Dental problem - not sure what to do

misty-mitts

I was born with malocclusion whereby my top teeth overlap the bottom ones, and generally most of my top and bottom teeth don't meet very well. As a child I had 4 molars removed, and a brace fitted, but it didn't work, and after a couple of years the problem was as bad as ever - and I had a load of fillings too, due to being unable to properly clean my teeth with the brace fitted. The dentist offered to remove more molars and try again, but I declined!

Fast forward 45 years or so, and the condition is beginning to cause more and more problems. Over the last 10 years I've had to have 5 crowns and one tooth removed as bits break due to the pressure from opposing teeth. I've also had to have my bottom front teeth filed to stop them digging into the roof of my mouth (v. painful) and potentially causing a bone infection.

Last time I saw my dentist he said things are only going to get worse, and I should consider having work done on my mouth. It cannot be done on the NHS, and at a rough guess he thinks it will cost £6k minimum, which is a big ask, but possible for us. The treatment will take around 6 months he thinks, with appointments up to twice each week - and he has warned that it will be very uncomfortable and painful throughout.

Aside from the cost, there are problems, as the dentist surgery is some miles from us (our previous dentist shut down, and this was the nearest NHS one we could get at the time). Other health problems mean that my hubby would need to take me each time (he works shifts, so probably possible), but I am also having twice-weekly treatment at the hospital for something else, so the time involved is a huge commitment.

I like this dentist as he is always very gentle, but he is thinking of retiring before the treatment has finished, and it is possible that we might also move to a different part of the country in this time.

The main problem though, is that his English is not very good. I had lots of trouble understanding what he was saying, and called my hubby in, but even between us we came away with not a lot of concrete information about what was involved or the prospects of success.

So now I'm wondering if I should change dentist either now (there is now a local one with vacancies), or when we've done our house move. But then I won't have chance to build up any confidence in a new dentist - and I have a very serious dental phobia, so even a check-up is a big deal for me. So it feels very daunting.

I've been trying to make my mind up for nearly 6 months now as to what to do, and how to get the information I need. He hasn't said what will happen if I have it done - or how bad things will get if I don't. If I go through all this pain, time and money, what benefit will I get from it? Should I trust in him and get it done by him (he says he hasn't done anything like this for years) - and what if he retires or we move half way through?

Should I change to a different practice, but how will I know if they can do it?

If anyone can help me with all of this, I would be so grateful. I can't sleep at night for worrying, and I feel a sense of dread, as I am due my next check-up soon, and I know he'll ask what I've decided.

Toothsmith

I cannot really comment on what you might, or might not need.

BUT

Do not begin anything that sounds this big with someone who cannot see it through (And I would question any dentist who even suggested starting something knowing that they could not see it through - maybe he was just advising you on what you should be considering?)

And

Do not agree to anything unless you are completely sure of what is being proposed, what the risks are, what the benefits are, how much it would cost, why (exactly) this 'necessary' treatment is not being offered on the NHS to an NHS patient?

Language difficulties are no excuse - you are the patient, and you have a right to know exactly what treatment is being suggested to you, and what options are available too.

brook2jack

As the op is over 18 and surgery has not been mentioned it is unlikely treatment will be offered in the NHS.

However with brace work of this complexity you need the opinion and treatment from an orthodontist , that is someone who specialises in braces. It may be that your dentist is thinking of referring you to an orthodontist which is why they are uncertain of costs etc.

I would ask for a referral to an orthodontist or ask friends/ relations for a recommendation. An orthodontist who does children's braces will also treat adults but only privately.

You will have to pay for an assessment , probably around £120. However they will take x Rays , models and be able to give you a very detailed idea with timescales and costs of treatment. If necessary they will be able to refer you for hospital/NHS treatment if your problems are severe enough.

If you have severe problems 18 months to 2 years is a more realistic time frame for treatment , and visits tend to be once every four weeks or so.

You cannot consent to treatment you don't understand so book an appointment with a specialist orthodontist and really understand what will happen before you commit time and money to a treatment. Nb it is a very bad idea to move orthodontists part way through treatment. Only commit to treatment if you are sure you will be able to continue to see the same orthodontist the whole time.

Owain_Moneysaver

Would dentures be an option/improvement?

brook2jack

Almost certainly no.

We were never designed to wear great big pieces of plastic in our mouths. The fact that some can is because the muscles of their lips and tongue adapt to help them eat and speak with dentures. Sadly some people find it too difficult and never successfully wear dentures.

They are a treatment of last resort and a very poor substitute for your own teeth.

cashewnut

I don't know if there is such a thing but could you look for online reviews of dentists to give you peace of mind before joining a new one? I did that before joining my doctors surgery when I moved.

Toothsmith

Online reviews are dominated by family members giving false good reviews and angry nutters who give bad reviews just because they're angry nutters who would never be satisfied anyway!

I never believe online reviews for anything, never mind trades and services!

misty-mitts

Thanks everyone. I'm much happier with how to go forward with all of this now, and how/where to get further information. Much appreciated.

ERICS_MUM

I don't know if this is possible but could you see if there's a dental school or clinic in a hospital in your region that would see you for an assessment ? Probably as a private consultation if they would do such a thing ?

I sympathise with your fear of dentists but I embarked on some work to sort out teeth probs a few years ago and I was amazed at the advances made in dental equipment and pain-management in 20 years. I'm now the proud owner of several crowns, veneers and replaced white fillings. Expensive yes but at least I can smile all the way from the bank.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Linda xx

brook2jack

Dental schools will not do private treatment and will not do orthodontics unless you have been referred there and meet strict criteria for NHS treatment.

Unless ops problems were so severe that surgery was needed as well they would not qualify for treatment.