Want to save...but want my teeth fixed!

freda

Oh, and I forgot to say. For large cost things that I decide I want, but can't necessarily afford, I tend to sit down with my bank statements and take a look at what I've been spending money on, and what I could give up in order to save for the think I want. For example, if I'd been spending £100 going out every month, but decided that I wanted the orthodontic work more than this, I'd make a conscious decision to only spend £20 and put the extra £80 into a savings account each month. Also, make an effort to sell junk on ebay (I need to do that next!) as it can net you a surprising amount. This way, you can take control of how you find the money to pay for things you really want, but don't necessarily need, if you see what I mean.

angeldeelite

Gemmzie wrote:

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the clear braces - several of my friends had them and they are more obvious because they stain very easily.

So unless you're prepared to give up all heavily coloured food/drinks - don't bother. The oddest things can stain them; coffee, red wine, cola are pretty obvious but strawberries, oranges - just odd

I have braces at the moment after hating my teeth ever since I was about 12, and I just concentrate on the fact that in two years I can finally smile in a photo and not be embaressed. It's doing so much for my self esteem.
I had two wisdom teeth out too, very little problem.

by clear i take it you are talking bauot the ceramic ones? honestly, i dont know if i could cope with having metal braces attached to my teeth. I have a terrible, terrible fear of all things dental - might be too traumatic. I'm favouring the invisible plastics ones which you take out when eating etc.

thanks though, giving me loads of questions ask - apart from the person who mentioned abstraction!!!!! eek! i have a horrible feeling this might be the case....:(

Toothsmith

You're probably thinking of the Invisalign methods.

This is where the patient wears a series of clear plastic 'trays' that gradually move the teeth.

Not all problems are suitable for this treatment method, but it is one of the most aesthetic ways of doing it.

I am not 100% certain, but I am fairly sure these things have to be in the mouth 100% of the time - including eating. Teeth very quickly loose the movement that has taken weeks to happen. Just 30mins out of the mouth can set treatment back days.

The ceramic brackets and metal brackets are both bonded to the teeth. This is the usual and most reliable way to move teeth around.

You probably will need extractions, as space has to be created from somewhere to straighten the teeth into. This space can sometimes be created by altering the shape of your mouth with a different type of brace called a functional appliance, but these appliances generally work by directing your own growth, and as you're all growed up now, this may not be available.

See the specialist though, and he will tell you exactly what you will be able to do.

Think of the wedding photos though!

The rest of your life is ahead of you. The treatment time will soon pass.

The oldest person I refered for treatment was in her mid 40s at the start of treatment. She thinks it's the best thing she's ever done.

Gemmzie

As Toothsmith said, you really shouldn't take them out!

I have a fixed metal brace and at first was really embaressed by it but now I don't care - several celebrities have had braces over the years you know

I think it had to come down to - if you really want it done, then you would be prepared to put up with a couple of years feeling embaressed.

Hello

A year ago I had just finished 18 months of visits to the Dentist to repair my teeth, because I had to go private it cost 2.5 times your estimate. I am still paying it off (so happy about 0% credit cards!) but so happy with my new chompers. I have to avoid toffee, but that's OK I prefer crisps!!

It was co-incidence that I got married shortly after the completion but I am so glad I did it before my wedding, I got an extra kick knowing I could smile with confidence, and all I wanted to do on the day was smile.

Lynzpower - my Mum once told me that I probably didn't get a job because of the state of my teeth. Way to go for the support there Mum.

angeldeelite

toothsmith, gemmzie - i did think that. i suppose if it takes half the time with metal attachments than the removable (and probably half the price!) it's maybe worth it. scared of extractions tho, i did have some back teeth removed when i was about 16 so hopefully there is some room. i honestly couldnt cope with getting teeth removed. last time it was done, they put me to sleep = not sure if they even do that anymore....

Toothsmith

You might find that if you need to have to be put to sleep to have any teeth out that either you may have to pay privately for that, or the treatment may be refused.

Having a general anaesthetic - at least on the NHS - should only happen if the benefits outweigh the risks, and there is no other safer option.

There is a safer option - local anaesthetic.

There is no health gain from having your teeth shuffled about a bit.

A private GA may well add a fair bit to the bill.

Be brave - it's very easy and you're a big girl now!!!

angeldeelite

Toothsmith wrote:

Be brave - it's very easy and you're a big girl now!!!

hehe i know. :rotfl:
my boyfriend calls me paul burrell cos i'm such a big scaredy cat! :rotfl: i did manage to endure root canal treatment 18 months ago so we'll see. my dentist always offers me a sedative so i may ask for that.

appointment is not for 2 months anyway so have time to pluck up the courage (and save money!)

thanks everybody, will keep you updated

Toothsmith

Yes - sedation may be a good compromise.