OCD and Teeth - Help please

[bluejeanswhiteshirt]

Apologies that this isn't an AIBU but no one ever replies on MH so it's not very helpful. I've posted before about my OCD but I'm really struggling at the moment and the focus is strongly on my teeth.

A couple of years ago I had my 2 front teeth bonded with composite resin as they had a couple of chips along the bottom. I chose the best cosmetic dentist I could find but I didn't and still don't like the results. I had a small v-shaped gap in between them which I liked and he filled it in despite me saying that I didn't want him to, but he said that was the only way the filling along the surfaces of both teeth would hold. He made them longer too which makes them feel too big for my mouth as I already have an overbite. The margin where the bonding meets the real tooth is now visible near where the gap was so he obviously didn't seal it properly.

I can't afford to go back to the private cosmetic dentist so my only option is to go to an NHS dentist but I'm worried that they won't be able to fix it the way a cosmetic dentist would.

I also have a tiny, barely noticeable chip on the tooth next to my front tooth which is making me sick with worry that it's going to chip even further and ruin what used to be my good teeth.

Can anyone advise? I know it seems like such a crazy thing to fret about but I can't concentrate on anything else and it's affecting me really badly.

Go along to an NHS dentist for an appointment but tell yourself, and them, that it's not an appointment for doing any work. just for looking and talking about it. See what they say before deciding NHS isn't able to help - most dentists do both NHS and private/cosmetic work, so he/she could be just as skilled as a 'cosmetic' dentist. But make sure they understand that this is a big deal for you and take the time to explain each point until you're happy they understand what you mean exactly.
Hope you get it sorted soon :) just break it down into steps

I agree visit a nhs dentist.

Was the other dentist negligent? You can always go back and complain. You don't just need to accept his work.

I'm a dentist. You won't get any cosmetic work on the NHS unfortunately. Composite bonds are never going to give a perfect aesthetic result long term but they are much less destructive than veneers. I wouldn't go down the veneer route just for tiny chips. Ask a close friend who will give you an honest opinion, I'm sure they barely notice to anyone else.

I would never be able to afford veneers even if I wanted them. I'm not worried about other people noticing really, I'm more bothered that they're not 'perfect' to me and I know that seems daft because teeth are rarely perfect.

I can't floss in between my 2 front teeth anymore because it catches on the bonding. Would they not be able to fix that? I have an appointment on Monday with an NHS dentist so fingers crossed they will be able to understand my anxiety if I explain.

The cosmetic dentist I saw clearly didn't understand me and did what he wanted to do without really explaining. I'm not sure whether that's classed as negligence or not but I wouldn't have gone ahead if I'd known what he was going to do.

How long ago was the bonding done? You're right that teeth aren't perfect, even veneers aren't close up. As long as you have healthy gums and no decay a few chips really aren't a worry. It's possible you may be grinding at night in which case a night guard may be helpful.

I wouldn't tidy up someone else's work so if you want catches removed you need to go back to the original dentist, there should not be a charge for this assuming that they were placed recently

I had the bonding done in December 2013 so I doubt they'd still be willing to fix it unfortunately. I should have gone sooner but I was scared of him messing it up even more. Wish I'd not had it done in the first place.

Do you realistically think your teeth imperfections are noticed by anyone else?

Teeth not meeting properly (overlong) can be treated on NHS, but I suspect it's more a case of your impression of looking overlong, not that they cause you physical problems?

Your best option may be to just have the bonding completely removed. Again, this won't be something that the NHS can do for you though.

I mean this in the nicest possible way but if you came to me for cosmetic treatment and told me all about your OCD and anxiety, the last thing I'd think was in your best interests would be cosmetic dentistry. I don't feel it's ethical in your situation.

No I don't think anyone else would notice the imperfections but I do

They feel too big in my mouth and when my mouth is resting they stick out and push onto my bottom lip. He must have added quite a lot of filling onto them.

I completely agree that it would be unethical, I was in a very bad place when I saw that dentist and it was clear that he was only thinking about the money.

Would I lose any of my natural teeth if I had it removed?

Go ask NHS desk about the overlong teeth & explain the problems about pushing into your lips. NHS does correct misplaced bites. No harm in getting an opinion. Maybe write down & bring along all the questions you wrote here.

My teeth aren't great, they look a bit bad. BUT My dad had/has very wonky teeth. Taught me to be grateful to have merely imperfect teeth.

PM me a pic if you want, I'll see if I can offer any advice

Thanks I'll take a pic when I get home, out at the min.

Ok it turns out that you can't even see it on a photo so there's not much point showing you - maybe it's all in my mind.

With regards to the tiny (grain of salt) chip on my lateral incisor, would the dentist just file and polish it off or just leave it? It feels rough on my tongue.

Most patients won't tell a dentist about their anxiety / Ocd though....so I'm not sure how he was meant to know. You wanted something doing, he did it (he should've taken your concerns on board though.)

They'll likely file it enough to smooth it, if it's that small.