Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi there all. I've been reading this board for quite some time with feelings of hope and sometimes even jealousy. I just want to let you all know that I credit you with helping me to take the first step in getting my teeth presentable.

Here's my backstory. (Fair warning)

It all started when I started to lose my baby teeth. Everything was going along well, except the adult canine that was growing in front of the baby one on the right side. The baby canine never wanted to come out, and wound up pointing toward the inside of my mouth. Finally it was torn out, but not before making the adult one grow too far in front of my other teeth. I also have a lower baby molar that never came out, because of the absent tooth that was supposed to come out under it. It occurs to me now that baby molars aren't supposed to exist for 26 years, it seems to decay rather easily.
All of my top teeth are of normal size, but the are all spaced out way too much, I have an overbite, and my bottom arch is crooked, due to that pesky baby molar.

I'm scared as hell of the dentist. The thought of going to the dentist makes me shiver, feel very apprehensive, and nearly cry. The first time I went to the dentist was in the Army, in basic training. Not because of my fear though, because my parents were too interested in spending every extra dollar on booze and drugs.
I think the Army dentist caused the fear. The Army's idea of repairing two somewhat decayed molars is with a chisel and pliers. Repairing surface cavities on more front teeth include drilling and poking without adequate painkillers, and generally not caring about the scared kid in the chair.

Out of the Army now, just about 27 years old.
I took the big step and made an appointment with a dentist in town here for Sep 20. I'm scared. I might cancel it. I've seen the most repugnant stuff during my time overseas, how can I be so scared? Me, the Infantryman?!
Oh well, I just need to keep thinking about how embarrassed I am about my teeth. The only way to get straight teeth is with braces, right? The only way to get braces is to get cavities fixed and my teeth prepared, right?

I've wanted braces since I was a kid. All the kids in school got them, got them off 2 or 3 years later and had perfect teeth. I felt so left out. I still do though, I can't smile and laugh when something's funny because I don't want anyone to see my teeth.

You guys and gals are going to be my motivation. I've seen the pics of your teeth when they were like mine, the pics of your braces, and the pics of your now perfect smiles. I want to be one of you.....and I will be.

Thanks for reading!
Any kind words of encouragement are very much appreciated!

Welcome, TripleM!

Consider yourself encouraged. I had baby teeth with no permanent teeth behind them. One was pulled when I was 12 and one was pulled last year - when I was 53. So, I have you beat on how long baby teeth can stay around. But, you're right, they aren't the same size as adult teeth. My teeth did start to shift around, particularly with the gap from age 12.

I'm also very apprehensive (I'm trying not to say scared) of people bearing needles. My fear stems from a series of shots that I got for a birthmark, from the time I was 9 months old until I was 4 - not quite the same as Army dentists, but fear doesn't have to be rational. My ortho promised that he would not use any needles on me and (knock wood), I have had a relatively easy time since I got my braces - almost a year now.

Keep posting your concerns, thoughts, progress, and questions. We'll be here waiting for you.

Hi TripleM

I'm seeing the ortho for impressions etc. on 14th Sept and I admit that I am scared at the thought of the whole process. However I know that if I don't do something now about my teeth (I am 41) that I will regret it in years to come.

This site is great, extremely supportive, where else could we all go to talk about our teeth if this site weren't available. I'm sure that you'll get lots of good wishes.

Your Army dentist sounds horrible. I'm sure that you'll be treated a lot better in the future. Let the ortho know about your fears, I'm sure they'll do their best to put you at your ease.

Look forward to hearing your updates.
Wishing you well, hope to hear you raving about how nice the ortho is.

Regards
Joney

I think the Army dentist caused the fear. The Army's idea of repairing two somewhat decayed molars is with a chisel and pliers. Repairing surface cavities on more front teeth include drilling and poking without adequate painkillers, and generally not caring about the scared kid in the chair.

The military doctors and dentists are enough to make anyone scared. I can't even tell you my experience with them - it is too humiliating. Ugh! But it is something worse the dental and with no pain killers. Let's just say they could hear me screaming down the hall. Then they have no respect of your privacy whatsoever and just come right out to the waiting room and talk to you about your case in front of everyone. (After they all have heard the screams). Oh - and all due respect to all your military doctors out there - NOT!

Going to a real dentist will be nothing like your experience with the military. Talk to your dentist about your fears. They should be able to make you feel comfortable. Tell them you need a signal for when you need them to stop whatever they are doing. Usually just raising your hand works. Even if it is just that you need to swallow.

I really hope that you can get your fear in check so that you can be treated. Don't let those stupid military dentists ruin things for you! You will be needing to deal with dentists all your life if you want to have nice teeth.

I too have been terrified of dentists in the past. Lots of childhood trauma, etc. I finally have found a dentist and an orthodontist that I love. What has helped me the most was asking others for recommendations and then when I had my initial visit, I explained my dental fears. I still get nervous a bit, but no way near how I used to react (one dentist actually told me I needed to take valium before my visits or he would not work on my teeth).

Good luck! You will do just fine! Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi TripleM,

First, welcome to the board. I completely sympathize with your fear of the dentists and know firsthand about military dentists. I had my four wisdom teeth removed when I was in boot camp (USMC), too and it was a miserable experience. Although I didn't have any issues with my baby teeth not falling out and was fortunate enough to not have any cavities until I was 23.

I used this board as my motivation for straightening my teeth. Everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile so I commend your courage. I'm just starting my journey with an appliance and will have braces by the new year. My appliance is being used to push my molars back in order to correct my overbite without extractions. I was supposed to have it removed this month, but my teeth are moving slower than anticipated. My point in telling you this is to say that the process may take longer than you hope, but in the end you will be so pleased with your results that it will be worth it. Just keep saying that in your head (like I do).

Keep us informed about your process and we'll encourage you as much as possible!

Kris

Hey! I don't share the same fear or have had the same experiences but I hope it all gets better. I think u should talk to your new dentist and explain that you're a bit scared, ask her/him to explain exactly what needs doing and how he/she is going to do it!
If u need braces don't be scared, for the sake of your oral health and your looks!
Joanna