Cosmetic dentistry?

[Clutterfreeintraining]

I am a NHS patient in a NHS-only practice.

When I was 8, I knocked my front teeth out and had two crowns. In my mid 20s I had my crowns replaced and veneers attached to the teeth either side of my crowns. It was the first time since I lost my front teeth that I felt like I had normal teeth. They looked and felt perfect and I loved those teeth.

Last year, I had an accident and lost one of the veneers and damaged both crowns. The veneer and one crown have been replaced but my dentist referred me to the dental hospital for their advice on what to do with the second damaged crown. The hospital said they can do work on the root of that tooth but that the damaged crown will remain.

I am quite self-conscious of the current state of my teeth. They don’t look or feel anywhere near as natural as my last ones and I am disliking my smile more and more each time I see it. I’m considering going to a private dentist for a quote to replace the two crowns and possibly the recently replaced veneer. There are two things stopping me - firstly, I’m being incredibly vain and probably no one else notices or cares and secondly, what if what’s underneath the crowns gets damaged whilst they’re being replaced - all because of my vanity!!

I’m developing quite an irrational teeth anxiety. The first thing I do when I wake up it run my tongue over my front teeth to make sure the crowns and veneers are there. I notice I’ve started doing the same checks when I eat.

I’m not really sure what the point of my post is - maybe for someone to say I’m worth blowing £3k on

I don’t even know where to go to find out about getting the work done and what if I paid out all this money and didn’t get the teeth I was expecting?!

Why not have the private consultation. You don't need to proceed any further if you change your mind. You ARE worth the money though.

Thanks I shouldn’t have put that bit about whether I’m worth it - bit too self indulgent!!

Do I just make an appointment at a practice that offers private work? Or specifically a cosmetic practice?

Ask your dentist to recommend or refer you to someone they work alongside.

My dentist has spent some time with a cosmetic dentist practice as part of training and highly recommends them after seeing their work.

Ask your dentist to refer you to a private dental practice, you will probably have an initial consultation and then they will be able to explain the work that needs to be done, this is what happened when my son had braces fitted privately because he didn’t fit the criteria for NHS treatment. I was able to pay for the treatment interest free over 18 months. I had a brace when I was a teenager and have seen the benefit of it(although in the dark ages we all had then on the NHS😂). Your smile is very important and I think that it’s a good investment

Thanks. I did think to ask my dentist but I don’t want him to think I’m being ungrateful for what he’s done so far Although, if I do go ahead and have the work done, he’ll soon know anyway!!

Sorry charlie, x-post

I think I should have had braces as a teenager but assume I didn’t because of the crowns Due to the fantastic work of the dentist I had in my 20s she positioned the crowns/veneers to look straight and totally inline. Now they’re just all wrong.

Doubt it will cost £3k. I've got 4 veneers on my front teeth to hide the gaps basically and that cost £900. Bloody good job they did too.

I was basing it on a local private dentist. They charge £800-£900 per crown, no price listed for veneers and I imagine there’d be extras that I haven’t thought of.

Glad you’re pleased with your veneers. Did you have them done by your usual dentist?

I don’t think your current NHS dentist will judge you. NHS work is done under a fairly strict set of criteria in terms of eligibility and if you are looking for something more cosmetic you will have to have the work done privately. Your current dentist may be able to give you some pointers in terms of which treatments they conside to be worth the investment even if they do not do the work. I also think that you are worth it. I know someone who had extensive dental work done later on in life considers it worth the investment.

I would go for it if it bothers you and you can afford it. I had some veneers replaced last year (by my absolutely fabulous NHS dentist) and the difference it has made to me and my confidence is amazing. Not many people have noticed so they can't have been as bad as I thought but I now willingly smile rather than a closed lip grimace.

Teeth are so important to your confidence. And 3k for something you will wear for the rest of your life, 24/7 is actually pretty good value. If I hadn't been able to have them done on the nhs I was seriously considering having them done privately.

Thanks for the replies.
Ds has got an appointment at the orthodontist next month so I think I’m going to try and get an appointment for myself at the same time to see what they can do.
Also, we’re both due check ups next month so will discuss it with my dentist too.