Hi I'm hoping for some much needed advice please I need help to build my confidence again.
When I was 15 I had braces to widen my jaw then had nornal braces. My problem was I had small jaw and 1 tooth stuck out further than the other. I was bullied about this a few times and though I was thick skinned it did at times bring me down. I wasnt the type to wear alot of makeup even when i went to college bit i had lovely long hair i took more pride in than my makeup and my hair was actually what made me confident. Once my braces were off I was told to wear a retainer for 12 months which I did and though my teeth weren't perfectly straight they were alot better and I was happy with them and finally smiled. I'm now 33 and had ivf 3 years ago and whilst going through treatment I noticed my 1 front tooth was starting to move. I went to the dentist and she put me in touch with a trainee orthodontist who was at the surgery and was looking for patients for cheaper treatment. She was not a nice lady put it that way she said that she didnt wnat to touch me because she was worried about my bone structure (which was never mentioned by my dentist or the one I saw after) and alot of people have to suffer looking unattractive of braces aren't an option! I was so upset by this comment I went to a new dentist who said he didnt think I'd get NHS treatment because I didnt for the category which was fair enough. I havnt been to the dentist in 2 years now I've not had the best experiences with them and each time I find the courage to go I seem to get knocked back down. The problem I'm having now is my gums are sore on one side and I do have a couple of receeding gums but not too bad. They are clean not discoloured or anything and I do intend on going to a dentist and I dont know of the ivf treatment has something to do with my tooth moving such as the hormone injections and thinks maybe even the pregnancy didnt help as I know that can change teeth/gums. Now I've lost all confidence again I wont smile or if I have to I put my hand over my mouth or smile with closed lips. My teeth dont meet together at the back either but my main concern is the one tooth I'd love to just pull it in I dont mind suffering with the rest it's just the one that can be seen. I feel so ugly with it. I've not spoken to anyone because its embarrassing. I love dressing nice and doing nice hairstyles but the minute I smile I just get pulled down again. My child has even noticed it now. I cant afford treatment even monthly payments right now! Can I live with this and if so how? I put my finger on my tooth every night in the hope I'm pushing it back I know I shouldn't but I cant help it. If I could not change it but be confident I would but just dont know how.
So sorry for long post but I've not spoken to anyone about this before so had to get it all out.