Hi mumsnet!
I just turned 18 and am being offered braces on the nhs (even though its super late). I have some mild overcrowding so I was told id have to have 4 adult teeth extracted. I've been seeing many regret stories and warnings from dentists and patients alike about the process.
- i've read about and watched youtube vids about people who've noticed that after the extractions and treatment are done and braces are removed, that their face has become: more sunken and flat, including their cheekbones and that their chins became retruded or receeded. that their side profile became unattractive/worse and their smile is narrower. overall giving them a more aged looking and haggard face
Please could anyone who's had adult teeth extracted for braces like this when they were younger and grown older/ had kids who had this and grown up now, tell me if they've noticed these things happening? I'm so scared about what to do or not to do, because its such a big irreversible life decision. I dont know if i'm going to be making a mistake by having the extractions and its making me feel more and more depressed. I do want straight teeth, to have a good side profile and be filling free, but not if it means i'm going to ruin my face and feel regret for the rest of my life.
One of the teeth to be removed has a big cavity but the other 3 are healthy. My other options would be to not get braces and have the tooth root canalled but I dont know if this would be sustainable in the long term. or to remove the cavity tooth and save up for an implant in the future somehow and not get braces? I tried asking my ortho about my concerns but he brushed me off and said you could just decide not to get braces then. he also said he doesnt know how it would affect my face as his priorities are my teeth.
I know these are so many questions but any insight into anything here would be extremely appreciated. thank you!!