Re: CNN Correspondent Wearing Ceramic Braces?

November 26, 2003

I do not mean to be rude, or hostile.... But who cares???

You do, apparently, but why?

Isn't it irrelevant, if she's doing her job? I have not seen this

person. And there is nothing wrong with curiosity. But I find it sort

of strange that you would find this so interesting as to post about

it in a group dedicated to the support of folks who are going through

these changes.

I would hope it would be irrelevant for me, if I were getting the

news out .... Just a thought for you to consider.

Cammie

> Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the program

> NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your opinion....

November 27, 2003

Actually, I care. And probably others might also.

I am about to make a decision about getting metal or ceramic braces

post operation. I think she is wearing ceramic, but they look so

discreet. Discreetness is an important factor to me in making my

decision. If she is in fact wearing ceramics I would be happy to

know that my predicament could be the same.

Isn't the purpose of this forum to exchange information relating to

our situations so that we can make better informed decisions? This

information can be helpful to me and others also sharing the same

concern.

Therefore, is asking such a question really so strange?

I think not.

> > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

program

> > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

opinion....

November 27, 2003

I can't speak for Cammie, but I think the site here is really more

for surgery support. There are a number of sites in yahoo groups more

suited to the " aesthetic " discussions about types of braces,

powerchains, coloured elastics, etc. I think discussions here about

ceramics vs metal as it relates to surgery is reasonably valid, as

there are safety considerations.

To me, the braces are a necessary part of a functional fix of a

skeletal deformity. Cosmetics or aesthetics were no part of my

decision-making process. I didn't like the fact that I had to wear

braces (a holdover from my late teens when I chickened out of getting

them), but that lasted about 1 hour the first day at work. I realized

that it was pointless to be concerned about others' attitudes, so I

smiled broadly and proudly so that everyone could see my full metal

gear.

I do have a friend who thought it was awful that I didn't have clear

braces - I forgive her for that thought. After all, I'm the same

person whether I have braces or not.

That's my 2 cents worth.

> > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> program

> > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> opinion....

November 27, 2003

I can't speak for Cammie, but I think the site here is really more

for surgery support. There are a number of sites in yahoo groups more

suited to the " aesthetic " discussions about types of braces,

powerchains, coloured elastics, etc. I think discussions here about

ceramics vs metal as it relates to surgery is reasonably valid, as

there are safety considerations.

To me, the braces are a necessary part of a functional fix of a

skeletal deformity. Cosmetics or aesthetics were no part of my

decision-making process. I didn't like the fact that I had to wear

braces (a holdover from my late teens when I chickened out of getting

them), but that lasted about 1 hour the first day at work. I realized

that it was pointless to be concerned about others' attitudes, so I

smiled broadly and proudly so that everyone could see my full metal

gear.

I do have a friend who thought it was awful that I didn't have clear

braces - I forgive her for that thought. After all, I'm the same

person whether I have braces or not.

That's my 2 cents worth.

> > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> program

> > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> opinion....

November 27, 2003

I can't speak for Cammie, but I think the site here is really more

for surgery support. There are a number of sites in yahoo groups more

suited to the " aesthetic " discussions about types of braces,

powerchains, coloured elastics, etc. I think discussions here about

ceramics vs metal as it relates to surgery is reasonably valid, as

there are safety considerations.

To me, the braces are a necessary part of a functional fix of a

skeletal deformity. Cosmetics or aesthetics were no part of my

decision-making process. I didn't like the fact that I had to wear

braces (a holdover from my late teens when I chickened out of getting

them), but that lasted about 1 hour the first day at work. I realized

that it was pointless to be concerned about others' attitudes, so I

smiled broadly and proudly so that everyone could see my full metal

gear.

I do have a friend who thought it was awful that I didn't have clear

braces - I forgive her for that thought. After all, I'm the same

person whether I have braces or not.

That's my 2 cents worth.

> > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> program

> > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> opinion....

