Several things going on here, and they all blend together.
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She really, really thinks she’s ugly. Nothing debilitating I guess, but enough to scare me off talking about it.
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Apparently braces are a Filipino thing, for young girls. She’s 54. Being Asian, she looks more like 40, still…
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I think the above stems from the vanity of showing, “I’m rich enough to afford dental care and braces make me look young.”
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Her teeth are perfect. When we started dating I asked how much longer she would have to wear them (bottom teeth only). She laughed her ass off like I was so silly! Said it was a fashion thing.
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She’s very fashionable, so I feel like mentioning the thing would be a direct assault on her self esteem. No problem saying this or that does or doesn’t look good on her, but this feels way more personal than talking about a dress.
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Now that we’ve been together a couple of years, I’m scared shitless she will think I found her ugly this whole time. Despite the fact I worship the ground she walks on. Daily.
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No clue on the cost and we’re broke ATM. Maybe wait till I have a good job again?
Before anyone says it, of course we can speak freely to one another, just a sticky case for the reasons outlined. I feel removing her braces is the one thing she could do to be more attractive, and that would be a pretty (heh) big deal. We both put in the effort to be attractive to one another, that’s no big deal. But this one thing feels out-of-bounds, verboten.
Can’t answer till tomorrow. She’s off work in a minute.
Re: cost
The cost of fashion braces , especially if they are not being regularly adjusted, should be no/low cost. Most of the cost is in the initial installation and removal, and the monthly adjustment appointments. I seriously doubt she’s going regularly.
FYI- discoloration of the enamel can happen as a result of braces due to inconsistent staining of enamel. The longer they are on, the worse it can be. It’s possible that she doesn’t want them removed for this reason.
Those braces haven’t been touched since they were installed, purely cosmetic. Pair of diagonal pliers get the job done?
That would deal with the wire. The brackets glued to the teeth, no.
Jesus man, I was joking! Now I’m laughing picturing the scene, “Hold still dammit or it’ll hurt worse!”
You’ve indicated your respect for your gf, so I didn’t figure you’d actually do it. It would make for an interesting piece of dark comedy though.
Can’t she change them for removable ones?