| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 7:52:23 AM | OK, now i've done a search on the forums and the answers about "Dental Braces" mainly relate to "will people go out with me if i have them" so that's not my question.
The long and short of it is that I'm a 31 year old man who is half-way through the braces procedure. On my profile I have a photo taken pre-braces and I make no mention on my profile that I have them. I have mixed self confidence in that I'm physically fit and very good at my job, but am self conscious about my braces. Now onto my questions:
1) Should I add to my profile that I wear dental braces; or go a step further and put a new photo on which includes my braces being clearly visible?
2) If you're reading this and can say "I had braces at a similar age" what were your dating experiences like and did it change how you behaved or acted?
3) What would your reaction be if your date had braces and it was not mentioned on their profile, nor visible in their profile shot? Has this actually happened to you? | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 8:05:06 AM | I would probably add a picture with braces to my profile. I don't think you need to mention it in your profile. If you get to talking to a girl, then maybe mention it prior to meeting.
Personally - I don't really think I would care if a guy showed up with braces. As long as they are clean. I'd be happier to know that his once crooked teeth will soon be straight. | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 8:19:23 AM | | I had a full set of braces when I was in my late 20's and actually got married with them on. They didn't come off until late 1991 when I was 31. I dated my ex for 3 years before we got married, so he never saw my teeth before the braces. I don't think there's any need to go into detail about them; just put a picture up showing them and if you should happen to find someone you're interested in, then of course you can mention that you have them. Just remember: keep them clean and don't eat pizza in public....lol. | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 8:27:18 AM | I am also half way thru the process...and I figured I'd be off the market (not that being on the market was a goal of mine anyway) until they were off, in fact before I had them put in I did a "last night out" and everything. I don't know if I'd date someone who had em, so I went by that. The "Uglybetty" SN is a private joke based on em...
Turns out I was the only one who really cared. I don't have pics with em, but I always let people know before I meet them. Actually I am so far into em now that I often forget and have to remember to tell them. It hasn't affected anything, really.
Most people I've met either give me props for improving myself (along with other improvements I am making), or think they are a cute quirky thing that becomes a conversation piece.
I'd say it's like anything you worry about - the more you worry, the more you throw off a vibe that makes others worry. If you don't care, they probably won't even notice.
Therefore:
1) Should I add to my profile that I wear dental braces; or go a step further and put a new photo on which includes my braces being clearly visible?
I didn't because I have no camera at the moment, but I hate pics of myself as it is, and didn't want to (assuming I'd be a non entity anyway). I tell people, and they are more than welcome to cancel a meeting over it if they so desire, I can understand it totally, and it really doesn't phase me much. I'd do it if you personally are ok with it, not for the approval of others.
2) If you're reading this and can say "I had braces at a similar age" what were your dating experiences like and did it change how you behaved or acted?
See above.
3) What would your reaction be if your date had braces and it was not mentioned on their profile, nor visible in their profile shot? Has this actually happened to you?
I'd laugh, of course - the joke'd be on him since I have em too. But being that I have to mention it before a meeting, they'd naturally inform me of the same, so in my case I don't see it ever being unexpected (until I am done with mine, anyway).
P.S. - I'm older than you, a female and a DJ/MC, which means I stand in front of crowds and talk with these things all the time. If I can do it, you certainly have nothing at all to worry about. | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 2:14:10 PM | | You shouldn't be so aware of them--LOTS of people have them and its not a big thing-More and more adults are getting orthodontic care because its easier,shorter process and more affordable--Most know this is a temp step to making something better for you, and I think its great--I can't imagine anyone not accepting that--if not, you don't need them--jmo ---hang in there, your almost done!!!!! | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 2:35:29 PM | I would have suggested possible other brace treatments such as porcelain or invisalign that are clear if you're going to be self conscious about them
Put a picture up, you don't need to mention it...that's like saying "I have a mole on my cheek" you just don't need to bother. A picture of your braces would seem less deceiving though, as if you were purposely tricking someone into thinking you didn't have them. | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 2:49:39 PM | | Yep, I'd say post a picture with them. It seems a little shady for you to hide it, though I understand why you'd rather not. At least with them posted, you won't get that jarring look when you meet a girl and smile at her. Most women, when warned, will decide that they don't care. | |
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| Dental Braces - a few opinions sought
Posted: 4/22/2008 3:00:59 PM | | OP, post a picture with your braces so it doesn't come as a surprise. I was an adult too when I got braces - that was back in the day when the term "tin grin" really meant something. To my suprise, men didn't seem put off by them so I doubt you'll have any real negativity. | |
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