Author Topic: What do you do when you go out in public wearing your appliances or headgear? (Read 17942 times)

libtech · « **on:** 04. July 2017, 08:32:53 AM »

Just curiouser what some peoples objectives are when going out in public wearing your braces, appliances, headgear etc? How often do you do it? Where do you go and what do you like to do?

retained · « **Reply #1 on:** 10. July 2017, 02:00:04 AM »

Strangely I had to think long and hard about this to come up with any sort of answer.
The simple answer is I don't really do anything unusual!
I have probably covered most of my thoughts before, and I may be in the minority here because I don't really wear beaces etc to be noticed by others.
I somehow want to feel that I have become fully used to wearing something which changes sensations but is totally optional and I chose to do. I could stop at any time but it is a challenge to see if I can carry on with it.
I was going to continue to say that there is no force or necessity involved, but when I think about it, I like the idea that if i am around the same people for any length of time and they do spot my appliances, I can hardly take them out and I have to continue with them.
Also as I suggested in one of my posts, it is the way that if I wear them long enough and become so used to them that it may be more difficult to be without them. (speaking / eating etc). At one time after I had become totally used to wearing a thick bite plate for a long period of time, I took it out and left it in the car whilst I went to meet some business contacts, just to see what it would be like not to becwearing it. It was very difficult to speak without tripping over my words and I was so self-conscious that I went back to the car and put it in again. So, I suppose I had made it so there was some necessity involved, nothing permanent of course.
If it were to be permanent or really enforced, I am sure I would loose interest quite quickly!
Again.....thoughts from others would be interesting.
Not sure if this makes sense to anyone else?

I suppose these exact thoughts could apply to other items or devices.......it would be interesting to hear from others here.

Sorry, usual long ramblings and you have probably got bored reading this, but just trying to get the discussion started....

libtech · « **Reply #2 on:** 10. July 2017, 14:39:08 PM »

Thank you for your posting. I am stoked that someone put out the time to answer something that I posted. It seems as if there aren't a lot people on this forum anymore. Thanks for your answer

bugbathe43 · « **Reply #3 on:** 10. July 2017, 16:19:35 PM »

I had to wear my headgear for 2 years, I always would go out in public with it on. I really enjoyed wearing my braces, the best thing was toward the end of my treatment I had a tongue crib for 7 months. I traveled to worldwide during the 2 years of wearing my headgear, going through security wearing it was quite interesting, I did set off the metal detector, which I enjoyed the attention and stares.

andys · « **Reply #4 on:** 11. July 2017, 01:57:41 AM »

Quote from: bugbathe43 on 10. July 2017, 16:19:35 PM

I had to wear my headgear for 2 years, I always would go out in public with it on. I really enjoyed wearing my braces, the best thing was toward the end of my treatment I had a tongue crib for 7 months. I traveled to worldwide during the 2 years of wearing my headgear, going through security wearing it was quite interesting, I did set off the metal detector, which I enjoyed the attention and stares.

I'm the opposite in that I both enjoy the thrill of going somewhere with my headgear, but the thought of being the center of attention is too much. I know it's a lot to ask....wear something so unusual, but also want to sort of blend in and have people treat it like no big deal...

Usually I go somewhere where there isn't a lot of people. I'm more willing to go to busy places when I'm away from home, but there's still the worry that my picture ends up on the web (and I have to explain it to people I know...)

ukbraces · « **Reply #5 on:** 17. July 2017, 00:55:24 AM »

Interesting question. I just wear mine. but I'd LIKE to go out in headgear for sure.... though think I'd prefer to share that moment as opposed to do it myself....

Any others tried public headgear?

DemBones · « **Reply #6 on:** 17. July 2017, 09:19:43 AM »

yeah, going out "by yourself" is not fun. you need to share the experience with a friend. Done it exactly twice now! :-D Went to a coffee shop and a pub and just had a few drinks with my buddy.

Miketehcat · « **Reply #7 on:** 17. July 2017, 14:12:08 PM »

I've never tried headgear before, but have hawley retainers right now. When I do wear them in public, I like to try and blend in, even though they do affect my speech somewhat. I mostly continue about my life as normal, running errands and shopping and such. I do like when I have to repeat myself, or when people notice my appliance. I haven't gotten any questions about it, though.

