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2012: Get to grips with my teeth. Advice welcome!
jfh7gwa
Posts: 450 Forumite
Firstly, just to say, I've always attended checkups and had medical treatment, but I'm mulling over doing some things to enhance things cosmetically/because I have the money to in the next year or so.
Secondly, I know that posting on a forum is no substitute for seeking the advice of a professional, but just to round out my knowledge so that I can attend appointments with the right background info/with the right questions here goes:
1 - Root Canal
I have need of a root canal treatment, due to the formation of a small, soft, not-painful-unless-pressed lump above a molar with a very old metal filling in it. An x-ray shows that the tooth has decay, and according to the freeze test on my tooth, it's dying. I haven't discussed options with my dentist yet, as it was caught on checkup, and that month there was the option of paying for food or paying more dentist fees - obviously food bill won. I've been putting it off and saving up since then. As I understand it, though:
Option 1: Take out my metal filling in the tooth, pull out my tooth's nerve, fill it back up. I'd like to opt for a white filling as the tooth shows when I laugh or smile (meaning I don't really grin and I'm quite self concious about it, have been for years). However, I understand that this tooth will discolour over the years and I may end up having to get it whitened or treated in some way? i.e. this isn't a long-term fix really, but is cheapest.
Option 2: A single tooth bridge. I've no idea how viable this is with my teeth, as the tooth behind it is fine (molar) and the one in front is a little one with a massive filling in it as well (metal). Clearly likely to be an expensive option, but I wonder if I should ask about this in the interests of just getting it done properly rather than filling in my tooth again for a few years?
2 - Metal to White Filling Replacement
All of my fillings are metal, and in relatively prominent places (hence the shyness when it comes to smiling, noted above). I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to replace all my old fillings (between 6 and 15 years old) with white ones, or would I be best just leaving them? Clearly this is only driven by cosmetic considerations, but I do remember being told as a child that metal ones only last 10 - 15 years anyway (so it's not totally weird to consider replacing them).
3 - Teeth Straightening
Again, something I am incredibly self-concious about and was suggested to be fixed as a child but my parents never "got around" to getting NHS braces for me
:mad:.
Firstly, on the bottom row of my teeth, I have a crooked cluster at the front, in particular one tooth which pokes up. This has resulted in my top right tooth at the front having a slight "chip" in it, as the rubbing from the lower mis-aligned tooth wears it out. I also have a lower tooth which is twisted (it needs to be twizzled around is all). These two problems I'm sure could be fixed by a brace. As an adult, is there anything I'd be best to look into for this? I've been reading about invisalign vs. normal train tracks, but to be quite honest most people talk about the cosmetic/speed of each... whilst I honestly don't care about how the braces look whilst they're active, and whether it takes 6 months or 2 years to fix my teeth I'm not really that bothered. So I'm not sure if this debate is a bit moot for me.
Secondly, on my top row of teeth (also all slightly crooked...) I have a tiny little tooth which is clearly far too small. Leading to a gap between the two teeth beside it. I'm thinking a veneer or something here, but I've been reading horror stories about how this is often touted as a quick fix but can ruin the underlying tooth (it's quite healthy, just looks like crap). So not sure of my other options here.
4 - Dental Fees
I'm based in Scotland, and I know most folks here will have experience of fees/dental work in England or Wales. But from a very general perspective, I've no idea how fees for dentists work, as I've only ever paid on the spot for medically neccesary work. Regarding more optional things, I'm thinking of going around a few dentists to ask for quotes for work once my own dentist has helped to clarify if he can help with the stuff above.. and compare.. I guess? Do most dentists offer credit facilities i.e. pay in stages? I'm guessing a deposit up front for a percentage of the agreed price? Doesn't make much difference to me either way as I'll be saving up in advance for the lot, but I'd like to hear what the "norm" is in general!
