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Original poster

Best way to straighten teeth?

21 replies

Mummyof287 · 21/02/2023 17:37

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I'm debating whether to get my teeth straightened and possibly whitened too...a couple in particular are particularly wonky (think they have got worse, and i read that can happen with age, although I'm only 35) The dentist likes to mention it every time I go, and ask if I've had a brace (I didn't as I was a self conscious 13yo when offered one, and was also scared of having teeth removed) now I regret it.

If I go for it, what in people's experience is the best route...smile direct? Invisalign? Or steer clear of both/either of those? Also can you just get odd teeth straightened or does it have to be the whole lot?

Want to spend as little as possible, but equally don't want to pay out and it not work properly, or for them to go wonky again.

Thanks

OP posts:

Cranarc · 21/02/2023 17:44

Get proper advice from a fully qualified dentist/orthodontist as to what is achievable and what is necessary. You can do some serious damage if you go for one of the internet offerings.

I had a brace as a teen but was not told about the need for a retainer and mine went wonky again when my wisdom teeth grew in. I was able to have them straightened using the six month smiles fixed braces.

You will need to wear a retainer after getting anything done or they will move back at least in part. I wear mine every night. Was told I had to do so for at least year and could then reduce that but I grind my teeth so I actually prefer wearing the retainer. You can also have a fixed retainer but I didn't want that as it makes it hard to floss.

purpledalmation · 21/02/2023 17:44

Smile direct were excellent. They also provided me with a whitening device I have yet to try Smile is straight but its a pain using retainers all the time. I may get a bar at the back fitted.

Twizbe · 21/02/2023 17:46

Go to a good orthodontist for advice.

I had my braces as an adult and although it was uncomfortable, I'm so pleased I did it. I had 2 teeth removed and train tracks.

Best money I've ever spent.

Twizbe · 21/02/2023 17:47

Oh and I have a fixed retainer and a removable one. I also wear it every night as I'm in the habit of doing it now.

SuchAFunAge · 21/02/2023 17:55

Hi OP,

I'm 35 also and like you, a couple of teeth in particular have become increasingly wonky over time. They're at the front so I'm becoming very self conscious. I had train tracks as a teen but became lazy with the retainer which I regret.

I'd been considering smile direct club due to the reasonable cost and good reviews but have been put off by the fact you're not seeing an orthodontist who can diagnose any underlying problems. I've had various dental issues but if I had otherwise perfectly healthy teeth I'd probably go for smile direct.

I've recently had a consultation for Invisalign with an orthodontist and I was blown away by this expertise and knowledge so that's what I'll be going for. However, when he x rayed me he discovered that I need a root canal done before he can start the Invisalign. I found this reassuring as he has obviously assessed the situation rather than take my money immediately. Looking to finally get started next month and I can't wait! For me personally, it's worth the extra cost knowing I'm in safe hands and that I will always have a real life point of contact if anything goes wrong. Good luck!

superplumb · 22/02/2023 19:33

Don't do a cheap online thing. I currently have invisalign and unbeknown to me, I have limited bone in one side of my mouth found after an xray. This means that my dental treatment has had to be altered to take this into account otherwise I'd end with bone damage. Had I cheaped out and gone online who knows what would've happened. I hadn't really thought about bone movement when I first started to look into it. It's quite a big thing and if it goes wrong it'll cost more to fix

CampervanKween · 22/02/2023 21:11

I'm having invisalign atm and really pleased with it. It has been completely stress free, pain free. Working well. I'm about 2/3 of the way along I think. Would very much recommend.

Leftbutcameback · 22/02/2023 21:59

I had mine done by a great orthodontist about 14 years ago now. I used clearstep (like Invisalign) and it was a bit sore sometimes but otherwise pretty straight forward. I have wires behind my teeth and wear the retainer a couple of times a week. One of my front teeth moved slightly and my brilliant orthodontist tweaked it with a couple of Invisalign braces. I would 100% recommend going to an orthodontist you can visit in person, and you can usually get an interest free loan to pay for it.

