I'm 36.  I got braces last July 31 in order to solve jaw problems and
to straighten my front two teeth, which had rotated because of all the
grinding.

In October, Upper Canada Village holds its Fall Fair.  At the fair, there
are riding ponies for the children.  I was waiting for my husband, so I
went over to the fence where people were walking the ponies in a circle.
One child was having difficulty balancing on the animal, and I grinned.  I
guess the metal glinted in the sun, because the next thing I knew, I was
being invited to join the kiddies!  In a perverse way, it was flattering. :)

Most adults completely ignore them, or respond in some way similar to,
"Oh, you TOO?".  There are quite a few people who have been through the
joy of braces as adults; you find out by joining the club!