I haven't been to the dentist in years

Talib Fiasco

Hi.

I'm 21 and I haven't been to a dentist in the best part of 7 to 8 years, maybe more. Generally had good teeth growing up, few fillings here and there, nothing severe. Never was deemed as someone needing braces. Was sent off to see an orthodontist aged 11 as I was starting to produce a slight overbite but the orthodontist deemed that it did not require braces and was normal. Looking back, probably the biggest regret I had was not getting braces just because I thought they weren't cool.

Anyway as I progressed through secondary school I stopped going to the dentist....the general health of my teeth have been fine but the overbite slowly got worse as well as some overcrowding of the top two front teeth which have started to bend outwards and are quite large. It's gotten to the stage where I never smile for photos any more and I am even self conscious over speaking loud and stuff like that.

Now to be honest I should have got this sorted ages ago but I have always had crippling anxiety over doctors and dentists and all that but I feel I have to get something done.


My teeth in general are healthy, never had tooth aches, never much trouble with wisdom teeth and for the most part all my teeth are perfectly straight...it's just the buggers in the centre really.

What are my options, where do I start and what should be my steps?

Thanks in advance

helimachoptor

General dentist first and they can refer you for specialist attention if its needed OP

magicmushroom

Most dentists offer a free first consultation.

I availed of same recently at a local dentist as I need braces.

They set out a whole treatment plan for me. No charge for the consultation at all.
I need wisdom teeth out to make room for my teeth being pushed back - so they'll do them first.
I was also told I must see a hygienist for a deep clean (which I had yesterday) before braces go on as your teeth must be perfectly clean.

So if you haven't been to the dentist in a long time you will probably need to see the hygienist too, that cost me €50.00 - absolutely worth it though, my teeth look amazing today!

_Kaiser_

I'd be in the same boat as the OP.. haven't been in - wait for it - about 20 years... yes I know, I know but I suppose I have always had a fear of dentists that became magnified over time with thoughts of all they might find wrong and the expense involved in correcting it (something I still couldn't afford these days)

Amazingly I still have all my teeth and have had no issues over the years but in the last 6 months or so there's what seems to be a plaque build up spreading under my 2 lower front teeth that I feel I should get looked at before it DOES get painful etc

If anyone can suggest a very easy-going patient dentist in the South Dublin area (or anywhere in Dublin/Laois/in between really) then I'd appreciate the advice - by PM if against the rules

helimachoptor

PM on the way Kaiser