I am new to ArchWired and would like to introduce myself. I am 33yrs old and will be getting braces for the second time. I am from England where children under 18yrs can get their teeth straighten for free. Brilliant. As I have really big teeth plus a rather small mouth, I had 2 removed from the top and 2 from the bottom to allow enough room to me for the rest to be straightened.
Braces off, retainer aftercare finished - I had a lovely smile for about 5 years...
Since the last 10 years or so, I have noticed my top front teeth very slowly pushing forward giving me an overbite. As for my bottom teeth, an arrival of a wisdom tooth meant they too have been on the move and are now twisted out and totally misaligned. It turns out, my tongue has been with too little space and thrust forwards when it is in its 'resting' position causing my overbite. I think my bottom teeth just felt like having a party.
The thing is, when I smile they don't look too bad. Sure they are not perfectly straight but they have character and the bottom ones are hidden. However, what gets me down is the reaction I get from my dentist + dental hygienist and now my orthodontist when they see inside my mouth. They are amazed I can eat because my teeth only touch at my back molars. I also have a cross bite and a way off midline. I have been informed many times that my teeth are the worst case they have seen. Great.
So I decided to get them fixed again when I could afford it. The time is now, but as luck would have it, I'm now live and work in Switzerland and dental cost is 3 times as much as in the UK.
Getting braces again is going to set me back about 12000CHFs, which is also getting me down. I will be able to pay monthly so that softens the blow but at this stage in life, I should be saving for the future. I can't help what I was given genetically. Anyways, if they look ok, shouldn't I just leave them as they are?Today I had my xrays and moulds made. The orthodontist needs some time to work out my plan and I'm crossing my fingers I wont need surgery or have more teeth removed - both a possibility given the complexity of my case.
My next appointment is 1st February when I will find out my options.
Lets wait and see...