I have only done this once in awhile in the past, usually when I had to run an errand out of town or meeting people farther away from where I live. However, I very recently came out about this interest to my partner, and she is interested in exploring this with me, which I'm fairly excited about. I am also looking forward to buying twin blocks from the braces shop and giving those a shot in public as well

libtech · « **Reply #8 on:** 18. July 2017, 10:10:56 AM »

I have gone public with mine but either only at night or answering Tuesday door of my house to someone I do not personally know. Someone asked me an interesting question a while back and asked me "what is the thrill, significance, motive, feeling you gain going out in public with your headgear on"? I really didn't know what to tell them except the fact that they would probably only understand if they had a significant feeling for Headgear/headgear fet...

ukbraces · « **Reply #9 on:** 26. August 2017, 20:04:00 PM »

was it full headgear you wore in public too? for how long?

libtech · « **Reply #10 on:** 31. August 2017, 01:34:21 AM »

Idk who that question is for

Miketehcat · « **Reply #11 on:** 11. October 2017, 15:00:23 PM »

I just went out in public with my twin block this weekend! My partner and I were in an airport, and we had a 2 hour layover, so I asked her if I could wear my twin block in the airport and she said yes! It was a little scary, as it was the first time I had worn my custom device in public, and I had a very huge lisp, but it was also really fun. We just talked as normal, I don't think I got too many stares. We also ordered food, we looked at the menu together and picked something out, and then she stepped back and asked me to order

! It doesn't seem like a lot, but having to tell a stranger what I wanted when my speech was so lispy was definitely scary, but also very exciting and fun! I'm hoping to do more adventures like that, now that I have some experience.

Miketehcat · « **Reply #12 on:** 12. October 2017, 01:46:59 AM »

I can wear my hawleys in public without too much of a problem, my speech isn't affected at all, but I like the lisp that the twin block gives me

It was definitely a big rush and I enjoyed it a lot!

She does know I like braces, it's a fairly recent development, but we've been exploring it for the past month or two and she is enjoying the experience! She's even trying to push me to be more open about it and bring them out into public more often! I'm taking small steps.

It feels great to wear these appliances in public, and i hope you can work up the courage to wear headgear!

brace666 · « **Reply #13 on:** 12. October 2017, 09:43:46 AM »

Same for me ...

libtech · « **Reply #14 on:** 12. October 2017, 11:47:48 AM »

Awesome you guys great job to all of you! The thrill of wearing our orthodontia in public is unexplainable and regardless of how vast our device is, whether something as simple like just a top Hawley removable or as heavy as double combination HG with biteplate and lipbumper, depending what our Device or Devices of choice are, the feeling makes us feel as if we are on top of the world. It's a high in itself.
I am seeing a girl on the weekends due to out work life, I hang put with her fully Geared every weekend. I didn't know we would start basically seeing eachother but a few weeks ago we were texting (Friday night) tell her my day was horrible after receiving a How Are You from her. She Asks Why. I tell her I got braces due to slow relaps of jaw surgery. She says well braces aren't bad (she is not full knowledge on significant Orthodontics). I tell her they are what you think. She says I'm coming over to comfort you and make you happy. I tell her no seriously it's a huge metal orthodontic device that wraps around my head. She says well how many hours a day do you need to wear it? I say (I Went For It) It's perminantly wired in and I just hate life now! She says ohh you poor thing well sure your still handsome

. I say No I'm awkward looking. She doesn't text back for 20 mins then "Knock Knock" on door. I gear up to play the role walk to the door with heart pounding. I yell out "Who Isth Itk" with a lisp. It's her. I cover my face with my shirt open the door and as she steps in she demands me to show her. I tell her NO! She then pulls shirt from my face and Sighs loudly followed by "Aww I still think your handsome" she smiles while putting her high hand on my cheek which was basically a hand full of Gear and straps then hugs me. If anyone would like I can continue this or keep you posted on my weekend 24/7 headgear fling!

I'm living a fantasy although I feel bad for this too. We hang and sleep over every weekend and I'm always Geared and she is always talking and asking about it which is fun and arrousing. She kisses me and plays with my gear when we cuddle to a movie. It's amazing

Fraenkelstein · « **Reply #15 on:** 31. October 2017, 18:12:33 PM »

Wow that's amazing

.

