teeth straightening

[sweetheart]

I was wondering if anyone has undergone orthodontics at a later stage in their life? It is recommended at an early age but i'm now 21 and have a tooth (canine I think) which sticks out. I have been considering it for a while now, but the costs are putting me off! It'll cost at least �1000 for the treatment on NHS. Can anyone give me any advice and share any experiences (eg pain, costs, time taken)? Are there any other teeth straightening methods (private) and has anyone tried invisible braces? I really need to sort this tooth out, it totally ruins my confidence! My dentist has recommended a brace, but I wanted to do my research first.

[krissy04]

I had clear braces for 4 years.. the only time there is any pain is when you get a wire changed, or when they do any type of work on your teeth.But that pain only lasts a few days. My braces cost about 5000 canadian dollars.. Ive herd that the clear retainer braces DO work, but thats only if you actually wear them. See if their causing you any pain, then your likely to take them out, since you can! When i got my braces off i had one tooth that was out of place. they gave me a retainer( Kinda looks like a mouth football guard) and i had to bite into that for 4 hours a day...its called a Pre-Finisher...and that moved my one tooth, so now my teeth are all straight...You could see if they could just give you something like the pre-finisher to fix that canine of yours!! Honeslty tho, braces are so worth it..i had clear braces and no one even really noticed that I had them....they may be expensive but think about it, you'll have an awesome smile for the rest of your life. My boss is about 40ish and he just got braces...braces at an older age isnt uncommon. Go around to different Orthodontists, and shop around for pricing..Also, see if your work can cover any of the costs...Good Luck!

[yellowduck]

Hey. My Mum had braces (traintracks) when she was 42 because she had a left over baby toth from when she was a child and this unexpectedly fell out leaving a noticable gap. She had no problems and they were offin a year and a half. I had them too, and I don't know whether I've just got a lower pain threshold than most but I found the experience quite an ordeal. It does hurt a lot when they tighten them each month or so but what I found most annoying was when my teeth didn't fit together properly so I couldn't bite on my food very easily, but obviously that keeps changing. Having said that I would still do it all again because now I have nice straight teeth and no longer have to wear a retainer (gum-shield thing) at night x x x

[need_to_know]

I am 28 and am paying privately for braces. I had them when I was 18 aswell but my orthodontist wasnt very good and didnt advise me properly on aftercare.

Personally it is worth every penny getting your teeth done. It is better to wear braces and have your teeth perfect than to have caps, veneers etc. I would definately recommend it.  I have the standard "train tracks" which are fixed.  I have clear ceramic on top all the way round and metal on the bottom teeth.  You cnat see the metal ones on the bottom.  It is best to not have ceramic on the bottom as it is very hard and if your top teeth will erode from where they sit on your bottom ones so def have metal on the bottom.  I am paying �2300 for mine which is for 18months approx for fixed braces and then includes 3 years for my retainer (which is the removable plate that keeps your teeth in place afterwards).  This is pretty cheap from other quotes I have had the highest being �4800 and the guy was a complete charlaton I have since found out.  I have gone private because once your over 16 you cant have braces on the NHS.  Hope this helps.

[kaz35]

Don't really know much about orthodontics, but what about having the tooth removed and having a capped tooth in its place?  That would (presumably) be cheaper than a long course of treatment.  How's the ODP training going, BTW?

[clarelouise]

I had a brace on for 15 months when I was 29 years old for my wedding.
I hated my teeth on the lower jaw.
I had mine done on the NHS for free.
My husband and I are on working tax and child tax credits and my dentist said I qualified for free treatment.
It has to be one of the best things I ever did.
I am no longer trying to cover my mouth when I talk.
I had normal braces and found it didn't hurt.I would say just slightly uncomfortable at first and when they tightened the wire, but only for a couple of days.
I hated the feeling when the brace was taken off as it felt strange not having it on my teeth.
I then wore a clear plastic retainer.Like a mouth guard to keep the teeth in place whilst they fully set without the brace.
It was well worth it.
I originally went to pay to have them capped but my dentist suggested a brace instead and I decide to go for that option after giving it much thought, and I am so glad that I did.,
Hope that helps.
Maybe you don't need the advice anymore but I thought I would add it on anyway.

[lilemi]

I am only 12, but ad my braces fitted yesturday. They do hurt ALOT but they r calming down. Mine cost �3000 pounds, but thats because I am going privately. I suggest you dont go privately-cheaper, and maybe just a simple take in-and-out type brace should fix the problem! Thats also cheaper, and hey probably way less pain, I would ask you dentist first though, to double check!

I hope it all goes well for you xxx