Have you had your teeth fixed? Experiences etc...

[Time4Change0]

I have wonky teeth. A big overbite. It’s shit.

I try to hide them at all times, I never smile with my mouth open.
I’m sure people must talk about them or wonder why I don’t smile.

Anyway, I’ve always avoided the dentist as I am ashamed of them.

I’m late 30s and it’s time to stop being a wimp and do something about it.

Can anyone who has maybe been in a similar position to me who got them fixed give me advice/ experiences etc?

Thank you in advance. This is my first step.

[Flamerouge]

another person jumping in to say do it. I had fixed braces (top and bottom) for 18 months. They went on at the age of 42. One of the best things I've ever done. In my experience half the time people didn't notice them - I went for the 'clear' ones, but tbh the only thing I would change if I did it again is not to pay extra and just go for the metal ones, since I quickly just stopped caring! The people that did notice were intrigued/interested/wanted to do it themselves.

Mine cost £3000. Excellent perfectionist ortho - I had an overbite (now corrected) and very crowded bottom teeth in particular. I would avoid invisalign personally unless you are trying to correct very small imperfections - I can see if you are an actress/model/in the public eye it is a less obtrusive way of doing it all, but proper correction of your teeth really requires fixed braces. The £3000 included all my after-care and now I just wear invisalign moulds for 5 nights out of seven. I'm really happy with the result.

I'd say go for it - the sooner you get going, the sooner it's done, and the months fly by. I won't pretend it wasn't sometimes sore and uncomfortable, but whenever my braces were tightened it settled down within 48 hours. My dentist was private and referred me to an ortho who was excellent - ask around for who has a good reputation, especially people with teenage children, since they are most likely to know!

If I can dig out a before/after for you I will.

[MrsEricBana]

Definitely go for it. I would do anything to improve my teeth which I have been self conscious about my whole life. Also I think even more important as you get older. My older friends with good teeth (naturally or fixed) look far better than those with less good teeth (though it occurs to me now that if their teeth are better perhaps they have also looked after themselves better overall)

[Lordamighty]

@Flyingsouthwiththeswallows my Dentist referred me. The orthodontist actually treated my children 20 years ago! My teeth are not in great condition, lots of fillings but my gums are very healthy. The initial consultation will determine whether you are a suitable candidate or not. I am very pleased with the progress so far.

[Time4Change0]

Hi everyone.

An update.

I spent all day calling every dentist surgery in my city.

Not only is there NO NHS spaces but they all have a waiting list for private patients.

I found one who had space but the cost for even just an initial look in my mouth is £120.00
as a part time worker with three kids I just don’t have the money spare for the expensive journey

I’m gutted as I had finally physced myself up for it. FLIPPING TYPICAL.

However I am so greatful for your advice and stories as it has at least given me a push to consider it rather than be scared.

Hopefully in the future I can save enough to take the plunge x

[WoodenHouse]

Hey @Time4achange0 try grouponfor lingual braces. About £995

[WoodenHouse]

Invisalign can be a long process. I had lingual braces, have a look on Instagram for suggestions

www.groupon.co.uk/vouchers/manchester/braces

[Cardy24]

You can use an NHS dentist in another area if there are any towns nearby that you could get to.
All my local dentists were full, I tried for ages. When I phoned the national helpline they just said they couldn't do anything but that if I was prepared to travel then to try dentists further afield.
My in-laws live a couple of hours away so I phoned dentists near them, found an NHS one that was taking on new patients, so registered there. I just sort my appointments out for when I would be visiting in-laws anyway.

[blahblahblahblahhh]

I'm just about to start mine I'm 31

[threesecrets]

Can anyone recommend a good at home whitening kit? Is it best to buy from amazon.com?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 instead of UK?

[magicmallow]

my train track braces only took a year to sort out a major gap in my front teeth and other wonky teeth. So glad I had it done!

[Fuckenstein]

I agree with trying further afield. It will change your life.

[threesecrets]

Is it hard to eat with braces? I sing in a band... has it affected anyone's ability to sing?

[Chesntoots]

I'm in my last couple of weeks of invisalign and I'm 46.

It's the best thing I have ever done. I now have more confidence and the shape of my mouth has changed totally.

If you can afford it, go for it!

[septembersunshine]

Op your post has inspired me to get my bottom teeth fixed. Annoyingly I had both sets done when I was youngr and didn't listen to the retainer advice. Bottom teeth are crooked tombstones now. I am 40. I am going to do it!

[septembersunshine]

Just seen your update. Its on your radar now! You will be able to get it done sooner or later!

[Chesntoots]

It's hard to explain, but it has made my tooth imprint more rounded. Previously it wasn't even shaped at all and my jaw looked pinched in on one side. Loads better now!

[WoodenHouse]

How are you getting on @Time4Change0??

[Chesntoots]

That's exactly what it has done, I just couldn't think of the right words!

One side was perfect and the other, like yours, went more like a triangle. Really obvious on photos.

A couple of weeks ago I saw someone I hadn't met up with for nearly a year. They said I looked different. I went through all the usual weight loss, hair grown etc until they eventually twigged it was my mouth shape. I think that's what people have noticed more than my actual teeth. Either way I'm chuffed to bits!!

[divorcedtobe]

Absolutely the best thing I ever did.

[Timeforchange0]

Hi everyone!

An update from me.

So I had called about 15 dentists in my city and none were taking NHS on.
Then I found out there was a central NHS number that tells you where is taking on in your area.
They said there was one place taking on.
I called them and they said they were taking on but the waiting list is 18 months long!!!

Ridiculous and really frustrating when I pay so much NI from my wages each month and it’s rare I use anything NHS related. Sob.

So I decided not to bother. But my mother then suggested my Christmas present be an private dentist appointment HA.

Anyway so that’s what I’m doing. It is £90 for a new patient check up and I have to wait til January.
But my hope is that they say I can be referred to an NHS orthodontist and I will therefore get it done cheaper.
There’s no way I will be able to pay for private braces.

SO WISH ME LUCK!

Hope anyone who was inspired by this post is doing well with their journey and thanks again for the advice