24, UK. Need braces desperately. Need encouragement.

[TombstoneTeeth]

My teeth have always been a problem as far as I can remember. I've had braces at the age of 14 (just a retainer, no brackets), and that seemed to do the job for a few years. Now it seems like they're almost deteriorating yearly, and their condition since my wisdom teeth emerged is just terrible. In fact, the condition of my teeth are quite possibly ruining my mental health at the moment. I try not to think about orthodontics where possible because I find it so utterly demoralising that such an option actually exists to fix this enormous problem in my life, but that it's so far away because of the prohibitive cost. My utter frustration with the condition of my teeth has negatively impacted my quality of life severely. That might sound extreme, but I truly believe it's the case. I can't take pride in anything about my physical self. My hair, my body, my skin. My teeth aside, I think I'm an attractive person. But it's all ruined as soon as I expose my tombstone teeth. I think it may even have caused resentment with my parents. The only reason I ever had "braces" the first time was because I pleaded with them to take me to the dentist. Even though the treatment is free for under 16s in the UK, they still only took me reluctantly. And it was a second rate dentist rather than an orthodontic specialist. I don't know if I'm in the right by holding such resentment against them for this, perhaps somebody will comment on that. But I've seen friends with teeth worse than mine have them corrected and their lives consequently improved, all because their parents took the time to research a good orthodontist. All free, it's not a matter of money.

Anyway, this has been difficult for me. See, when I look at my teeth in a mirror, they look "okay". Still unbearably bad, but not AS unbearably bad. And when I look at my teeth in a photograph, on the off chance that I lapse from my 'must-not-expose-teeth' discipline that I've mastered over the years, they look a whole new level of dreadful. And this is nothing to do with cameras per se, or lighting. If I take two mirrors I can see a reverse mirror image (i.e. a correct image) of my teeth and they look awful in the same way. I don't know if the teeth I see in the mirror or the teeth I see in photographs/double mirror are truly representative of the way others see them. I don't know if I have simply adjusted to the way my teeth look in a mirror and so don't see anything wrong with them, or looking at them in a photograph/double mirror exacerbates their faults as it's the mirror of what I'm used to seeing. I've asked for impartial opinions from friends and family, but they're impossible to garner. Also, this is Britain where dental standards are extremely diverse, and some will consider them acceptable as long as they do their biological function of masticating food.

Now, because of the cost, whenever I tended to think about braces I got a fear pang. It's like a pit of dread in my stomach. A mix of a sense of utter helplessness, dread, self pity, a sense of injustice, lost opportunity. It's unpleasant to think about my teeth, so I have always tried to push it out of my mind. I'm writing this post as I want to face this fear and see if something can be done once and for all.

Sorry, this is a long post. But it's been therapeutic, and I've enjoyed it. Maybe someone will actually read this. But, just to summarise:

1. I'm 24 and need braces. Too late?
2. How restrictive are the financial plans? My credit history is not at all perfect, I went a bit wild with a credit card at university, still paying it off. (This wasn't irresponsible spending, was using it to pay my rent.)
3. My budget at the moment is quite limited. My rent takes up a lot of my expenditure. If we assume the cost will be £3,000, saving will take years.
4. Can you please give me some encouragement that this is possible for me to deal with.

If you read all this post, congratulations, and thank you. I feel considerable relief after just having written it.

[kellyb]

Hi there
I hv read ur post in entirety and am deeply touched because i can relate to it.

If you are really bothered by ur teeth,u should go for ir.i am assuming u hv not yet had a consultation?

I am 32 yrs old and just started my treatment in january this year so it is not too late for u to start.i wish i had started at 24! I am also in the uk and my treatment is costing 3700 pounds but there is definitely cheaper if u shop around.also i am in london so prices here are probably higher than other parts of the uk.please alse bear in mind most if not all orthos will offer a payment plan. I am able to pay mine off over 12 mos interest fee which equates to just over 300 pounds per month. There was an 18 mos payment plan as well but this wd incur interest.

I am sure u can do it,just shop around and only choose an ortho u are comfy with.

Wishing u all the best

[deeley]

Do it do it do it do it do it!

You can do it!

Read the inspiring stories in here. Its short term action for the long term game and by long term I mean THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

Even the fact you posted on here is a huge step forward. It's easy not to do it...it takes courage but by wearing a brace I'm sending a message to the world this week...I am doing something positive to aid my teeth and make me feel happy to see the person in the mirror.

I've taken more photos of my teeth this week than I have allowed in 30+ years.

I'm in the midlands, I'm 37 and i have a brace! I should have had it as a teenager. But what's fired me up here is I nearly had one at 23 and I bottled it again. Don't be like me. This is your chance. Grab it with both hands. Find a dentist who makes you feel safe, comfortable, listens to but mostly makes you laugh. And please do it.
Life is to short to live with what ifs. I won't pretend having a brace is the easy option...but when I see kids I teach having them and getting on fine, I can't procrastinate any longer.

Best wishes whatever you decide

[hj55]

Hi,

First of all it's not too late for braces. I was 53 when I had braces in 2008; treatment was 20 months. I'd spent years looking at my teeth and wishing I could get them sorted out. I also didn't have regular dental treatment as a child. I first decided to take things a step further after reading the stories on this website. Then I saw an advert in the local press which pushed me into the next step.

I was very nervous but I had an initial consultation and had to pay for that (about £80 I think); at that stage I wasn't committed to anything. It was only when I got my treatment plan that I had to make the decision! I paid for my treatment on a monthly basis arranged with my orthodontist - the treatment plan also outlined the cost so I knew what I would have to pay each month; I couldn't have paid a lump sum. I just had to set up a standing order for 16 months on the day I got my braces.

