Any dentists about haven't been in over 10yrs and now scared of what dentist will think.

[IPeedInThePool]

I know I know it's gross. I haven't been in over 10yrs mainly because am embarrassed about my teeth they are so wonky and not a nice smile. Its horrible when meeting new people because I just hate my teeth.

They arent in great shape I have 2 front top ok a bit of a small gap then the one to the left of the front top is missing it has never been there but grew behind if that makes sense. Then the other one right to the top is on an angle. So it looks horrible all my others are great bottom are straight and the rest of the top set it's just the first 4 top teeth.
I have just emailed local dentist they are still giving out apps am I right in thinking I need a dental bridge maybe?

Am so embrassed by them help! Will the dentist be horrified to see them?

Are your teeth clean? The dentist is more bothered about mouth and gum health than the placement of your teeth. Were you never offered orthodontic treatment?

Don't worry about it! I didn't go for years and they weren't in great shape due to me having ME and not having the strength to care for them as I should have.

If you just explain it should be fine - much more important to go to the dentist than to worry about them telling you off!

No they won't be horrified. I promise you.
Explain when you make the appointment that you've not been treated for a long time and that you're nervous/apprehensive or whatever and you will be absolutely fine.

I promise you whoever you see will have seen worse. Dentists train in big dental hospitals which get referred the more serious/difficult cases to manage. Your mouth will not be the worst they've seen and they won't think anything of it, it'll be a much bigger issue for you I promise.

They will look to restore your mouth to health in the first instance, anything else can be taken from there.

OP I recently went to the dentist after five years, due to my fear and embarrassment of my gums.

I've just had a wisdom tooth out and filling to come, along with various sessions with the hygienist. The relief is immense as I had neglected my teeth for so long.

I'll be honest that the first dentist I saw was vile (I was really unlucky as I've not had this before) but went back to a dentist I liked and she's been amazing.

Good luck - you will feel so much better for it.

Neglected going to the dentist rather (not my teeth, although I could have done so much better).

Find a dentist who also looks after children - they tend to be kinder!

The relief you feel will be amazing. Take it step by step, call to make an appointment is the first step, going is the second. And make sure you tell them how you’re feeling.

My dentist has always been fine.
The hygienist at the dentists alwaysmakes me feel bad! And I do do my best to do everything she tells me - cleaning the way she says and inder-dental whatevering. The dentist said 'It's just her way!' Last time she told me there were patches of wear from brushing too hard, along with the telling off for plaque build up behind the lower front teeth.

I've toughened up to her and try not to take it personally. I do my best. Her job is to do her best.

My brother recently went to the dentist after 12 years of not going. He had an abcess on a tooth and had to have root canal work. They were nothing but lovely to him, so hopefully you will find the same. It did cost him a small fortune however.

I hadnt been for over 20 years through fear and then I was forced to because of a very painful wisdom tooth. I was nervous of the sane reaction but it was fine. Wisdom tooth is now out and I go every 6 months

Dont worry about it OP. I have the wonkiest teeth ever, I didn't have braces as I stupidly thought they were un-cool. I love the dentist they can make it pain free for whatever work you need. I had wisdom tooth removed and root canal done with a crown put on was painless. My wonky teeth are healthy now and I don't mind the wonkyness as much as atleast they're white. You will get there OP dentists are so good nowadays.

@Scarby9 just come across your post when scrolling through this feed on going to the dentist and I have to agree with you on hygienists.
I see mine three times a year and there's always more criticism than praise.
I always act upon her advice after a cleaning session, but it's never enough.
Often leave an appointment feeling deflated, that I've got to add yet another thing to my cleaning regime.
My periodontist on the other hand is full of praise.
You have my sympathy.

They see some horrific shit every day.

A wonky tooth and some gaps here and there isn't that

A good dentist will absolutely not judge you! I used to have pretty horrendous dental phobia, to the point where a relative paid for sedation whenever I needed treatment (about £150 each time!). I would only go when I needed treatment so didn't have a regular dentist.

7 years ago I opted for Denplan Essentials payments (even though I qualify for free NHS treatment) and my dentist is so lovely and very understanding. With his approach I have had a root canal treatment done (7 years ago when first started going to him) and just had a filling done a week ago, both with no sedation needed!

My teeth don't look particularly great but they are very clean as I stick to a good hygiene routine these days. Using interdental brushes really improved my gum health.