To be devastated my two front teeth are buggered...

[ColdOopNorth]

Long, long story cut short. I had a negligent Dentist 15 years ago. He was eventually struck off (not my complaint many others). I was left with damaged teeth and gums, found a fantastic supportive dentist who I now totally trust. She referred me to specialists and I had a lot of treatment and my teeth now look fantastic but...... the damage took it's toll and I have gum and bone disease. This has been controlled over past few years by really scrupulous dental hygiene by me and the hygienist. Yesterday I saw my Dentist as I have had some problems over lockdown. So - menopausal hormonal changes, my osteopenia (reduced bone density), my negligent ex dentist etc have all taken its toll. Now - it is a matter of time before my two upper front incisors fall out. Implants would be possible but high chance of failure due to history and would cost the earth. Bridging not an option for technical reasons. I cried when I got out the Dentist. I have put on a brave face to everyone and said 'it is ok, people are losing their homes, jobs, lives .. with COVID I am fine with it' but deep down, I feel devastated. I know I am pathetic for being so shallow but I just feel like that having a denture is basically a sign that I am old, unattractive and worthless. AIBU.

Of course you’re not pathetic! Give yourself a break. I’m sorry this is happening to you

I'd be devastated too. Wont help at all but my dad has dentures on top front side of his mouth after horrible accident in his 30s. You really can't tell. He now makes his grandkids laugh by sticking them out. Sending you unmumsnet hugs

Having a denture isn't a sign of any of those things. Bit harsh on people that do have dentures. Some of whom are young.

But otherwise I too would feel absolutely gutted to know I was going to lose those teeth

Twigletfairy - I agree, I would never judge someone else for having dentures or think any the less of them LOL. I am just feeling really down about me having them as I have always looked after my teeth and thought I would have them forever! Thanks for your reply x

I have a de tire do town accident. Can’t tell. Fits well. You have options and you May consider a small loan to help with the costs? Obviously don’t take a loan out if you can’t afford it!

You poor love. Don't feel bad for feeing upset. Your feelings are so valid. My mum had dentures for her two top front teeth, from a horse riding accident when she was 12. I had NO IDEA until she finally showed me aged 53, before going into hospital. My dad had no idea either, despite almost 30 years of marriage. My guess is that she hid them out of embarrassment which is sad, but my point is - even with dentistry decades old, it wasn't obvious and literally the only living person who was aware was her own dentist. Really quite amazing. And I bet that dentures have come on loads since then and will be even more discreet and subtle. Please be kind to yourself and don't feel bad.

Oh bless you. I broke my front teeth in a fall. I've been lucky enough to be able to have crowns (several times over the years) but completely understand the fear of losing your front teeth. It will cost, but have you considered seeing a Consultant in restorative dentistry? They may be aware of some alternative options. If you're within striking distance of the Midlands, there's a consultant I'd be very happy to recommend.

I feel you. Im just 42 and only have 3 molars left due to gum disease 😔. Its totally shit and the worst thing is that i will apparently always have rampant gum disease despite frequent visits to the dental hospital /hygeinist/using every teepee brush known to man. Would need a bone graft for implants even if I could afford them.

V reassured by denture stories so thank you.

thanks to everyone who posted - I am not alone, others are in my situation or worse. I guess it is not something that a lot of us like to admit to and maybe even people we know have dentures etc and we are not aware - not like my 2 Grandmothers bless them, their party piece was sticking their dentures out on the tip of their tongues to make us laugh! I know I am lucky to have a good dentist and most of my teeth are ok (argh but the two front ones .... ). I have a friend who has her 2 front teeth on a small plate since she fell off her bike and smashed her face and she is fine with it and you cannot tell. I guess it is a case of adjusting to a new body image and a bit of a dent to my self esteem but - shit happens he! Love to everyone who posted xxx

I have a top denture, after an accident and a mugging cost me my front 2 teeth plus most of the uppers. I feel for you. I cried when my crowns were no longer viable and couldn't afford implants.
Research the technicians who make your dentures, the skilled ones will delight you.
Much sympathy OP.

I could have written this, but for me its a front incisor. When it came out I was thoroughly miserable for a month or more. The denture rubbed, I hated how it felt, I hated the roof of my mouth covered.

Eventually I went back to my now lovely dentist and she made me a cobalt chrome denture. It cost £600 but honestly it was life changing. I no longer have anything but a few bars covering the roof of my mouth, it clips in and I mostly forget it's even there.

In the middle of my woes I was crying to my best friend who said "Look" and dropped out her front tooth. I never knew and we've been best mates for 30 odd years.

It's not the end of the world I promise.

Have you investigated bone grafts for a potential implant? I know that options for oral bone grafts have come on tremendously in recent years. You don't have to have your own bone harvested anymore, there are options available where a graft solution is put in instead.

I have a little flexible partial denture which replaces a molar and pre-molar on my lower right. It is literally just the two teeth, no plates, and clips to the neighbouring teeth with gum coloured acrylic clasps/sits on the gum. I had the gap for years because it wasn’t noticeable, but the denture is great. It cost about £300 privately, although I am actually an NHS patient in a mixed surgery.

Per pp, my friend’s husband lost his two front teeth in his late teens in an accident. I had known him for years and had no idea - my friend mentioned it when I got mine and I was gobsmacked.

I have false teeth due to being terrified and not going to the dentist for 25 years. Ironically, my incisors are one of the few top teeth I have left. People who know me obviously can tell but people I now meet can't. Although I'm desperate for new ones - the extractions were done at the end of last year and you have to get them remade after 3 months because your gums shrink. They were due at the end of March which obviously didn't happen, have to fixodent them into my mouth.

If the initial dentist was NHS, the NHS should rectify the cosmetic issues too. Front teeth should be covered