Cosmetic dentistry / veneers

[Relocatiorelocation]

I've got terrible teeth and I've decided I can't let them ruin my life anymore. Looking at the general prices I could only really afford to have the front 4 top teeth veneered; I haven't got a very toothy smile so you'd only really see these 4 anyway.
but would I just end up disappointed that the bottom ones are still wonky, and have wasted my money completely, or are the top ones enough to overhaul a smile and make me feel confident and happy do you think?

What about braces and composite work? A lot less invasive and would last longer. I would visit a good dentist and ask them what they suggest, veneers damage your Natural teeth , don't last and are very expensive.

Well placed veneers should really last a long time.
You need to visit a dentist who specialises in reconstructions, they’ll know much more about whether you have a favourable bite.
No good dentist will agree to veneers just because you want them.

@hedgehogscrossing crikey I hadn't thought of braces, maybe I could look in to that....how long would they generally take?

@Littlemissprosecco thanks for the advice of course I'll follow the dentist's advice, I'm juts trying to manage my own expectations a bit around what I can afford and what's achievable.

Around 18 months but obviously everyone is different, it may be less. I just think its better to think long term results even if it may take longer. Even well done veneers need to be replaced which is another cost and time element to consider.

I had Invisalign. Much cheaper than braces and all done in 9 months.

@hedgehogscrossing have you had composite work? I thought it lasted only around 4 years, so an ongoing cost? How's your holding up?

I'd ask your own dentist for advice on your options, and also go see a private cosmetic dentist/orthodontist. Once you know all possible treatments and the costs/timelines involved, you can make a better decision.

Veneers are the obvious quickest fix, can really improve the look of your teeth. Braces will take much longer, but if you have any bite or crowding problems, will provide a more functional solution.

(Some braces are meant for cosmetic straightening only, but they're less commonly used - I had a removable brace called an inman aligner, which was only capable of straightening the front 6 teeth, but because of that was much quicker than traditional braces or invisilign)

@Relocatiorelocation not personally, but several people I know have had it with no touch ups. About 7 plus years I would say, but yes it can require touch ups.

I would speak to a dentist who specialises in this kind of thing.
I know 2 people who used Invisalign for their overcrowded and misplaced (growing out due to lack of space) teeth and they've both got great smiles now.

My teeth were rubbish, breaking & crumbling so I had a mixture of veneers, a bridge, crowns and an implant (implant was needed due to an overzealous nhs dentist who preferred to remove my teeth than fix them and I was young and didn't know any better) and they've really worked for me.

A good dentist will go through all of the options that would work best for your smile and what you want from the work

I have thought about invaiagram. There also smile direct which I heard is cheaper ?