Secondly, I know that posting on a forum is no substitute for seeking the advice of a professional, but just to round out my knowledge so that I can attend appointments with the right background info/with the right questions here goes:
1 - Root Canal
I have need of a root canal treatment, due to the formation of a small, soft, not-painful-unless-pressed lump above a molar with a very old metal filling in it. An x-ray shows that the tooth has decay, and according to the freeze test on my tooth, it's dying. I haven't discussed options with my dentist yet, as it was caught on checkup, and that month there was the option of paying for food or paying more dentist fees - obviously food bill won. I've been putting it off and saving up since then. As I understand it, though:
Option 1: Take out my metal filling in the tooth, pull out my tooth's nerve, fill it back up. I'd like to opt for a white filling as the tooth shows when I laugh or smile (meaning I don't really grin and I'm quite self concious about it, have been for years). However, I understand that this tooth will discolour over the years and I may end up having to get it whitened or treated in some way? i.e. this isn't a long-term fix really, but is cheapest.
Option 2: A single tooth bridge. I've no idea how viable this is with my teeth, as the tooth behind it is fine (molar) and the one in front is a little one with a massive filling in it as well (metal). Clearly likely to be an expensive option, but I wonder if I should ask about this in the interests of just getting it done properly rather than filling in my tooth again for a few years?
2 - Metal to White Filling Replacement
All of my fillings are metal, and in relatively prominent places (hence the shyness when it comes to smiling, noted above). I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to replace all my old fillings (between 6 and 15 years old) with white ones, or would I be best just leaving them? Clearly this is only driven by cosmetic considerations, but I do remember being told as a child that metal ones only last 10 - 15 years anyway (so it's not totally weird to consider replacing them).
3 - Teeth Straightening
Again, something I am incredibly self-concious about and was suggested to be fixed as a child but my parents never "got around" to getting NHS braces for me
:mad:.Firstly, on the bottom row of my teeth, I have a crooked cluster at the front, in particular one tooth which pokes up. This has resulted in my top right tooth at the front having a slight "chip" in it, as the rubbing from the lower mis-aligned tooth wears it out. I also have a lower tooth which is twisted (it needs to be twizzled around is all). These two problems I'm sure could be fixed by a brace. As an adult, is there anything I'd be best to look into for this? I've been reading about invisalign vs. normal train tracks, but to be quite honest most people talk about the cosmetic/speed of each... whilst I honestly don't care about how the braces look whilst they're active, and whether it takes 6 months or 2 years to fix my teeth I'm not really that bothered. So I'm not sure if this debate is a bit moot for me.
Secondly, on my top row of teeth (also all slightly crooked...) I have a tiny little tooth which is clearly far too small. Leading to a gap between the two teeth beside it. I'm thinking a veneer or something here, but I've been reading horror stories about how this is often touted as a quick fix but can ruin the underlying tooth (it's quite healthy, just looks like crap). So not sure of my other options here.
4 - Dental Fees
I'm based in Scotland, and I know most folks here will have experience of fees/dental work in England or Wales. But from a very general perspective, I've no idea how fees for dentists work, as I've only ever paid on the spot for medically neccesary work. Regarding more optional things, I'm thinking of going around a few dentists to ask for quotes for work once my own dentist has helped to clarify if he can help with the stuff above.. and compare.. I guess? Do most dentists offer credit facilities i.e. pay in stages? I'm guessing a deposit up front for a percentage of the agreed price? Doesn't make much difference to me either way as I'll be saving up in advance for the lot, but I'd like to hear what the "norm" is in general!
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Comments
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I currently have clear fixed braces on my top row of teeth, known as '6 month smile' treatment.
They look alright, are quick and are competitive on price. I had fixed braces when I was a teenager and they were awful and the process was 2 years. 10 years later they've moved back!
I would defiantly recommend 6 month smile treatment for straightening teeth as 6 weeks in there is already a noticeable difference.2012 bring it on!;)0 -
First things first, whatever you need doing never, ever have it done on the basis of price. Find a dentist you trust , to give you an overview sort out what they can , and if necessary refer you on for braces.
Personally speaking if your amalgam fillings are fine don't replace them. Every rime you drill a filling out you make the hole larger and can start a whole load of problems.
