Braces

thatlemming

Hi, I really hate my teeth, and want braces to sort them out. I've got about 2k saved for braces and could probably scrounge around for a bit more that I could put towards it, maybe around 3.5k in total, can anyone whos had braces as an adult give me a rough idea of how much it would be?

Also do you need to be referred to an orthodontist by your dentist, or can you go to one and just ask to be a patient? I preferably want to use the same orthodontist that did my brothers/cousins teeth, they had them on the NHS, mine weren't 'bad enough' and I know he does private work.

Finally, anyone have experience of having braces when you're not 14 and at school? I'm at uni so I don't think it's going to be that odd, but not seen many people with them!

brook2jack

The price depends upon the severity of your problems and what system is used to correct it (systems such as invisilign tend to be more expensive than traditional train tracks braces) , whether you just want the teeth that show corrected or your whole bite sorted out. Prices start around £1800 and can go up to £4500 ish.

I think getting your dentist to refer you to the orthodontist is a good idea, they can pass on information about your dental history that may be useful in treatment planning etc. You can just ask at the orthodontist but joined up dental care is so much better than odds and ends being done at different places. Just ask your dentist for the referral to the orthodontist of your choice.

I have patients in their sixties who have braces and universally , providing you take good care of your teeth , adults who have braces have been very glad they did it.

evangeline

I am 53 ( yep) and wear train track braces , courtesy of NHS , and very grateful to them. My dentist referred me to the orthodontist , who said I really needed surgery , however for various other reasons I did not want to go down that road. Treatment started approx 2 years ago and I think I am now on the home strait. Doubt I would have been able to commit to this when I was working , this has been one of the benefits of redundancy. Being older , I think I have more patience for long term benefits , than when I was younger. Cleaning is very important , takes me much longer but I can honestly say my overall dental hygiene has improved / benefited from this. I have never regretted doing it , a huge improvement in my teeth already, good luck if you decide to proceed.

brook2jack

It must be pointed out , in general , in England and Wales NHS orthodontics is not available for over 18s unless the problem is so severe as to warrant surgery.

I believe NI and Scotland have or are about implement similar rationing of orthodontics for over 18s.

travellinglight_2

I'm now in my 40s. While a teen I spent years running to ospital dental apps where they tried a brace to improve my bite... Worn at night then. I had 1 tooth very out of line and its at the front. It's a very small tooth but recently it has moved! It's now even worse. I have not smiled in a pic for years and now am more conscious that people are looking and even commenting on the tooth. Dentist said he'd just remove it.😨but is totally health and will leave a gap right next to my 2 upper front teeth. Worse or as bad as the wonky tooth? He then said I could as an orthodentist for an opinion which I am going to do. He's referred me to one and I'm told it will cost @£80 for the consultation. I'd really like to feel I can talk and smile ... Any suggestions or ideas of brace costs or solutions for this? Thanks ps I am in NI

thatlemming

brook2jack wrote: »

It must be pointed out , in general , in England and Wales NHS orthodontics is not available for over 18s unless the problem is so severe as to warrant surgery.

I believe NI and Scotland have or are about implement similar rationing of orthodontics for over 18s.

Yeah, thats why I was on about costs, I know I'll have to go private, my teeth aren't medically bad, they're not that aesthetically bad, but they really bug me and I think I can afford to get them sorted.

I shall go to my dentist and ask to be referred. Seeing as he's also my brothers dentist, I know he does refer to the orthodontist I want, so hopefully will get that sorted soon.

Hygiene/health wise, my mouth is pretty perfect, never had a single filling/issue other than they're a bit wonky, in my 22 years.

thatlemming

evangeline wrote: »

I am 53 ( yep) and wear train track braces , courtesy of NHS , and very grateful to them. My dentist referred me to the orthodontist , who said I really needed surgery , however for various other reasons I did not want to go down that road. Treatment started approx 2 years ago and I think I am now on the home strait. Doubt I would have been able to commit to this when I was working , this has been one of the benefits of redundancy. Being older , I think I have more patience for long term benefits , than when I was younger. Cleaning is very important , takes me much longer but I can honestly say my overall dental hygiene has improved / benefited from this. I have never regretted doing it , a huge improvement in my teeth already, good luck if you decide to proceed.

