Any dental experts know how my 6y old's teeth will be fixed?

[WalkingThePlank]

DS, aged 6 has lost his 2 upper central incisors and in their place are 2 peg-teeth which were thought to be supernumerary. The x-ray shows another peg-like tooth and something that may (or may not) be a tooth, which may or not have a root, above them.

The hospital dentists seem to not be sure which will be the better teeth - the pegs, or the peg + unknown tooth. Either way, it's not looking good.
They are unable/unwilling to tell me what will happen in the future other than that things can be done. We have to wait another year to reassess but actual action could be years away.

So, are there any experts out there that can tell me how these disgusting looking pegs will end up looking like normal teeth? Does he have another 12-15 years of his mouth looking horrible with braces and other contraptions?

Have tried to Google but don't know what to Google.

[Mrsmorton]

I don't know, it's an unusual problem but I would suggest not thinking of the teeth in terms of "disgusting" and "horrible" would be a good place to start for everyone. They will be fixed somehow, you're being seen for free (I assume you're in the UK) by specialists in a hospital, that's a pretty fortunate situation to be in and putting a negative spin on "braces and other contraptions" now will massively reduce the chances of his full compliance if he does need such treatment in the future.

Your hospital dentist is far better placed to comment than any dentist you may find on mumsnet.

[MargaretRiver]

Excellent advice from MrsM
Give them an affectionate nickname, but avoid mentioning them more than necessary, and be patient
The treatment plan will be determined soon enough, probably after a Cone Beam Scan next year

[thereinmadnesslies]

I'm not a dentist, but DS, then 6, had to be seen by the hospital dental service when two of his molars crumbled. The dentists from the hospital dental service were amazing. They were skilled at explaining what was going on in language DS could understand, and they were conscious of the aesthetics and potential for negative comments from other kids. They all limited treatment sessions if DS got upset or fidgety. They were very conscious of making sure DS didn't develop a dental phobia.

I know it's not what you asked, but speak to the hospital about your concerns, they will probably be aware of the issues and have strategies to help.

[WalkingThePlank]

Obviously I'm not going to talk about it in the negative in front of DS.

The fact is that his teeth are unattractive (and people comment frequently) and retainers etc are not great looking either.

I have no Idea how these pegs will be made to look normal and the dental consultants would not explain what might happen, what the timescale might be and what the best outcome

I don't understand why they could not talk through the scenarios as presumably they have the knowledge to do so or they would not be consultants.

[Mrsmorton]

It may be that they need to plan it in a multidisciplinary team before coming up with a plan. This could involve oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, paediatric dentists and restorative consultants.

When is your next appointment?

[WalkingThePlank]

Sorry on phone so can't see names of PPs.

Who do I speak to about my concerns if the consultants are claiming ignorance of the what might happen? An holistic approach is clearly not being offered. I have concerns but no one to ask.

To the PP who had veneers at 18, what happened before that? That would be 12 years away for DS.

[WalkingThePlank]

Next appointment is in 12 months time and I understand that nothing will actually happen at that point.

We are seeing at 2 consultants from different disciplines.

[Mrsmorton]

OP, if you like please PM me with details about where you are being seen and the names of your consultants. I might be able to help with a bit more info.

[WalkingThePlank]

Mrs Morton,

I have sent you a rather long and rambling PM. Just trying to work out what the treatment plan will be until DS is an adult. Feel really sad for him having such poor teeth until he is at least an adult

[gordonpym]

You don't have to wait to be 18 to have veneers fitted. The reason they suggest to wait for that age is both cost-related (fitting them earlier would mean you would have to change them every 3-4 years) and growth related The jaw is changing, growing and so are the teeth and the alignment.

BUT, composite veneers can be fitted at an earlier age because they are more mobile and follow some of the changes in the mouth. You could start with composite veneers and shift to porcelain veneers around 18.

I fully understand your frustration and I don't share the view of some of the posters, saying you should count your blessing as you are being followed by the NHS. They are certainly highly qualified but don't have the freedom of the procedures they can offer, especially the cosmetic ones.

I would recommend a private visit to a dentist who also performs orthotropics. You need to prepare and save the space for the veneers now.
The problems with dental pegs are linked to the space being stolen from the others teeth. By wearing a night brace you can maintain and prevent many issues and even avoid the typical teenage braces. You can't have veneers placed as long as the teeth need to be fixed. You usually can't have braces and veneers at the same time.

The hospital has certainly done many X-rays and pictures. Ask for a copy of everything. You are entitled to them.
Search for a specialist and listen to the options they have and the timeline they suggest.

At 6, it's really early, because, all the teeth around are still very small and changing now. But by the time he is 9 or 10, I would think possible to do something. But I strongly recommend an orthotropic visit. It could save you years.

Yes, it will be expensive. But money spend on a nice smile is money very well spent.

[Mrsmorton]

I've got it, will reply when I get to my computer. Fat fingers on tablet.