I’m in my mid 40s and I’ve got terrible teeth and it’s really starting to get me down. I had braces and teeth removed as a teenager but I chickened out of having more work done including more braces in my late teens. I really really regret that decision now.
I’ve looked into having work done to sort them several times since but I’ve always been scared off by what a big job it is- I’ve got massive overcrowding despite having lots of teeth out including one tooth that’s pretty much sideways. I’ve also got an underbite, I bite off to one side and my jaw is much too small for my teeth. To sort them properly I’m told would involve pretty major surgery to alter my jaw. Some dentists have basically told me it’s too much of a big job to try. In my mid 20s one dentist suggested basically using a device to widen my jaw which looked barbaric but I almost went for it but I chickened out at the last minute.
I’ve always smiled with my mouth closed but when I photo catches me mid laugh or talking I’m suddenly aware of what others see. I think it’s bothering me more as I get older too as somehow I think bad teeth make me look even older. I’d love just to get the front 6 or so along the top straightened as they’re the worst. I just have no idea whether that is possible without also doing something to my jaw or where to start looking for a good orthodontist. I really don’t want to undergo jaw surgery etc but surely there must be a solution that isn’t so drastic? Any helpful dentists about or anyone who’s been in a similar situation who did something that worked?