To get braces? any dentists advise? (Photo attached)

[Fixthefaults]

Adulthood has ruined my teeth, the older I get the more crowded they become. I never smile and there is very few photos of me. My bottom teeth are a mess and my top incisor is in front of the others. I’m in my 30s now and it’s making me totally miserable. Not only that but my jaw now constantly clicks I presume it’s related to my teeth. I spoke to a dentist last year who guessed I would need 8k worth of work done, he couldn’t advise if Invisalign was an option as he didn’t offer it. That amount of money would empty all our savings so it’s s huge decision. I’m recently engaged and can’t even think of getting married because how can I pose for photos??

Has anyone had severe overcrowding that’s been fixed at a reasonable price? Does Invisalign work on severe cases? I’m planning on a consultation with an orthodontist but consultations cost money and I don’t want to waste it to be told the same price as the previous dentist.

I’m mortified by this but I’ve attached a photo of my bottom teeth to show the overcrowding.

[DalekDalekDalek]

It is going to cost you a fortune unless you can convince the NHS that it is causing a medical problem (which the jaw clicking sounds like it is) and is not cosmetic.

[Leontine]

It doesn't look like Invisalign would work for you, at least not initially. I think you would have a fixed brace, and it probably would cost as much as you were quoted.

I was quoted £4000 for an Invisalign around 10 years ago. I didn't have any overcrowding and my treatment would have only lasted about a year.

Sorry that's not what you wanted to hear. Orthodontics isn't cheap.

[WillowySnicket]

Whereabouts are you based? I know of some near me who offer free consultations on orthodontics. I could pm you details.

[TheSnowFairy]

I had six teeth taken out as a child due to overcrowding.

Good luck!

[MoistCantaloupe]

A lot of orthodontists do free consultations - if the place you’re looking at doesn’t, I’d research the closest that does in the area.

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

The NHS do have strict criteria these days but I would check if there is any work you would be entitled to free of charge if it is causing jaw problems. Even if they don’t cover all the work that might make the rest more affordable.

[RoderickRules]

Dental plan?
My dentist let’s me pay over time.

[moomin4071]

Hi just so you know a lot of orthodontists do braces on finance plans. Also if Invisalign won't work for you there are other types of braces which aren't so conspicuous as traditional train tracks (which would work fastest IMO).

They do tooth coloured traditional braces but they also do lingual braces that go behind the teeth although some people really struggle with speaking with those.

Your jaw clicking maybe an issue that would be seen as not cosmetic, look at TMJ.

Also check out Metal mouth forums, there's loads of information about orthodontics on there and they are nearly all adults!

[Summercat]

WOAH your poor thing.

I think you should be entitled to have it done on the NHS. (Some will disagree...) Your teeth are not right, they're pretty unhealthy, hard to clean, and just ruining your life.

IMO, you should at least be considered for free treatment. Do you pay tax? National Insurance? Why should you not be allowed?

Any idea how or why your teeth are like this?

Good luck. Go see your dentist and say you would like orthodontic treatment.

[Allthepinkunicorns]

If it will make you feel happy about yourself go for it. They will probably remove teeth as it looks like you have overcrowding. I had 6 teeth removed due to overcrowding and then braces on for 2 years. Also teeth can move after braces have been removed, I've had slight movement since I was a teen due to my wisdom teeth coming through but I'm happy with the overall. Also they can be quite painful but if that out ways your unhappiness I would say go for it.

[Domino20]

Honestly. Go to Poland. The quality of their work is exceptional and prices a fraction of here. I have a friend travelling there at Easter. If you want to PM me I can take some information from you (extensive pictures, the result you are hoping for, age etc etc) and she will discuss with her dentist.

[pottersotters]

I’ve just had orthodontic braces, mine were similar but not quite as overcrowded and it was 5 months and 2k tip and bottom.
I had a free consultation.
Whereabouts are you?

[juniorcakeoff]

If you had nhs orthodontic treatment as a child you will not be offered nhs treatment as an adult.

If it helps most people don't notice other people's bottom teeth tbh and a slightly wonky or crossed over upper incisor can look very endearing. 6 month smile type treatments are only workable ime on people with a very slight overbite who wouldn't have qualified for nhs treatment as children anyway.

