I keep thinking is if all of these women had braces when they were younger and there teeth shifted years later who’s to say they won’t shift again? It may be worth it though…even if they do shift a few years down the road.
Personally so much of cosmetic surgery seems to be wrapped up with poor self image and a desire to look perfect. I am so sad to see that so many women are feeling the need to change who they are. There is so much more to being a woman than what we look like! I would rather focus my time, energy and money on making myself beautiful from the inside out. Doing internal cleanses, eating properly, resting, pampering yourself and working out are wonderful ways to achieve this process. If I were to get anything done to my body I might feel good about it at first, but deep down inside it would come back to haunt me, just another reminder that I don’t add up to the “standard”. I want my life to be more than the outward appearance. I LOVE seeing a woman who is confident in who she is without feeling the need to add extras. Its an inspiration to me! But I understand it can be a challenge to wake up and look at yourself in the mirror when there is so much external pressure. Just think Photoshop when you start to become discontent with your appearance! And what my husband wants and needs from me most is a big beautiful smile and a joyful spirit whether my teeth are straight or not.
Hmmm….I don’t think braces are totally cosmetic. Just ask those with resolved headaches when they get the proper bite or the cavity-less teeth because they can now actually floss.
Now, other stuff. Not so into it.
I live in the OC. My daughters have friends who received breast augmentation for HS graduation (High School!!!).
Personally, I think the money is better spent on travel…overseas! If these girls want to be “sexy,” they should witness the confidence of European women. We’ve been fortunate enough to travel a little bit with my husband’s work. I’m convinced the most beautiful women all live in Prague. I couldn’t put my finger on what made them so beautiful because they were all different shapes and sizes. Maybe it was confidence that I saw? Maybe it was cultural? It was as though they owned their sexuality. And it wasn’t an “in-your-face-big-boobages” sexuality; it was an “I-know-I’m-a-woman-and-I-like-it” kind of sexuality.
Plus what about this from this week’s PostSecret?
I think it’s important to be healthy, but maybe not someone else’s idea of size and shape.
I had an underbite develop around 9th grade and I hated it with such a passion I hoped I’d get in a car accident and break my face so I could get it fixed. When a dentist finally yelled at my parents about TMJ and headaches and my teeth wearing incorrectly, they helped me get jaw surgery right before I went to college. But I didn’t care about the health side of it, I just wanted to look better. My jaw moved back out a bit a couple years later and I went in for surgery again, this time the doctor shortened my prominent chin while he was at it. My chin and bottom lip are permanently numb from the procedure but I could not care less. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I had to have braces four times.
I was teased mercilessly in Jr. High and High School for that jaw that stuck out. I know I could have risen above that and not cared, but I cared oh so much. My bite still isn’t perfect, but I’m so happy my jaw doesn’t stick out anymore.
Now that I’ve nursed four babies I wouldn’t be adverse to ‘breast reclaimation surgery,’ but a few things stop me: risk of something going wrong (I only have to gaze at awfulplasticsurgery.com to scare myself), the fact that implants aren’t lifetime objects, you have to get them redone, and whether or not something like that is really ‘okay’ morally.
I would love, love, love to have the hair I shave lasered off permanently just for the low-maintenance-ness of not having to shave anymore.
All that said, I can’t believe how prevalent cosmetic surgery has become in the city where I grew up (SLC). I find the pressure to look like we are 19 year old super models ridiculous and sad. I might add that if I had my boobs reclaimed (not pam anderson size, just refilled as they are saggy now), they would ‘match’ my poochy belly, cellulite bum, and rounded thighs. I’m happy with the way I look after having four children. I embrace the new curves, the softness. I think those in the spotlight who try to turn back the clock via surgical means only end up looking plastic, stretched, drawn, and sad.
They make invisible braces. Really!
I have very droopy eyelids. I’d love to get those done. I read George clooney had his droopy lids done. My sister had hers done. I can not afford it and I am too chicken tho. Bad medical experiences, I’ve had. I do not care for the botoxed Cali/NY looked at all. I know of no one in Wisconsin who has had anything done.
We are simple folk :o). Hey, my aunt did it all! I loved her to pieces!
As far as dental work or whitening, I’m on board. But I wouldn’t do Botox or face lifts. That feels like too much.
I am 28 and doing invisalign now. I had traditional braces in high school too. I am so excited to have straight teeth again. Dont put it off! I highly recommend it.
Also, as far as teeth vs. other cosmetic procedures… I think your teeth are different because unlike wrinkles or breasts, the appearance of your teeth affects how people interpret your overall health, not your age or sexiness. Stained and crooked teeth correction may technically be cosmetic, but it is not at all in the same category as elective boobs and nose jobs
I have braces and I will be 50 in October….sooooo, get ’em now! Don’t wait until you are 50 like me….and then WEAR YOUR RETAINER….
It is not a big deal and I am glad I got them…can’t wait until next year when they come off.
I would consider any lesser invasive cosmetic enhancement…going under the knife is where I draw the line, doesn’t seem to be worth the risks. Also, only if I had extra money to play with, but I think I would rather use the money for a trip to Europe than zap my spider veins!
i wore braces for the second time in my late 20’s. It wasn’t fun by any stretch, but I really really wanted my smile back. The two years went fast and now I vow to ALWAYS wear my retainer as I do not want to wear braces again!
Can’t wait to get my braces on again, as soon as I’m finished paying for my kids’ teeth! Wish I’d never stopped wearing those retainers.
As far as other procedures go, anything that has a recovery time is off the table for me.