November 27, 2003

I think everyone in this forum, including myself, should refrain

from creating a atmosphere that discourages valid questions,

curiosities, and concerns relating to all aspects of post and pre-

orthognathic surgery.

Everyone has a different opinion of what entails " surgery support. "

Valid questions that could assist in the healing process should not

be labeled as " strange. " The topic of " aesthetics " is very important

to many of this group's participants as it relates to this sites

purpose: " A place to learn, grow, and heal. "

I think we can all agree that this group has deviated from this

mission statement, from time to time, in its discussions, much

further than my question......

> > > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> > program

> > > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> > opinion....

November 27, 2003

CNN sucks anyhow!....Watch FOX News instead!

Just a joke...don't get mad!!!!

> Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the program

> NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your opinion....

November 27, 2003

Hi ,

I think your curiosity about ceramic braces is fine on this forum. I

was worried about the appearance of the braces also. I got the

porcelain (ceramic) on the top & bottom and am glad that I did.

For me, having orthognathic surgery was both cosmetic & functional.

I had an open bite and could not chew very well and was also always

breathing through my mouth and suffering from constant headaches.

Cosmetically I just did not like the way the open bite looked and

couldn't wait to fix it.

I had my surgery on Oct. 27 and things went fine for me.

Good luck to you

November 27, 2003

,

I agree with you. I have been " slammed " for questions I have asked

on this site and also for some that I have responded too. If you

don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all! This

group tends to get very cliquey. This type of behavior does

discourage people from asking valid questions. It's a shame. Just

ignore it and only read posts that pertain to you and also help

others as much as you can. Don't get discouraged we're all working

toward the same goal. perfect functional bites and jaws.

Missy

> > > > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> > > program

> > > > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> > > opinion....

November 27, 2003

,

I agree with you. I have been " slammed " for questions I have asked

on this site and also for some that I have responded too. If you

don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all! This

group tends to get very cliquey. This type of behavior does

discourage people from asking valid questions. It's a shame. Just

ignore it and only read posts that pertain to you and also help

others as much as you can. Don't get discouraged we're all working

toward the same goal. perfect functional bites and jaws.

Missy

> > > > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> > > program

> > > > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> > > opinion....

November 27, 2003

,

I agree with you. I have been " slammed " for questions I have asked

on this site and also for some that I have responded too. If you

don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all! This

group tends to get very cliquey. This type of behavior does

discourage people from asking valid questions. It's a shame. Just

ignore it and only read posts that pertain to you and also help

others as much as you can. Don't get discouraged we're all working

toward the same goal. perfect functional bites and jaws.

Missy

> > > > > Please satisfy my curiosity. I think the CNN anchor on the

> > > program

> > > > > NewsNight, Carol Lin, is wearing ceramics. Give me your

> > > opinion....

November 27, 2003

Discussions concerning people in the public eye who may/may not be

wearing braces are fair game. I remember quite a few posts

surrounding Tom Cruise when he got his on. Also a whole thread about

which celebrities have had orthognathic surgery. I was even guilty

once of posting about my dog and his orthodontic travails.

I think that those of us who are older, or who have been through

real, traumatic life experiences, tend to view the whole process of

wearing braces as a small inconvenience. We need to remember how

important the need to fit in and feel attractive can be for some

younger people, who thank goodness may have not yet encountered the

situations in life which can cause us to learn perspective. Funny

thing is, perspective comes and goes. Even at my age (37 when I had

the braces put on) I still had moments of insecurity and

embarrassment about wearing them.

For those of us who have had our braces off for a while now, let's

try to remain sensitive to those who are just beginning the journey.

Cheryl

November 27, 2003

Discussions concerning people in the public eye who may/may not be

wearing braces are fair game. I remember quite a few posts

surrounding Tom Cruise when he got his on. Also a whole thread about

which celebrities have had orthognathic surgery. I was even guilty

once of posting about my dog and his orthodontic travails.