I just try to smile broadly when I go out, but I still feel self-conscious. It's probably part of the attraction, though. I hope to work up to going to a carnival or such with headgear on at some point.

mr-metal · « **Reply #16 on:** 04. January 2018, 23:21:05 PM »

I only wear my braces and headgear out of town - with the main aim of getting a reaction from someone and them asking about it! Unfortunately not that many people ask.

I’ll go into a shop and ask for something, then apologise for lisping so much in the hope that it starts a conversation. I only ever go to the female shop assistants! Lol

I went into the pharmacy once to ask about pain relief - she was interested and was asking how long I had to wear it. I said I was given the option of jaw surgery or headgear and opted for headgear!

Thelog · « **Reply #17 on:** 04. January 2018, 23:35:14 PM »

Quote from: mr-metal on 04. January 2018, 23:21:05 PM

I only wear my braces and headgear out of town - with the main aim of getting a reaction from someone and them asking about it! Unfortunately not that many people ask.

I’ll go into a shop and ask for something, then apologise for lisping so much in the hope that it starts a conversation. I only ever go to the female shop assistants! Lol

I went into the pharmacy once to ask about pain relief - she was interested and was asking how long I had to wear it. I said I was given the option of jaw surgery or headgear and opted for headgear!

That does sound super exciting! I love it when people ask my wife about her braces, from fellow braced females it's positively amazing! Seeing her comparing her hardware with someone is so cool

mr-metal · « **Reply #18 on:** 04. January 2018, 23:41:31 PM »

I'm so jealous your wife has braces! Not fair! lol!

bugbathe43 · « **Reply #19 on:** 05. January 2018, 15:30:11 PM »

When I wore my headgear in I never got a lot of looks until I went into a restaurant. I would order my drink and drink with a straw, then when my meal came I would remove it, the looks and reactions came when I put. My headgear back on. I they were wondering how I could put in without a mirror.

alexR1 · « **Reply #20 on:** 04. December 2018, 22:09:52 PM »

Ive been out (in England) wearing various casts and my neck and back braces (including a Lerman Non-Invasive Halo). Also, years ago, I also publicked in an expander and combination headgear I bought from The Braces Shop.

Generally, the thrill of being looked at furtively by members of the public is amazing although I am not so keen if someone is really staring; most people are too polite to actively stare though. I think it is also surprising how many people (especially men I find) seem fascinated (or even turned on?) by medical restriction e.g. casts, orthopaedic braces and orthodontic braces.

I have just ordered an blue Activator with pelottes, tongue crib and headgear tubes plus hi-pull & cervical headgear and facebow from The Braces Shop - I can't wait to publick in that!

libtech · « **Reply #21 on:** 05. December 2018, 07:57:08 AM »

Quote from: alexR1 on 04. December 2018, 22:09:52 PM

alexR1 that is awesome. Great choice on appliancea from bracesshop and there is a vast thrill factor and high when seen out in public all Geared up! I dont know how to explain it but even the embarassment is a thrill too. Do you have a milwaukee brace at all?

alexR1 · « **Reply #22 on:** 05. December 2018, 14:36:44 PM »

Quote from: libtech on 05. December 2018, 07:57:08 AM

alexR1 that is awesome. Great choice on appliancea from bracesshop and there is a vast thrill factor and high when seen out in public all Geared up! I dont know how to explain it but even the embarassment is a thrill too. Do you have a milwaukee brace at all?

No I dont have and nor have I ever tried a Milwaukee - would like to although no more restrictive than my recently purchased custom made Minerva!

bracessd · « **Reply #23 on:** 05. December 2018, 17:05:23 PM »

AlexR1 Very nice! Look forward to you sharing your experience with your new activator.

alexR1 · « **Reply #24 on:** 06. December 2018, 01:29:59 AM »

I can't wait and will let you know how it feels and what reactions I get if I publick in it...

libtech · « **Reply #25 on:** 06. December 2018, 06:33:49 AM »

alexR1 Do you plan on wearing your new headgear out in public along with your new appliance?
So how is your minerva brace custom?

alexR1 · « **Reply #26 on:** 06. December 2018, 13:21:04 PM »

libtech I certainly wouldn't wear my Minerva and Activator together at the same time. I like to project a semblance of reality!