Prioritise what needs doing
1 root treatment, fillings and preventative treatment. If you have decay and are considering braces, cosmetic treatment you need to get your diet and cleaning regime under control. Otherwise your hard earned cash will have to be spent again in a few years reneging the damage done whilst wearing braces or having veneers etc with diet or cleaning not perfect.
2 if necessary braces. Budget £150 ish for consultation and £1800 upwards for treatment. Choose a recommended orthodontist and discuss with them costs and disadvantages of different systems. Don't use a dentist who just uses one system choose an orthodontist who is a specialist in braces.
3 finally think about cosmetic work to improve look of tooth. Discuss with dentist as there may be many options.
Key to all of this will be the understanding that all this work will need maintainance on your behalf and replacement/maintaince by the dentist. It may very well take a very long time eg braces can take 18 months or more and an orthodontist will not want to start until root filled tooth has been settled some time. Most importantly choose someone to do it who is recommended , health care in general is one area where bargain hunting rarely causes anything but long term problems.0 -
Weightwatcher - that's the invisalign thing I've been reading about. Perhaps I should talk to my dentist directly re: timescales and costs, as the things that most people tout as benefits/drawbacks (cheaper and/or quicker) aren't really a concern to me just now. But then I may just change my mind if my dentist says that in my case it's going to be... I don't know... 4 years of tracks vs. 6 months of invisible ones. I should think I'd opt for the 6 month ones then. Thank you for your input!
Brook2jack, thanks also for your help. I think your advice re: not going for treatment based on price is good. I do want to point out that my diet isn't really a concern (all my fillings stem from poor maintenance and diet as a child), but yes - I could do with flossing more and ensuring I brush twice daily (I usually manage this four or five times a week, it's the days I get in late from work that I miss the 2nd brush).
Good point about getting the root canal/medically needed stuff done first. First things first and all that.
One thing that does strike me is that I'm a relatively naive "buyer" when it comes to dentist work. I know that I don't want to choose based on price... but I wouldn't go and buy a car based on how well I got along with the sales rep... so I'm a bit flummoxed about how I can choose my dentist for the cosmetic work. I guess.. based on how knowledgable s/he is? If they ROUTINELY do the type of treatment they're suggesting? (Don't want to go with someone who's only a year out of uni and hasn't gone a procedure before.. etc.) Hmm.0 -
Weightwatcher wrote: »I currently have clear fixed braces on my top row of teeth, known as '6 month smile' treatment.
They look alright, are quick and are competitive on price. I had fixed braces when I was a teenager and they were awful and the process was 2 years. 10 years later they've moved back!
I would defiantly recommend 6 month smile treatment for straightening teeth as 6 weeks in there is already a noticeable difference.
Most orthodontic treatment will relapse unless retainers are worn for life or permanent retainers glued to the back of teeth.
6 month smiles, Inman alligners, invisalign etc all have limitations they cannot achieve the movements a fixed brace can. Your 6 month smile treatment in no way can achieve the movements that your fixed treatment did. That's why fixed takes so much longer as you can mmove teeth further and in different directions, untwist them etc movements that are not possible with these "quick" systems.0 -
Always chose a dentist on recommendation. If your own dentist doesn't do braces ask who they refer to. If you have a regular dentist they are the one who is going to be responsible ,longterm , for the maintenance of all this work so discuss it with them.
As to decay..., well you said the x ray showed decay on the tooth that needs root filling so diet does need consideration.
Braces need meticulous cleaning and if you don't manage brushing twice a day now and flossing every day you are asking for long term trouble as decay happens really quickly around teeth with braces or veneers or White fillings.
Change your diet and cleaning habits now because if you can't make those changes now it's senseless to spend alot of money on work that may end up damaging your teeth or not lasting. If you can't get into the flossing and twice a day brushing habit put off the work until your mouth and habits are healthy enough to support it.0 -
jfh7gwa- invisalign isn't the same as 6 month smile treatment as I wear fixed braces.
However as pointed out they may not be suitable if your teeth are very crooked, and I will wear a bonded retainer across the back of my front teeth when I have the fixed removed! It will be worth it for me.