What do your friends/family think? (Not the ones who wouldn't give you an honest answer!)

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

Domino
For one off treatment I can understand but Orthodontic treatment often requires regular adjustments if you have braces. How does that work?

[juniorcakeoff]

Summercat wtf. I have seen way way worse than OPs teeth! they look healthy and clean and white.

[DrRanjsRightEyebrow]

I've got Invisalign at the moment. It's around £4500. They weren't quite as severe as yours, but not too far off, so I dount it would be 8k unless you needed surgery. The same dentist would have been £3500 for traditional braces (but with tooth coloured attachments). I was happy to have traditional except they would have needed to do extractions, which made me nervous, whereas Invisalign I could ger away with interproximal reduction (narrowing the teeth to make room) That was more appealing to me as I wanted to keep all my teeth. I also liked the fact I could review the end result before I started. I commited to paying £100 for my consultation as I knew I would get the work done, even though at that stage I did not know which method, nor how long it would be before I could begin (ie when I would have the money saved) I am on a payment plan for the duration of the treatment, which is about a year. Bite the bullet and have the consultation. And pursue having it done on NHS. It's worth checking whether you fit the criteria.

[Fondantfancypant]

Look into 6 month smile braces. It only moves the front 6 teeth therefore it's quick and not as invasive. Also a lot cheaper, I've seen great results from it. You're looking at about £2500 for upper and lower arches.

[slothface]

I had braces aged 24. Was meant to have them as a kid but was too scared of having the teeth out. Like you I had pretty serious overcrowding and they were crooked, it was too complex a case for Invisalign and by the looks of it yours would be too.

I had the full train tracks for 2 years, cost 2.5k and had to have 4 teeth out. I had to put a deposit down and then could pay in instalments so it was manageable. I think the cost depends on the level of work needed but 8k sounds excessive! I'm pretty sure braces are almost always considered cosmetic work and adults aren't eligible for free treatment - despite my overcrowding causing impacted wisdom teeth, infections and pain, the braces were considered cosmetic and there was no way I could get them for free

[T2517]

This might sound really weird but if you can’t afford treatment and you’re really unhappy at the prospect of wedding photos, have you thought about removable false teeth that go on top? I don’t know if that’s even a thing but I know drag queens/actors use them (known as “flippers”). I think your teeth look normal and not as bad as you think, but as someone with similar issues I know how hard it can be to smile and how inaccessible private orthodontics are. Sorry if that’s a crap suggestion but it’s what I thought of.

Also your jaw sounds like TMJ related to teeth grinding or tenseness, I have the same and it’s quite severe. Your dentist should be able to make you a mouth guard for not too much to help you or refer you for nhs treatment (had my guard made at a hospital)

[beepbeeprichie]

I had total train tracks. Paid interest free in instalments over nearly 3 years and so it didn’t hurt as much financially. Personally I don’t think that looks like an Invisalign case from that picture. With real braces, although not the prettiest, the orthodontist can adjust as you go and tweak, including twisted teeth.
Best money I ever spent on myself I cannot even tell you how glad I am I did it.

[TicketyBoo83]

I’ve had 4 out due to overcrowding and I’m just about to start Invisalign treatment. My orthodontist reckons it’ll take about 18 months and it’s costing just under 4K.

If you’re thinking about it why not do some googling and see if anywhere near you does free consultations?

[Summercat]

@juniorcakeoff

I mean the way they are placed is unhealthy, hard to clean, easy to get decay all over them.

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

I had a lot of orthodontic treatment as a child. Be prepared for it to be slow and sometimes uncomfortable process.

[NerNerNerNerBATMAN]

I just spent £4K on Invisalign and my overcrowding was quite minor in the scheme of things. I could well see it costing £8k.

Tbh if it were me I'd consider fixed metal braces. My orthodontist offers a wide range of treatments for overcrowding including fixed and Invisalign, as well as a few others. I had to pay for a consultation but this was refunded against the cost of treatment later. It was well worth having an assessment by someone who offered different treatments.

I put mine on a 0%interest credit card and don't regret a penny of it!! I'd had fixed braces as a kid but my wisdom teeth came through much later and messed it all up!

[GinUnicorn]

Where are you based? I can recommend someone if you are in London x