I was going to publlick last weekend in London (or near) but the guy who was going to give me some moral support couldn't, in the end, meet me. I will certainly venture out in my Activator (would need moral support of someone with me to put headgear on too - somehow it's a lot easier if you're with someone - the stares don't seem to affect me so much). I would be worried about my speech though as the Activator has a tongue crib...

libtech · « **Reply #27 on:** 07. December 2018, 01:45:59 AM »

alexR1 I understand what your talking about in regards to you NOT wearing your minerva brace and activator at the same time. Its a way better experience/journey doing a public outing realistically braced in one way or another for sure!

Yah having moral support makes public outings braced up much easier like for me, my first time in public wearing my headgear I was with my friend Hannah who happens to be a well presentable/pretty young lady. It was still extremely nerve racking, emvarassing, scary etc but it does make such a vast difference... What does your Minerva look like?

andys · « **Reply #28 on:** 07. December 2018, 01:47:24 AM »

Quote from: alexR1 on 04. December 2018, 22:09:52 PM

Ive been out (in England) wearing various casts and my neck and back braces (including a Lerman Non-Invasive Halo).

I've always wanted to try one of those. They look really restrictive. I also like orthopedic braces (though I've never had the chance to be in a cast before). Most I've ever tried was a Miami J collar.

retained · « **Reply #29 on:** 08. December 2018, 01:03:19 AM »

Seems like orthodontic braces and orthopaedic braces go hand in hand for many of us.
Sparky has brought various ones into his stories.
Anyone else here tried kafos (leg calipers) etc? Have had mine for just a short time......

David-Braces · « **Reply #30 on:** 08. December 2018, 08:41:16 AM »

AS Ich never had a real HG I didn't have time wear it publically yet...and to put in my fakes outside I wasn't brave enough yet ;-)

andys · « **Reply #31 on:** 09. December 2018, 04:32:05 AM »

Quote from: retained on 08. December 2018, 01:03:19 AM

Seems like orthodontic braces and orthopaedic braces go hand in hand for many of us.
Sparky has brought various ones into his stories.
Anyone else here tried kafos (leg calipers) etc? Have had mine for just a short time......

What are they like? Are they modern plastic type? Where have you worn them?

I've really only tried stuff I've been able to find locally at thrift stores and the like (walking boots, knee braces, wrist splints, and of course the neck brace I ordered). Would be fun to try KAFOs or... HKAFOs!

I would love to be able to travel somewhere no one knows me and either wear heavy orthodontia (combo headgear w/ appliance and lisp) or some restrictive bracing. That said, finding restrictive braces like that and paying for them is out of reach for now...

alexR1 · « **Reply #32 on:** 09. December 2018, 18:20:50 PM »

Ive got pictures of my custom Minerva on my profile. I will post pictures of my Activator / Headgear as soon as I receive it from the Braces Shop...

alexR1 · « **Reply #33 on:** 09. December 2018, 18:23:41 PM »

Quote from: libtech on 06. December 2018, 06:33:49 AM

alexR1 Do you plan on wearing your new headgear out in public along with your new appliance?
So how is your minerva brace custom?

I had my Minerva rigid plastic head-to-hip brace made by Vintage Braces UK for me specifically - hence "custom made"

castleg · « **Reply #34 on:** 10. December 2018, 06:17:26 AM »

If i have a headgear, i will try to go to restaurant , and show it how to eat with headgear~~

libtech · « **Reply #35 on:** 10. December 2018, 08:08:45 AM »

Quote from: castleg on 10. December 2018, 06:17:26 AM

If i have a headgear, i will try to go to restaurant , and show it how to eat with headgear~~

That would be such a rush to do! Wow! How amazing and fun that would be but that would also take a bit of guts to follow through with as well...

That would absolutely be an incredible site! Especially a combination headgear (large facebow) and extremely colorfully loud straps like flouresct orange, pink or maybe even yellow : )

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Author Topic: What do you do when you go out in public wearing your appliances or headgear? (Read 17942 times)