I live in LA / Orange County area, so I see plenty of people that have had surgery etc., but none of my close friends have had anything done. If I had breast cancer I would most likely opt for a new pair, but surgery is risky and I just don’t think that I could risk leaving my kids motherless, just because I wanted some perkier boobs. Some perkier boobs would be nice, but I always remember an article about a mother who had liposuction after giving birth and died, leaving her newborn motherless. She hadn’t even attempted to see if she could lose the weight naturally and I just couldn’t understand that.
I do think that it is a shame that people don’t just want to age gracefully, though. Some of the OC women look awful with their stretched faces. Plus it feels a little strange to be living in a country where I will probaby be the only person who does not bother to dye her greys.
I’m in my 30’s and have braces! some people don’t even notice I am wearing them! the rubber bands are ugly and get annoying, but who cares. i’ve had them on for almost a year and have 6 or 7 months left. can’t wait! it will be well worth it.
Happy to see a dentist / orthodontist ring in here! I’d put braces and a boob job in two completely different categories, but I suppose it depends on where you draw the line about cosmetic vs. health vs. quality-of-life. No doubt the lines are thin.
Cosmetic procedures have crept slowly into my group of 30-somethings. One friend was so self-conscious about a bump on her nose that she was reluctant to pose for photos. She had it “fixed” — the bump removed — but left the character of the nose intact, and her self-esteem soared. Another friend was always thin but hated her “saddlebags,” and after working her way up the corporate ladder plunked down for high-end plastic surgery to get rid of them. She used to wear baggy jeans, but now she’s rocking the skinnys. A third friend has always struggled with acne, and recently got laser treatments that also took the melasma off her face. She’s getting compliments for the first time about how “healthy” she looks.
What strikes me about all of these friends is that I never thought of them as having “imperfections.” But for them, these specific imperfections caused them major insecurity and made them feel disadvantaged. We shouldn’t have to define ourselves by our attractiveness, but since we do, we might as well figure out what will make us happy with ourselves and define where we draw the line. Given all the research showing that attractive people get better treatment in life — better jobs, salaries, opportunities — if this is an advantage you can afford, we know you will apply it wisely.
I know this is a hot topic especially within the church. I have had botox, but to help with headaches because my eyes are so sensitive to light that I tend to squint. The squinting gives me a headache. I have tried sunglasses but it doesn’t really do the trick. Next year I plan to have a breast reduction and a tummy tuck. My breast went from a 36 B to a 38 DD after 4 children. My back hurts and since my shoulders slope my bra never stays on. The tummy tuck is a little out of vanity but after 2 c-sections my tummy looks like I have a manatee attached to me. It is not pretty, but since I am getting my breast done then why not my tummy. I know it is the person on the inside that counts, but there is not one day that I wake up and am not bothered by these two areas of my body. I think as long as you don’t go over board and it makes you feel better than why not?
I don’t have a problem with braces/teeth whitening/etc. I just think some people take it too far (celebrities with perfectly straight teeth that glow in the dark). I think crooked teeth can be cute/sexy and add character. I wish it was easier in our society to celebrate our quirks…the things that make us individuals instead of the constant quest to be perfect (or close to it). That said, I’ve always wished I had smaller breasts and have considered having breast reduction surgery. I don’t know if I ever will…maybe after I’m done having kids? It seems like such a major/invasive thing to do to your body (I’m a DD and don’t have any medical issues like back pain to justify it from a health standpoint…although I think it would make running a lot more comfortable!) So I say get the braces if you want to…or celebrate your crooked teeth as something that makes you uniquely you! I think celebrities with imperfect teeth are much more beautiful…think Lauren Hutton, Madonna, etc.
On the same page as you on this one. Celebrities take it way over the top, and as you’ve said, glow in the dark teeth. I’m really not that into “perfection” believe it or not. I also find that crooked teeth have to potential to bring a “je ne sais quoi” sexiness. In Japan, overlapping extra teeth are considered a rare beauty mark.
Even wrinkles look good and classy with some women. However, I do understand if those particular individuals might want to have either some botox or dermal filler injections done, because it’s for their own needs of what they want to look like. However, these cosmetic procedures done in moderation is the key.
Paul Johnson, Cosmetic adviser, Skin Vitality complaints
I’m 35 and have been wearing braces for the last 18 months or so. I don’t see a problem with it, especially since everyone seems to think I look 17 now that I have them! I’m too chicken to try botox, fillers or any other form of cosmetic surgery though.
It’s interesting you brought this up. I am in my thirties and was scheduled to get braces this month. I had to cancel because I recently discovered I’m pregnant! So that’s $5K I am really going to need this year and I don’t think it will be wise to spend it on my teeth. But I probably will get them next year. I have always had crooked teeth and I’m just tired of them.
I am a little worried about being a grown woman and being taken seriously in my profession with braces. But then again, I would only need them for a few months.
I had another thought about this – what message are we sending to our little girls if we can’t embrace aging? If our girls see us being insecure about our bodies, how will it affect their own body images? I am kind of a hypocrite because I want braces and I pluck out my gray hairs. I just finished reading “Cinderella Ate My Daughter” and it raised some interesting points about the messages we moms send to our daughters when we complain about being fat or try to stay as young as our girls are.
My mom had Invisalign at age 60. She thought about braces all her adult life but never pulled the trigger. I say go for it.
Had them at 13 then 27 and since I could not wear my retainers while prego (made me gag) wad thinking about it again at 38;)
I work in the dental field and can tell you that braces (although they do help our teeth meet up to what our standard of beauty is) are not at all just a cosmetic thing. Teeth are designed to function as a straight set, when they are misaligned you are more prone to decay, bone loss (the part the holds your teeth in), and even headaches. I would get braces whenever you possibly can. Its just a bonus that you’ll be even more beautiful! Unfortunately, great perky non-deflated breasts are just cosmetic and there are zero health benefits to getting them done….I’ve looked into it:)