I think that those of us who are older, or who have been through

real, traumatic life experiences, tend to view the whole process of

wearing braces as a small inconvenience. We need to remember how

important the need to fit in and feel attractive can be for some

younger people, who thank goodness may have not yet encountered the

situations in life which can cause us to learn perspective. Funny

thing is, perspective comes and goes. Even at my age (37 when I had

the braces put on) I still had moments of insecurity and

embarrassment about wearing them.

For those of us who have had our braces off for a while now, let's

try to remain sensitive to those who are just beginning the journey.

Cheryl

November 27, 2003

Discussions concerning people in the public eye who may/may not be

wearing braces are fair game. I remember quite a few posts

surrounding Tom Cruise when he got his on. Also a whole thread about

which celebrities have had orthognathic surgery. I was even guilty

once of posting about my dog and his orthodontic travails.

I think that those of us who are older, or who have been through

real, traumatic life experiences, tend to view the whole process of

wearing braces as a small inconvenience. We need to remember how

important the need to fit in and feel attractive can be for some

younger people, who thank goodness may have not yet encountered the

situations in life which can cause us to learn perspective. Funny

thing is, perspective comes and goes. Even at my age (37 when I had

the braces put on) I still had moments of insecurity and

embarrassment about wearing them.

For those of us who have had our braces off for a while now, let's

try to remain sensitive to those who are just beginning the journey.

Cheryl

November 27, 2003

Hey folks,

Don't be dumping on Cammie. She's been one of the kindest, most

supportive people on this board.

If you re-read the original post, it doesn't give any background for

why the question was asked. For those who don't believe we should be

judged by our external appearance, but for what we do or who we are

inside, it is indeed a strange question. But hey, if a majority of

people here want to talk about it, that's fine.

For some, it may be worthwhile to consider why they want to

camouflage the braces, why they care about what others think about

their external appearance? When you look at someone, do you see them

or do you see braces? How does this reflect on people who are more

disadvantaged, who can't afford treatment? Just food for thought,

that was my point.

November 27, 2003

For some I think it might be worthwhile to refrain from suggesting a

condescending attitude towards those who choose to integrate

cosmetic considerations into their post-op recovery. Nobody should

feel guilty because they are inquiring or considering some form of

cosmetic inhancements for whatever reason. I think we should all

keep implications relating to character assessments, in this forum,

to ourselves.

> Hey folks,

>

> Don't be dumping on Cammie. She's been one of the kindest, most

> supportive people on this board.

>

> If you re-read the original post, it doesn't give any background

for

> why the question was asked. For those who don't believe we should

be

> judged by our external appearance, but for what we do or who we

are

> inside, it is indeed a strange question. But hey, if a majority of

> people here want to talk about it, that's fine.

>

> For some, it may be worthwhile to consider why they want to

> camouflage the braces, why they care about what others think about

> their external appearance? When you look at someone, do you see

them

> or do you see braces? How does this reflect on people who are more

> disadvantaged, who can't afford treatment? Just food for thought,

> that was my point.

>

November 27, 2003

For some I think it might be worthwhile to refrain from suggesting a

condescending attitude towards those who choose to integrate

cosmetic considerations into their post-op recovery. Nobody should

feel guilty because they are inquiring or considering some form of

cosmetic inhancements for whatever reason. I think we should all

keep implications relating to character assessments, in this forum,

to ourselves.

> Hey folks,

>

> Don't be dumping on Cammie. She's been one of the kindest, most

> supportive people on this board.

>

> If you re-read the original post, it doesn't give any background

for

> why the question was asked. For those who don't believe we should

be

> judged by our external appearance, but for what we do or who we

are

> inside, it is indeed a strange question. But hey, if a majority of

> people here want to talk about it, that's fine.

>

> For some, it may be worthwhile to consider why they want to

> camouflage the braces, why they care about what others think about

> their external appearance? When you look at someone, do you see

them

> or do you see braces? How does this reflect on people who are more

> disadvantaged, who can't afford treatment? Just food for thought,

> that was my point.

