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52 With Braces?

October 2017. Smiling and happy about my transformation. I like what I see.


I remember the day I told the Hubbs I was going to an orthodontist to get braces. 52, with braces? That was the thought that probably crossed his mind, if I had to garner. He just shook his head and smiled, but this girl knew it had to happen. Although many people believe orthodontia is just for children or adolescents, adults are embracing orthodontia like never before.

A survey by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) showed that the rate of people over 18 with braces grew 14 percent from 2010 to 2012. That brought the number of adults with braces in the United States and Canada to over a million. In addition, about 20% to 25% of patients are over age 50.  President De Wayne McCamish, DDS, says, “We’re more concerned about our appearance and we’re more concerned about keeping our teeth.”

Kjeld Aamodt, director of pre-doctoral orthodontics at UCSF said that people who have had orthodontic work may take more pride in their teeth and, after making a major investment, their motivation for oral hygiene increases.”

My reasoning for becoming a “brace face” in my fifties was to become more confident and comfortable with my smile. When my children were at home, my focus was all about them (time and money). By the time I took a good look at what I once considered a beautiful smile, the shift had begun. And what I mean by shift, is that my teeth were really crooked. I knew it would only get worse.

Me and the Hubbs, a couple of weeks after the braces were installed on my upper teeth.


Today, at my 6 month mark, my teeth are remarkably straighter. I have an additional eighteen months of treatment to go.  But, tell me, who doesn’t want to look and feel their best?

Shout out to my amazing orthodontist, Dr. Vacharee B. Fell, DDS, of Culver City Orthodontics, for giving me a better smile!

Stay tuned for the 12 month check-in.

Until then, keep smiling!

Love y’all,

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