Thanks for this, very useful. Are you glad you went for braces in the end? And have they been very painful at all?

I'm at uni so can basically have an appointment whenever, don't need to base it around work, so I guess now would be the best time for me to get them.

pandora205

I had braces in my 50s as my teeth were wearing badly from an overbite. I had conventional braces (porcelain on the top, metal on the bottom) for over 2 years. They took a bit of getting used to but I could see very quickly that my teeth were moving. I now have amazingly straight teeth. The cost was £3500 but there was a 10% reduction for cash. This covers all treatment including the ongoing check ups.

I went on to have my teeth whitened and composite reconstruction of my front teeth afterwards, so now they are beautiful and very natural.
I wish I'd been able to afford it in my 20s or 30s as it has made such a difference to my looks (including my profile).

I was referred to the orthodontist by my dentist, who also recommended the specialist who did the reconstructive work. My regular dentist is so impressed with the work that she asked me if I'd have a chat with another 'mature' patient who had very similar problems to me last time I was in the surgery.

Just to add that I continue to wear retainers at night as I would hate for my teeth to move back!

On the pain question (above) I didn't find them very painful but did have some rubbing on the gums, so used wax (provided by orthodontist) to reduce this. It doesn't hurt to have them put on or off but there is a lot of fiddling about. (You don't need injections or anything).

evangeline

thatlemming , I have never regretted it , even when I had a dry extraction with one of the 2 teeth I had to have removed before treatment could begin. On a couple of occasions after getting the wire replaced with a thicker , stronger one , I had an uncomfortable 24 hours , akin to the sensation of having a bit of apple stuck between your teeth.And like another poster mentioned occasional rubbing easily fixed with dental wax.Also I had to wear a temporary removable brace on the upper teeth , an appliance a bit like a denture , which forced me to rethink my eating habits and I lost weight.( every cloud...)

My brother had his teeth straightened privately ( his weren't as bad as mine) and he could get appointments to suit easily. I have been in the fortunate position of being able to take whatever appointment was available on NHS due to my circumstances , but couldn't have done so while working. So , whilst I would never want to influence anyone with such an important commitment , you may well have the time now when a student , but treatment could take 2 years. My son is at Uni and has frantic times and quiet times.

Brook2jack is correct re the funding situation , in fact I think it may have already changed here in Scotland. My nieces have braces and were told they got accepted by the skin of their teeth! Best of luck whatever you decide.

Peartree

I had mine done in my forties. My dentist referred me to an orthodontist. The first consult was £130 and the treatment £1500. With the number of appointments and the level of care I think it was a bargain - especially having heard what others paid. My orthodontist had an interest free direct debit scheme.

I only wish I had done it sooner!

thatlemming

evangeline wrote: »

thatlemming , I have never regretted it , even when I had a dry extraction with one of the 2 teeth I had to have removed before treatment could begin. On a couple of occasions after getting the wire replaced with a thicker , stronger one , I had an uncomfortable 24 hours , akin to the sensation of having a bit of apple stuck between your teeth.And like another poster mentioned occasional rubbing easily fixed with dental wax.Also I had to wear a temporary removable brace on the upper teeth , an appliance a bit like a denture , which forced me to rethink my eating habits and I lost weight.( every cloud...)

My brother had his teeth straightened privately ( his weren't as bad as mine) and he could get appointments to suit easily. I have been in the fortunate position of being able to take whatever appointment was available on NHS due to my circumstances , but couldn't have done so while working. So , whilst I would never want to influence anyone with such an important commitment , you may well have the time now when a student , but treatment could take 2 years. My son is at Uni and has frantic times and quiet times.

Brook2jack is correct re the funding situation , in fact I think it may have already changed here in Scotland. My nieces have braces and were told they got accepted by the skin of their teeth! Best of luck whatever you decide.

Ah my brother had one of those denture like things to start with, he hated the thing, but his teeth are so lovely now I think I would put up with anything to get nice teeth! A few people have said its uncomfy but worth it so that is reassuring really. I'm at uni for another 3 years min so hopefully it'll be finished by the time I graduate. Would be nice to have nice teeth for grad photos :j