>

November 27, 2003

For some I think it might be worthwhile to refrain from suggesting a

condescending attitude towards those who choose to integrate

cosmetic considerations into their post-op recovery. Nobody should

feel guilty because they are inquiring or considering some form of

cosmetic inhancements for whatever reason. I think we should all

keep implications relating to character assessments, in this forum,

to ourselves.

> Hey folks,

>

> Don't be dumping on Cammie. She's been one of the kindest, most

> supportive people on this board.

>

> If you re-read the original post, it doesn't give any background

for

> why the question was asked. For those who don't believe we should

be

> judged by our external appearance, but for what we do or who we

are

> inside, it is indeed a strange question. But hey, if a majority of

> people here want to talk about it, that's fine.

>

> For some, it may be worthwhile to consider why they want to

> camouflage the braces, why they care about what others think about

> their external appearance? When you look at someone, do you see

them

> or do you see braces? How does this reflect on people who are more

> disadvantaged, who can't afford treatment? Just food for thought,

> that was my point.

>

November 27, 2003

I think it can probably said that a majority of us here judge

ourselves much harsher than others do and therefore are more self

conscience about our bringing attention to out teeth. I would also

like to think that because many of us have felt judged, we don't do

it so much to others.

The only comment I would make on ceramic vs metal is that if you

think you want to use colored bands, I don't like them on the

ceramic. I thought I would do it often just for kicks, but it turned

out that that just looked like I had food in my braces.

November 27, 2003

I think it can probably said that a majority of us here judge

ourselves much harsher than others do and therefore are more self

conscience about our bringing attention to out teeth. I would also

like to think that because many of us have felt judged, we don't do

it so much to others.

The only comment I would make on ceramic vs metal is that if you

think you want to use colored bands, I don't like them on the

ceramic. I thought I would do it often just for kicks, but it turned

out that that just looked like I had food in my braces.

November 27, 2003

I think it can probably said that a majority of us here judge

ourselves much harsher than others do and therefore are more self

conscience about our bringing attention to out teeth. I would also

like to think that because many of us have felt judged, we don't do

it so much to others.

The only comment I would make on ceramic vs metal is that if you

think you want to use colored bands, I don't like them on the

ceramic. I thought I would do it often just for kicks, but it turned

out that that just looked like I had food in my braces.

November 28, 2003

I think we have all looked at ourselves in the mirror and disliked

what we saw hence our decisions (in part) to go for surgery. Braces

are a part of this process and let us not forget that we may still be

a little sensitive towards our appearance after surgery too (I have

yet to cross over so please forgive this presumption). I made a

decision to go for a much longer program with Invisalign simply

because I was not psychologically up to presenting a mouth full of

hardware to the world for up to 2 years. I am also going for ceramics

after surgery because to me they look great - I saw them for the

first time on a dental nurse and could not believe how unobtrusive

they appeared and I was less than one metre away.

I agree with that Cammie is a kind and very supportive person.

Yes the original post was a little uniformative as to why the matter

was important in the first place.

I would like to also state that forums of this nature are terrific

but the written word is not so good for conveying mood and intent. If

a question is not clear then perhaps we should try to clarify the

reasons for the question in unchallenging ways - and that is not

always easy. I think too, we write email-type communications in a

different style from the way we write formal letters and it is more

like the way we talk. Unlike with talking though, we don't have real

time follow up opportunities and misunderstandings crop up as a

result.

So does the CNN correspondent wear braces - and the short response

does it matter? No, it doesn't. But if the question really is about

them being so hard to see that maybe might consider having them,

then the answers from this forum are really about supporting 's

(unwritten) concerns about their visibility and the impact on him.

And I think that does matter.

I am not dumping on anyone here, merely trying to be constructive

after some tension has shown through.

Rod

November 28, 2003