Crooked Teeth

ShellsBells_144

Ok, I’d love some insight into this from anyone who has been in this boat before. I’ve always absolutely hated my teeth. I was beaten quite badly as a kid which meant my adult teeth came in all over the place and I’ve had some nightmare dentists in the past especially as a child.

The long and the short of it is I’d love to smile. Properly smile - showing teeth and not being self conscious. However, I really don’t want to get braces. I’ll admit I am looking for a quick fix here (by quick I mean I don’t want to endure 2 years of braces) and I realise it’s not the “done thing” and nothing beats our real teeth but has anyone ever had their front four/six teeth removed and replaced with a bridge/implants instead of going down the braces route? I’d love to explore this if it’s an option. I’ve booked in with a dentist for next week but just keen to hear others experience!

Dental cure and care

Dental bridges and implants are two common solutions for replacing missing or damaged teeth.

• Dental Bridges: A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments). This can be an effective way to fill gaps left by missing teeth and improve aesthetics. However, it requires the alteration of the adjacent healthy teeth to support the bridge.
• Dental Implants: Implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for an artificial tooth. This option is often considered more permanent than bridges and does not require altering surrounding teeth. Implants can provide a very natural look and feel.

Both options can significantly enhance your smile but come with different considerations regarding time, cost, and invasiveness.

Before proceeding with either option, it is crucial to assess your candidacy:

• Bone Density: For implants, sufficient bone density is necessary to support the titanium post. If bone loss has occurred due to missing teeth or other factors, bone grafting may be required before implant placement.
• Oral Health: Good oral hygiene and overall health are essential for successful outcomes with both bridges and implants.

The Process Involved

The process for both bridges and implants varies:

• Bridges: The procedure typically involves two visits. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate crowns that will hold the bridge in place. An impression is taken, and a temporary bridge may be placed until the permanent one is ready.
• Implants: The implant process usually involves multiple stages over several months:
  • Initial consultation
  • Surgical placement of the implant
  • Healing period (osseointegration)
  • Placement of an abutment
  • Final crown placement

Cost Considerations

Cost can vary widely based on location, complexity of treatment, materials used, and whether additional procedures (like bone grafting) are needed:

• Bridges: Typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 per unit.
• Implants: Generally cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per implant but can go higher depending on additional procedures required.

Both options have their pros and cons:

• Benefits of Bridges:
  • Quicker solution compared to implants.
  • Less invasive than surgical procedures.
• Risks of Bridges:
  • Requires alteration of healthy teeth.
  • Potential for decay under crowns if not maintained properly.
• Benefits of Implants:
  • Preserves surrounding healthy teeth.
  • Long-lasting solution when properly cared for.
• Risks of Implants:
  • Surgical risks such as infection.
  • Longer treatment timeline.

In conclusion, while removing front teeth for replacement with bridges or implants could provide you with a quick aesthetic fix without braces, it’s essential to weigh all factors including health implications, costs involved, recovery time needed, and long-term maintenance requirements. Consulting with your dentist will provide tailored advice based on your specific situation.

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058354599/crooked-teeth

Why do you not want braces? Is it just a quick fix you are after

Gamergurll

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122703297#Comment_122703297

Thanks for this info, I came into this forum to ask the same question as the op so this was helpful. I was hoping it would be a more affordable option than braces but it seems to be just as if not more expensive,guess I will just have to learn to live with gawdy teeth 🙄

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122918276#Comment_122918276

If it's any consolation you will get tax relief on orthodontic treatment.