Cosmetic or dentures?

[Fcroxy]

Hiya, new member here looking for some advice. It's going to be long so bare with me

I've always had misshapen teeth from a young age, use to regularly go to the dentist as a child and never had a fear of the dentist. About 12 years ago I had a small removable brace fitted (can't remember what it's called) when I was about 13 in preparation for train track braces (I'm 25 now). A few months before I was due to have braces fitted my parents and I moved to France. From then I never visited the dentist, tbh I can't remember why, maybe I rebelled and refused (the move hit me hard and I acted out to punish my parents in a way I suppose)

I moved back to the UK when I was 18. By that age I felt too 'old' to have braces (silly I know as many people do have them) as all of my friends already had then in their teenage years. Instead I've just let them go to shit (excuse my French) I do brush twice a day but have never bothered flossing etc. I never felt there was any point as they are a terrible shape anyway so why bother. I have a few teeth that have completely broken in half, and they aren't a great white colour either, years of smoking and drinking a lot of coffee.

The appearance of my teeth has always bothered me but I refuse to go to the dentist, I don't know why but something stops me making an appointment, I don't know if it's fear of being told how terrible they are, I see them everyday, I don't need a stranger confirming it for me. I don't have fear as such of the pain or procedures, I've had enough painful operations the past few years having dodge knees and learning to walk again etc.

I've always said I won't visit a dentist until I can afford to have something cosmetic done, but in reality with a young baby now I can't afford it, and doubt I would for a long time either. I've been looking at finances to help spread the cost, but my credit rating isn't the great and I doubt very much I would get accepted. The only other thing I can think of would have all my teeth removed and having dentures. It seems extreme but honestly feels like the only option to finally have a smile that I can be proud of. I have always hated my teeth and get really defensive if anyone mentions them. I also get so uncomfortable if people talk about tooth ache, dentists etc and go very quiet and will stop joining in conversation. I don't smile because of them and always look miserable. I hate my photo taken too as I have a stupid fake closed mouth smile so no teeth are showing at all. I can't even have a nice photo taken of me and my daughter because I always look so miserable or stupid fake smile.

I don't know what I'm looking for really, advice? Opinions? Personal experiences? Sorry if it doesn't make sense or I'm rambling on, I've never been good at explaining things, especially when writing it down lol

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi Fcroxy,

to the forum. You did well by posting here because while reading your story it felt as if you are so close to making a dental appointment and the members of this wonderful forum might give you the support and help needed to get over this threshold.
I believe that the main reason for your difficulty to face the dental treatment is the years-long avoidance. This is not quite anxiety but a fundamental believe that it is something better to avoid. Only facing the dental experience can allow you to know what is it all about. In other words: it might be much easier than you think but you never know it before you try it.
Another concern you kind of mentioned is a difficult and expensive treatment. I don't know what is the situation but very often the dentist can improve the appearance of the front teeth with simple, easy and cheap treatments. If you want a perfect Hollywood smile than it will probably costly. However, small and smart interventions like adding some white fillings and shaving some enamel off can make a huge difference.

 

[Spike 1969]

Hello and To the forum

Firstly much respect for posting here, you will find that a lot of the folks here have had similar experiences. I would say that I agree with Dr Daniel, for me it always used to be the great unknown about what to expect from the whole dentistry experience, coupled with a few past bad experiences. I have to say that my new, amazing dentist has completely transformed my concept and the reality is much better than I thought it would be.

Back to the Cosmetic/dentures thing. To be honest at your relatively young age, I very much doubt you would be looking at dentures. My teeth are far from perfect but they are pretty much healthy and well maintained. Not many folks have perfect teeth and as Dr Daniel says people that do have paid for them.

you will probably find that with a good cleaning, a repair here and there that you will be surprised with how good your teeth will look and if you can get to the point where your teeth are healthy you can look at doing any cosmetic stuff one tooth at a time to keep the costs at a reasonable level.

if you are in the UK, are you looking at Private or NHS?

kind Regards