To get braces? any dentists advise? (Photo attached)

[Fixthefaults]

Adulthood has ruined my teeth, the older I get the more crowded they become. I never smile and there is very few photos of me. My bottom teeth are a mess and my top incisor is in front of the others. I’m in my 30s now and it’s making me totally miserable. Not only that but my jaw now constantly clicks I presume it’s related to my teeth. I spoke to a dentist last year who guessed I would need 8k worth of work done, he couldn’t advise if Invisalign was an option as he didn’t offer it. That amount of money would empty all our savings so it’s s huge decision. I’m recently engaged and can’t even think of getting married because how can I pose for photos??

Has anyone had severe overcrowding that’s been fixed at a reasonable price? Does Invisalign work on severe cases? I’m planning on a consultation with an orthodontist but consultations cost money and I don’t want to waste it to be told the same price as the previous dentist.

I’m mortified by this but I’ve attached a photo of my bottom teeth to show the overcrowding.

Mine were fixed braces. Didn't care about having them, was so relieved to correct my teeth.

I think it’s difficult for any of us to say whether or not the OP will get NHS treatment. It may depends on what happens when she bites, how her teeth make contact with each other.
When I was a child my teeth didn’t look too bad in an open mouth position. However, I had a significant cross bite which meant my teeth didn’t meet properly when I bit down. Hence years of Orthodontic treatment.

I have braces on the NHS. You should see your dentist and ask for a referral to an orthodontist. The orthodontist will do your first appointment and should advise you if they can do it or if you should go through the NHS (mine was going to involve a possible surgery).

My bottom teeth looked similar to yours to start with and honestly within 6 months there was a huge difference. I wouldn’t waste money on a 6 month smile as that doesn’t fix things like the positioning of your jaw and other teeth.

I have metal braces, they are stronger than ceramic and Invisalign but they don’t look very nice. I haven’t had a single bad comment, if anything people tell me about their teeth and insecurities about them!

It’s painful, awkward and a very long process but I don’t regret it for a minute! Hope you make the right decision for you :)

I've just had 6 month smiles. Hated it and not v happy with the results. Here's a link to my recent thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3155849-Dont-like-my-teeth-after-braces?pg=3&order=

My teeth were terrible. Twisted top and bottom with one canine high up in the gum. My teeth met when my mouth closed and just looked awful and I hated smiling. My DD is under a consultant at the hospital for jaw surgery and in preparation they needed to fix braces. I mentioned to the consultant a couple of years ago I wished I'd had treatment as a child but it just didn't happen but given my age it was too late for me - but was told it's never too late! She also had private patients my age and older! So at the ripe old age of 47 I had fixed braces applied - top and bottom. Many appointments and 20 months later at a cost of £5k (deposit and interest free instalments) I'm finished. I have an appointment in 4 months time to review but I can honestly say worth every penny. My orthodontist is an NHS consultant so was lucky to find her as her team are treating my DD. I took a before and after pic including a pic of my moulds (bit broken over time). Wish I'd closed my mouth for the before pic to get a true comparison and apols in advance for sharing but you get the gist. In summary fixed braces were great for me.

brucybaby your teeth look fab! I’ve decided to book another orthodontist appointment on Monday. For those who asked what my teeth look like front on I’ve attached a photo

Bless you op.

Best of luck with whatever you decide do you

Thanks Fix. I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice here. Good luck with whatever you decide to do

Just read the previous poster's message ... clearly on the same wavelength!