Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Are dentists creating problems that aren’t there?

27 replies

tetleydd · 11/04/2025 18:11

I’m referring to the cosmetic side of dentistry. At each visit I’m asked “are you happy with your smile ? “ This pisses me off every time. They question the straightness and colour.

My 15 year old daughter recently had an overbite corrected via a NHS referral. It wasn’t even that bad but as it was a functional problem ok. Now they are recommending braces to correct the straightness. They really aren’t that bad. There feels pressure to just go along with this. My daughter isn’t to bothered but is refusing train tracks. So the dentist has suggested Invisalign at a cost of £3600!! They don’t even blink when they say it. A few of her friends have this option. To me it’s a ridiculous price for a cosmetic treatment. Why do people agree to this craziness?! If she was unhappy and depressed by the appearance of her teeth obviously I’d help but surely this is unreasonable. If I go along with this am I basically saying yes daughter your teeth are crooked and im willing to pay almost £4000 to make you perfect.

When did we all need perfectly straight and whiter than white teeth? It looks odd to me when they are.

OP posts:
mightyducks · 23/02/2026 12:21

They are businesses, they need to make a profit, of course they will try and sell you stuff

CountryShepherd · 23/02/2026 12:22

ShanghaiDiva · 11/04/2025 19:21

@0ohLarLar agree - dentistry in the 1970s was pretty shocking! Imo hygienist visits are more important that the dentist.

totally agree - my dentist in the 70's gave me 9 fillings in two sessions - drilling with no anesthetic. I was petrified. When I went to uni, I stopped going and didn't go again till I was pregnant, eight years later. I assumed they would take all my teeth out but at least I wouldn't have to pay! But actually, they were fine!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page