Orthodontics on Nhs please help

Coral_1234

Hi all,
Could do with some advice regarding orthodontics on the Nhs as an adult... I realise that these services are restricted to under 18s but are there any exceptions? I have been diagnosed with tmj and teeth grinding, been given splints for top and bottom arches - these are very difficult to get used to and have so far been quite costly (on Nhs at band 3) the Tmj started at the same time bothy top and bottom teeth started to move forward and overlap, my dentist says there is no correlation between teeth movement and tmj. He also does not believe me when I say I'm in constant pain, not only at tmj sites but in the exact place where my front teeth have begun to overlap (has only started to occur in last couple of years) x rays have been done and show nothing. It's like a "pressure" type of pain, like there's not enough space.
The other biggie is that obsessed now with these overlaps and the appearance of my teeth. I can't laugh or smile or talk to anyone without having my hand over my mouth. Have discussed all this with dentist and braces have been refused on the basis that my problem isn't severe enough. I think I might have to try anti depressants because I feel that low about the situation. I have seen a private dentist as I wanted to get my teeth re shaped as I can't afford braces privately and I hoped it would smooth down and reduce the overlaps. He said he couldn't do it and that I needed orthodontics. I nearly cried at this point because I cannot afford braces, it would be 1000's of pounds which would have to go on a credit card. I'm considering going back to the dentist but I don't see the point anymore - I'm sick of paying £20 every time I see him for 10 mins.
Could anyone please give me some advice? Thanks x

tomtontom

It sounds like your problem is more psychological - a course of CBT would be less costly.

With regard to the TMJ ask for a referral to the maxillofacial department - they can assess if anything more needs to be done.

brook2jack

I am sorry to say from your description you will not qualify for braces on the nhs. The only adults who are eligible for braces are those who have jaw discrepancies that need major surgery and the braces are done in conjunction with the surgery. This does not correlate with your problems. The nhs rules on this are very strict and not up to the individual dentist.

The vast majority of adults who want braces will have to pay privately , £1800 to £5000 plus depending on what needs doing.

I suspect that you are not flossing your lower front teeth regularly. Front teeth naturally move forward and many people have very crossed over front teeth. This does not cause pain but the "pressure" sensation is often because people are not flossing every day ,gums swell up and hence the feeling of pressure.

brook2jack

tomtontom wrote: »

It sounds like your problem is more psychological - a course of CBT would be less costly.

With regard to the TMJ ask for a referral to the maxillofacial department - they can assess if anything more needs to be done.

CBT is a very sensible suggestion for the tmj problems as it is very often stress related.

FBaby

Have you looked into monthly payments? I believe most private clinics offer this option interest free.

Just to say that I have opted for orthodontic treatment as I was becoming more and more self-conscious about my front teeth overlapping. It was getting worse year on year and it got to the point where I too was totally embarassed to smile.

Yet since I've had the braces on, everyone have said they had never noticed the overlap before. They are people I am close to and trust and I know they are being honest. I've realised since that I've been paying attention to people's teeth because of my own self-consciousness about mine. Most people don't check people's teeth like I do! I am pleased I have done it as the problem was only going to get worse, but I now realised that as it was, I made it an issue that wasn't to others (including my own husband!).

xfaeriedustx

Have you tried your local dental hospital?

I'm currently having orthodontic treatment at the dental institute where I live. The service is provided by very competent dental students - your wait may be longer than with a private orthodontist, but it's well worth it.

brook2jack

you cannot ,in any of the dental hospitals I know of, get adult orthodontics unless you have problems that are so severe you need surgery in conjunction with braces. This has been the situation since 2006 in England and wales and more recently in scotland and Northern Ireland.

Scook1

Hello, currently trying to find students to carry out my treatment but cannot find anywhere that offers this! Do you know of any places in London?

welshdent

Students dont provide orthodontics