Leggingslife · 22/02/2023 22:17

Invisalign

ThePoetsWife · 22/02/2023 22:29

Train tracks here in my 40s - chose this route because it was cheaper and quicker. No regrets.

minipie · 22/02/2023 22:40

Are there any options which don’t require wearing a retainer forever after?? I would like straighter teeth but can’t face a retainer at night…

ThePoetsWife · 23/02/2023 07:02

minipie · 22/02/2023 22:40

Are there any options which don’t require wearing a retainer forever after?? I would like straighter teeth but can’t face a retainer at night…

No - unless you are ok about your teeth moving which these will within days.

Leftbutcameback · 23/02/2023 08:19

You could wear the retainer during the day rather than at night - I do that sometimes. It’s an Invisalign retainer so you can’t see it provided you keep it clean.

Having the wire helps too. My bottom teeth are great and I only need the retainer once a week or so. The top teeth tend to move more and I wear it a few times a week.

Twizbe · 23/02/2023 10:04

minipie · 22/02/2023 22:40

Are there any options which don’t require wearing a retainer forever after?? I would like straighter teeth but can’t face a retainer at night…

What is it about the night retainer you don't like?

Tbh I hardly notice mine now. I pop it in after brushing my teeth and done.

minipie · 23/02/2023 11:24

I don’t know, I can’t bear anything at night, I don’t wear PJs, couldn’t wear jewellery or watch like some do at night. I tried one for grinding teeth once and just couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t breathe in my usual way. Maybe I’d get used to it eventually. But my teeth aren’t so bad as to make it worth it, for me. Ah well.

florafloss · 23/02/2023 11:43

Invisalign is a good option for adult users as it is very gentle and not so harsh on your teeth as train tracks. I would recommend going for a consultation though, most orthodontists offer a free one.

Margarita45 · 23/02/2023 11:46

I’m almost certain there will be an Invisalign specialist in your dental practice. I’d start with a consultation with them. I looked at smile direct and so glad I didn’t go for it as when I went for consultation at my dentist they realised I’d have to have 2 teeth removed to make space before I could start straightening. Any money I spent with smoke Direct would have been wasted as there physically wasn’t space for my teeth to straighten up, they might have moved a bit but wouldn’t have stayed put.

Zengarden001 · 23/02/2023 12:14

I had very similar experience to you - was offered braces as a teen but I refused. My teeth are ok but slight underbite and wonky couple of teeth. I went to an excellent cosmetic dentist and they advised me I could have a brace for a year which would realign my teeth. They also told me I would need to wear a retainer almost each night for the rest of my life. Ultimately I decided it wasn't worth the cost and the discomfort but I am certainly glad I went to a well trained and experienced practitioner. My teeth are obviously still wonky still I have learnt to love them! Characterful!

kateandme · 23/02/2023 12:24

Dentist on the morning show today saying please don't buy invisilign or any online.you must see a professional. Noone should be trying to alter teeth without dace to face professional advice. people are ruining their teeth.they can change open cause more fans,spaces problems.
She was very scathing about the Instagram looks,filters,selling we are seeing which was refreshing to see.

Leftbutcameback · 25/02/2023 11:12

Yeah, I agree with seeing a professional. I have a clicky jaw and my orthodontist assessed that to make sure it wasn’t being made worse. Also provided very quick support the time I broke my brace, and they used laser scanning the last time I went so no impressions needed now.

The one thing I would mention is that having your teeth straightened and then continuing to wear the retainer can help your face stop collapsing in at the jawline which is an issue as you get older - your jaw / teeth narrow at the sides.

Original poster

Mummyof287 · 27/02/2023 21:14

Thanks everyone, I've always had really good teeth, no problems other than the alignment...I've never even had a filling! So want to be careful it's done properly and doesn't mess them up.I will consult my dentist about it and go from there :)

OP posts:

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