Orthodontics, Severe overbite and being a student

sinful07

Hello,

To make things clear- i have a severe overbite of 9mm (that's about 0.35 inches) and have impacted as well as crooked teeth. As any normal person with my situation would feel- im not very comfortable flashing a smile to people. Though i am confident in every other aspect, its just my smile that diminishes my confidence.

I went to Orthoworld last year to get a 'payment plan' from them about the braces. it would cost me a staggering £2,800 for a 9 month treatment. I wasnt happy, not only the fact that i cannot afford it at all, is that i'd have to suffer through my college life being self concious all the time until i get out of college, land a job and pay for my braces then.

I realised that ive just barely dodged the NHS treatment solution, I just turned 18 then, which means im considered an adult and they'll send me off to private payment.

However, and this is when things get intresting:

Ive never actually bothered to take note of how hazardous having an intense overbite and overcrowded teeth in an active student's life is. I take up Karate three times a week, and Ju jitsu Twice a week. Both require full contact and sometimes were required to wear pads and gum guards. Yes, Gum guards. Here's the health hazard number one- Due to my intense overbite, i cant wear gum guards. Which means i cant particpate in karate competitions, and intense sparring sessions.

Adding to that, ive also researched that i can contract gum disease sooner or later from this, other short term illnessess include Mouth ulcers, general trouble when biting down on objects as well as eating.

I was wondering whether i can get more advice on this aspect, ive heard somewhere that i can still get NHS treatment upto 19 years of age if it is a severe case, and from my research, having an overbite of 8mm above is considered as severe.

If there's a helpline that i can ring, without them saying "have your dentist refer you" then that would be lovely.

Also, i am a full time university student and completely independent.. If that makes any difference at all.

Please and thank you

-Sin

border_collie

If it is so bad why has your dentist never sent you anywhere?

sinful07

She sent me to orthoworld. And i wasnt quite active at the time then, its only recently that i started to actually do.. things with my life.

brook2jack

It is very unlikely you would be seen as a nhs patient in an orthodontic practice as all the ones I know have under 18 contracts only given to them by the PCT. In the past orthodontists had more leeway who they treated , these days PCTs really restrict things.

Your only hope may be for your dentist to refer you to the nearest dental hospital. There will be a long wait both to be seen and, if you are accepted, for Treatment. It will also necessitate you travelling there every few weeks for adjustments.

Bear in mind you may not be accepted by a hospital for NHS treatment but you can increase your chances by being meticulous with your oral hygiene and flossing etc.

Toothsmith

It needn't necessarily be a 'dental' hospital for this. Most general hospitals have an orthodontic department, and I would guess that a 9mm overbite would fall into a category that would qualify for treatment even if you are an adult.

As for 'gum guards' - I assume you're talking about off-the-shelf ones there.

You could get a custom made one from your dentist. It may well cost in the region of £70, but it's still a whole load cheaper than even minor traumatic damage to a tooth.

I would go as far as to say that with an overbite that big,you should avoid any potential contact sport without a proper dentist-made mouthguard. Your teeth are just too vunerable.

sinful07

While avoiding the sport is a solution, what happens to my lifestyle afterwards? I Enjoy doing contact sport- and know of the risks, hence why i was asking if there was any chance for NHS treatment, as i know the risks involved.

welshdent

He didnt say avoid contact sport sinful. He said avoid it without a custom made gumshield. A dental mal alignment is not a contra indication for a mouthguard. A PROPER custom one is absolutely indicated. I play rugby and would not even consider stepping on a field without one. They cost upwards of £50 and worth every penny

littlepinkstars44

I had the same problem, and only started my treatment at 18, from an nhs ortho. Got them off a few days before my 21st. Never paid a penny, are you sure its not 21?

Dont think it was worth it though, as they are still not straight.

Indie_Kid

littlepinkstars44 wrote: »

I had the same problem, and only started my treatment at 18, from an nhs ortho. Got them off a few days before my 21st. Never paid a penny, are you sure its not 21?

Dont think it was worth it though, as they are still not straight.

There is something about treatment before 18 being continued after 18.

brook2jack

The new dental contract in 2006 changed many things including orthodontic treatment. The criteria for NHS treatment was changed and for all orthodontists in general practice treatment has to be started before the patient turns 18.

In hospital practice there are less restrictions but according to hospital budget, staffing and policy there may be some scope for adult orthodontics. However some hospitals will only do very complex cases and in my local area two hospitals completely closed their orthodontic waiting lists. Availability will vary from area to area but one thing is constant the waiting time for treatment to start , if accepted , will be long.

metalgal

where are you from? There is an orthodontist in my area who does adult ortho on the NHS. He does it for severe cases and if the patient doesn't pay for their treatment on benefits etc.

I am talking about NI dentistry not sure of the NHS system in mainland UK.