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Finally, I can smile!

(60 Posts)
Sago Wed 04-Sept-24 09:28:03

I have never had the best teeth but decided 3 years ago to address the situation.

I had various treatments, then Invisalign braces for over two years, one tooth needed composite bonding and finally trays and whitening.

The cost was eye watering but worth every penny, yesterday was my final visit for the time being.

I would thoroughly recommend anyone thinking about it to take the leap, it is so nice to be able to smile and laugh without worrying what my teeth look like!

GrannyGravy13 Wed 04-Sept-24 09:29:33

Well done you 👍

BigBopper Wed 04-Sept-24 09:30:41

If I had the money I would go for implants.

kittylester Wed 04-Sept-24 09:31:45

That's good to hear, Sago, so pleased you are happy with the result.

I have appallingly crooked teeth, ironically, but DH says they are what makes me attractive. Or at least did 55 years ago. grin

Marydoll Wed 04-Sept-24 09:38:25

kittylester

That's good to hear, Sago, so pleased you are happy with the result.

I have appallingly crooked teeth, ironically, but DH says they are what makes me attractive. Or at least did 55 years ago. grin

I am the same and would have loved to do something about it. I did consider it, but my dentist said she didn't recommend it, as I was too vulnerable healthwise.

At least my children have good teeth, after umpteen visits to hospital and orthodontist.

My baby granddaughter seems to be going the same way. It must be hereditary. Thank goodness dental treatment has moved on from when I was a child.

MissInterpreted Wed 04-Sept-24 09:43:46

I agree, Marydoll. I had a horrendous experience as a child with the school dentist, and I've had awful teeth ever since. I never smile because of the way I look anyway, and I can't afford to have them done now in any case. Thank goodness dental care has improved in leaps and bounds since those days (although finding an NHS dentist can be the big issue now).

twiglet77 Wed 04-Sept-24 09:50:01

Lucky you, OP, it must be a relief.

I have awful teeth, crooked (despite extractions and braces in my teens), with a wonky and discoloured veneer from over 30 years ago prominent at the front, and a hated gold crown at the back. Visiting a friend recently, her 7 year old granddaughter noticed it and asked her, “Granny, does anyone in our family have a gold tooth?” - I was terribly embarrassed. My youngest grandson, 3, often says my teeth aren’t clean.

I’m terrified of the dentist, can’t afford them anyway and I haven’t been for about 15 years. I dread socialising at my daughter’s wedding next summer, and will definitely be tight-lipped for the photos.

Athrawes Wed 04-Sept-24 10:01:52

Well done Sago! I lost many of my teeth through illness and had the odd plastic tooth popped in but in the end I went through the whole caboodle and had them all out. They're now replaced with dentures that matched my previous teeth and noone knows the difference. I clean them twice a day and - touch wood - I've not had any problems. I go to the dentist every couple of years but it's fine. It's been a happy ending. Yes it was pricey but I don't regret it one bit - and I can eat anything I fancy!!!

Patsy70 Wed 04-Sept-24 10:08:09

Well done Sago, you must be delighted. Keep smiling! My daughter and four granddaughters have all had orthodontal treatment, and my youngest is having her braces removed some time this year. I have gaps at the back and my bottom teeth are crooked, but I can still smile without frightening anyone (I hope). 😁

Croatia1 Wed 04-Sept-24 10:12:19

Congratulations.I think it'll be well worth the investment, especially confidence wise. I think you should celebrate by buying a new mirror so you can smile at yourself every time you walk by!

V3ra Wed 04-Sept-24 10:15:17

I'm reading this in the dentist's waiting room 😬🤞

Kate1949 Wed 04-Sept-24 10:15:38

Well done. I'm the same as MissI. I never smile. Had all mine removed age 11 due to neglect. I can't imagine what it's like to really smile.

Norah Wed 04-Sept-24 10:17:22

Sago Wonderful. Well done you.

Tizliz Wed 04-Sept-24 10:25:11

MissInterpreted

I agree, Marydoll. I had a horrendous experience as a child with the school dentist, and I've had awful teeth ever since. I never smile because of the way I look anyway, and I can't afford to have them done now in any case. Thank goodness dental care has improved in leaps and bounds since those days (although finding an NHS dentist can be the big issue now).

School dentists from the 60s were horrible and paid per filling. Though I didn’t know my other half then we both had the same dentist - he must have been there for years - we both have too many fillings and a legacy of hatred for dentist, though our current dentist is really good.

Allira Wed 04-Sept-24 10:28:35

I asked for a brace when I was a child but the dentist said it wasn't necessary.

My DGS had the same problem with crooked teeth and had a brace, my DGD had protruding teeth like DH had and they had/have braces.

I think I'm too old in the tooth now but wish I'd had the money to go privately years ago. I did ask for veeers but the private dentist refused!

Allira Wed 04-Sept-24 10:29:47

Well done Sago, it will be well worth it when you can smile with confidence.

crazyH Wed 04-Sept-24 10:32:11

I think implants are thos with strong gums. At our age, I doubt implants are the solution, but I may be wrong

Kate1949 Wed 04-Sept-24 10:35:49

We know someone who has recently had implants. He is 74. I think things have moved on somewhat.

JamesandJon33 Wed 04-Sept-24 10:39:03

Well doneSago Go dazzle them

Jaxjacky Wed 04-Sept-24 10:57:32

I love the idea of implants, not the reality, as I’d probably need bone grafts and even a check up has me fretting.
Well done Sago 😁

Casdon Wed 04-Sept-24 11:10:51

I’m halfway through the process of having one implant, and I don’t think I could go through the same for all my teeth because the process takes so long. The post that the implant is fixed onto has to be increased in size over time, it’s not painful, but there’s a gap for up to a year until they fit the actual tooth. Fortunately mine is at the back, so at least you can’t see the cap on the post, as I’d probably look like Jaws in James Bond if you could.

Mollygo Wed 04-Sept-24 11:15:35

Good for you Sago. Your pleasure and confidence will be well worth the pain and the cost. Enjoy!

Romola Wed 04-Sept-24 11:34:35

I've had an upper jaw denture for years and have to glue it in with Fixodent.
implants not a possibility because of bone loss.
Not much fun but it's kind of comforting to read your stories.

kittylester Wed 04-Sept-24 11:37:15

School dentists from the 60s were horrible and paid per filling

School dentists were not paid by the filling - it was a salaried service. General dental practioners, however, were paid a fee per item of service.

MissInterpreted Wed 04-Sept-24 11:38:45

Kate1949

Well done. I'm the same as MissI. I never smile. Had all mine removed age 11 due to neglect. I can't imagine what it's like to really smile.

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