My front teeth are/were twisted and are in the process of straightening.
Do lots of research then you will be able to make an informed decision!2012 bring it on!;)0 -
I had a much smaller tooth on the top row...turns out it was my baby tooth & the new one had never grown through. I can see the new one in xrays. Anyway the baby tooth fell off & I needed a bridge (crowns on the two teeth either side & a fake tooth thats not attached to the gum in the middle). Perhaps thats the case for you?
Re braces vs Invsalign, a girl I work with had two years of misery (pain, discomfort & constant dentist vists) with braces & STILL has to wear a retainer to make sure they dont move back!0 -
I usually manage this four or five times a week, it's the days I get in late from work that I miss the 2nd brush
*reads this and faints*
Sorry, I'm a dental student and we're learning about this at the moment, so time to put my knowledge to use
. Brushing at night is the most important!! This is because you produce less saliva at night, saliva neutralises the acids produced by the bacteria in plaque, so it's important to get rid of this plaque.
Also, it's important to focus on brushing technique (google Modified Bass method) rather than frequency of brushing, so that you get rid of all the plaque.
About the fillings: I would say let them fall out (obviously ask your dentist about this) and then get them replaced, otherwise it's a waste of money. Also, note that white fillings don't last as long - 10ish years, although this is improving.
You can also get some treatments done for free if you live near any of the dental schools in scotland (glasgow, aberdeen, dundee), we only do the expensive white fillings at KCL (not always available at NHS practice's), so this might also be the case at the scottish dental schools.
In England, charges are in fixed-price bands, so a dentist can only charge £47 for 1 filling taking 20-30mins or 10 fillings taking hours. Not sure about scotland, but the NHS scotland site says £37 for an RCT on a front tooth, so I would image atleast double the price for a molar, but again i'm not 100% about scottish charges. (Won't let me post links, but you can google nhs scotland dental charges and it's the first one).(Don't want to go with someone who's only a year out of uni and hasn't gone a procedure before.. etc.) Hmm.
Haha, rest assured that this doesn't happen! The medics spend 5 years in the library reading about diseases etc, us dentists spend 5 years in clinic actually treating patients - slight exaggeration, but I have my first patients in a couple of weeks and I'm a second year.
Hope this helps0 -
pegshapedlateralincisor wrote: »
About the fillings: let them fall out (amalgam lasts for 10-15 years) and then get them replaced, otherwise it's a waste of money. Also, note that white fillings don't last as long - 10ish years, although this is improving.
Once you get into practice you will regularly see amalgams that have lasted 40 plus years. 70 years are the oldest I've seen still going strong. The material lasts forever it's how well they are looked after and cracked tooth that can limit their life span.
You'll also learn fillings more often need replacing for other reasons than "falling out" which is why it's important to xray at intervals and follow dentists advice as to when they need replacing rather than waiting for a disaster.0 -
brook2jack wrote: »Once you get into practice you will regularly see amalgams that have lasted 40 plus years. 70 years are the oldest I've seen still going strong. The material lasts forever it's how well they are looked after and cracked tooth that can limit their life span.
You'll also learn fillings more often need replacing for other reasons than "falling out" which is why it's important to xray at intervals and follow dentists advice as to when they need replacing rather than waiting for a disaster.
Youre not a dentist by any chance are you? I don't want to be making a fool of myself here
10-15 is a reasonable minimum you can expect from these types of fillings, but obviously depending on maintenance they can last a lot long, as you mentioned.
About the x-rays: it is not the case that you need to have x-rays taken at regular intervals - a dentist needs a good reason to take an x-ray, if the tooth and the surrounding tissue appears healthy, then there is no reason to take an x-ray, alternatively if you have pain or swelling then obviously an x-ray may be needed.
Again as you mentioned, fillings do not just "fall out" (although fillings do fall out due to cracked and fractured teeth), what I was trying to say is that there is no point in removing a filling if there is no reason - if it ain't broke don't fix it, if you like.
Hope I've been able to clear things up a little.0
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