I absolutely agree with Deeley

This is your chance. Grab it with both hands. Find a dentist who makes you feel safe, comfortable, listens to but mostly makes you laugh

The time in braces really does go quickly, the hardest part is waiting to get started. It seemed that one minute I'd just started treatment then I was halfway through then I was finishing - all done. Sometimes I did think why on earth am I doing this, but the results speak for themselves. It really is worthwhile. Go for it!!

Best wishes Helen

[kennyandrew85]

I wrote a really long reply on the train but the stupid phone locked up.

I am you, 1 year into the future. I should have braces free on NHS, my teeth were terrible, I hid my smile and felt I could only relax in my own home. I chose to pay for my own braces at the age of 26, it cost me £2600 12 months ago.

Don't think about the initial cost, this is an investment in your future. It is proven people who are better looking and have better smiles actually EARN MORE and are liked more than their peers, not to mention the health and confidence benefits.

Still not convinced ? Check this out http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... 13&t=41912

I want to see your own progress pics 12 months from now.

[TombstoneTeeth]

Thank you so much for the replies, I have decided that this is definitely something that I want to do.

As for shopping around, can someone tell me how I can best do that? Do I just ask around for rough prices for braces? I can't afford too many consultations really.

Thanks again for the encouragement, I keep you guys updated. It's now just a matter of being able to finance it.

[marybee]

It's never too late! This is my second time and the decision was much easier the first time versus the second time. I did it the first time because I wanted to feel better about myself (not to mention my very jacked up teeth!) It made me more confidant smiling in braces than the alternative. Now that I am older (30 years older than the first time!), looking back makes me realize the decision was the right one. "Ortho shopping" is a good experience and you should not stop until you find the "fit" that you are comfortable with. Be upfront during the consults and voice your concerns and payment options. This is something not to be shy about because you are going to have this "best friend" for a few years.

Good Luck

[ashenk224]

I'm 26 and just got braces on about a month ago. It was a lot to get used to, but they don't even bother me now. Although quite a few people tell me they make me look significantly younger (maybe a good thing? haha). I was extremely insecure about my teeth and hated my smile. No one noticed how bad my teeth were, but I noticed. I wanted braces sooner, but I couldn't afford them until now. I'm paying out of pocket for mine and I'm paying $6,840 USD. My ortho offered 24 month interest free financing, so I put down $2,000 USD and now I pay $202 USD a month. I thought I would get made fun of for having braces, but I actually get a lot of encouragement from people. So it's never too late, it's a great investment, and you'll have a fantastic smile when you're done!

[Crazy4Snow]

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anytime you second guess your decision to get braces, go look at before, during and after photos of other people. Doing that literally cinched it for me.

I'm 45 years old, have had braces on for 1 year now and have never regretted getting them. Even in those horrible first few days and weeks when the pain was bothersome and I was hungry and agitated, even then...I wanted them on because I wanted to finally have a beautiful smile...and now I do...even with the braces still on. I can't wait to get them off though and flash my smile all the time!

[TombstoneTeeth]

Thanks everyone for the posts! I guess this is a decision that few regret, judging by these posts. Believe me, I would rejoice at those pains! The first time I get those pains I will rejoice at having gotten my braces and knowing that a nice smile is on the way!

[TombstoneTeeth]

I can't edit posts for some reason, so I'll have to make a new one instead.

I just wanted to say that this is now a case of me being able to actually get them. Luckily, I live in an urban place so I have plenty of practices to choose from and perhaps strike the best deal. Could anyone advise me on how to do that, particularly within the UK? Have there been cases of people not being able to get the finance for them?

[TombstoneTeeth]

Sorry, one more thing: I get the feeling that I will need two teeth extracted as I have overcrowding on my bottom teeth. If I do need extractions (teeth removed), will these be a part of the consultation or will that be separate? Thanks.

[kellyb]

Regarding extractions,i am not sure how other orthos work but with the one i am using, they only do braces.if i needed extractions,i wd hv to get it done at my regular dentist and pay for it separately.

[smilehope]

Hi there. There are certainly many of us here who know how you feel. But there are also loads of us who at 24 wouldn't have been able to afford braces in either money or the time commitment, which is not inconsiderable. Braces certainly aren't a quick fix to improve our appearance though, and need to be seen as part of a long-term self-improvement plan, which includes working on our self-esteem in other ways. Mine only improved in my 30's, in part from a husband who doesn't care about my teeth.
Other people DO NOT see your teeth the same way you do. They do not stare at them close up! They do just see them as part of you, and the important people do not judge you on them.
Now I have braces at 42 and I'm really pleased, but I'm not going to waste time regretting those years hating the mirror.
What I mean is, absolutely go for it - you will get the support you need here (which families often can't as they have no idea what it's like). But do it when you're sure you can pay. Have you started saving yet? Mine are costing £3800. When my orthodontist did my treatment plan, the payment plan came with it. £600 every 3 months x5 then the last two of £400. The initial consultation was £80, which included X-rays. My own dentist did 2 extraction for a little over £100 I think. Oh, and my orthodontist was on the recommendation of my dentist - I didn't shop around.
Hope that is of some help. If I seem patronising not intended - check out my hideous pics on my story!

[LucyLou]

[quote="TombstoneTeeth"]I just wanted to say that this is now a case of me being able to actually get them. Luckily, I live in an urban place so I have plenty of practices to choose from and perhaps strike the best deal. Could anyone advise me on how to do that, particularly within the UK? Have there been cases of people not being able to get the finance for them?[/quote]

If you're worried about the finance situation then try to find an orthodontist who will just let you pay it off a bit at a time.
I can pay however much (or little!) I want at each appointment so long as it's paid off at the end of treatment.

You definitely need to go for a few consultations to choose the right orthodontist for your needs.