Embarrassed about my teeth?

Question

I have really bad teeth they are decayed some are chipped off and have cavaties in them. I need to get them fixed but I have a hard time telling a dentist that I have negelted my teeth for so long, as a child I maybe seen a dentist 10 times. I hate my smile I do not like to smile anymore. What can be done to fix my teeth without having to pull them all and get dentures at 28 years old?


Please help

Answer 1

If you want the truth, I'll give it to you.
It will probably take longer than a "few months" to fix all of your teeth. While you didn't mention anything about pain, which gives people a greater idea of your situation, I'll break things down for you. And, of course, you have to go to the dentist.

*Make an appointment for an examination and a pan x-ray. This is a picture they will take that shows all of your teeth and the condition they're in.

*After evaluating your teeth/gums, your doctor will give you your options. If things aren't too bad, he will probably suggest a cleaning. People are supposed to get their teeth cleaned every 6 months.

*If things are bad and you need a few teeth extracted, you will be either referred to an oral surgeon (b/c of exent of decay or if tooth is broke off too much), or you can schedule an appointment w/ the general dentist. He will want to get the worst teeth taken care of first.

*Next he will tell you if you need any root canals to save teeth that have extensive decay, but are savable. These teeth usually require crowns after the root canal. Teeth that need root canals are sensitive to hot/cold, and hurt when you bite down on them. They may also keep you up at night. However, they usually aren't as badly decayed as teeth that need extracted. Sometimes it's a fine line.

*Next he will tell you which teeth can be saved by fillings. Depending on the # of teeth and their location in your mouth, you may need up to 4 visits to get them all filled.

I hope this helps. Prevention is the best medicine. If you go now, perhaps they can all be filled. No one knows w/out looking at your x-rays and evaluating your mouth. But you have to start somewhere. The longer you wait, the worse your teeth will get and the more embarassed you will be. I promise that he has seen worse! If you need multiple procedures, just do what you can, when you can. You don't have to take out a loan or sell the farm. You can also try CareCredit.com if you need financial assistance. They help you by paying the doctor, then you pay them back w/ reasonable monthly payments.
Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

A dentist who specialized in cosmetic dentistry would be the best person to lay out some options for you. There are alternatives depending on how far gone your teeth are. You could get veneers where they cover your teeth with cosmetic teeth that look white, straight and shiny. A lot of Hollywood stars have veneers, it's what makes their teeth look so good! Or even have your teeth bonded, this is similar to veneers.

Unfortunately if your teeth are so far gone there may be no other option except to have dentures. Only a dentist can say for sure. Dentures are a less painful alternative to tooth decay, exposed roots, the health problems caused by plaque buildup and all the other problems that come with not caring for your teeth.

Look in your town for a dentist that specializes in patients who are afraid of the dentist. They generally won't ridicule you or make you feel guilty for not caring for your teeth before. They want to help you take care of your teeth now.

Answer 3

Hey - i know that what i'll say now will be repeating what everyone else has told you about going to the dentist. BUT YOU MUST GO. However i am assuming you live in America? i live in the UK and dental work you have done there can be paid for every month at a small cost (its called Denplan)- except bridges and cosmetic work. i don't know if u have that kind of thing where u live? (hope so) at least then, to start with, you could get the caviites filled. i know that not having a smile can shatter confidence and you want to cover your mouth. I used to have bad teeth, discoloured, had a brace, 4 teeth removed and teeth filled. it terrified me,but its so worth getting it sorted. i encourage you to just go to the dentist see what they say and perhaps there will be a scheme like in UK where you can get the work done at a low cost. (i don't know how it works in America)You will get a lot of sympathy anyway! As for pulling them out - you would have to speak to the dentist- its depends on how bad they are doesn't it? That would probably be the last resort if you ask me. I really hope it works for you. Go for it girl. All the best Smyles xx

Answer 4

Sounds like your teeth are like mine were. I'm 24 now & I had the same thing only I was still in high school. My teeth were literally crumbling & falling apart because of an inhereted defect. I had them all pulled & got dentures just before I started my freshman year. It was a lot cheaper & faster and they look good too. They're not nearly as bad as people who never had dentures want you to think. My fiance knows my teeth come out and it has never turned him off.

Answer 5

The best way is to go see a dentist. Ask them if they are any options other than getting your teeth pulled. I doubt you'll need dentures. Most dentist (the well qualified ones) can put in fake teeth and people couldn't even tell the difference.

Answer 6

Believe it or not, your parents are at fault for not taking you to the dentist when you were a child. There is always a solution to these things. You need to talk to your dentist. Nobody should feel that way about there smile. It will help your self esteem and your self image to fix your teeth. You can get veneers, crowns, and I'm sure they can fix some of them. Just give it a chance

Answer 7

From what I know, there is a cure for everything that you write about the guy to go to is the so-called "cosmetic dentist." It seems that you have a lot of problems and even if you have dental insurance not everything will be covered, but start one at a time and within a few months you may have perfect teeth. There is nothing embarrassing about it in telling your dentist; they have seen it all.

Answer 8

I am in the same boat as you. I think the embarassment is long gone today with dentist. Tell him you are in the chair for options,not lectures.Be prepared for the financial end of it.
I am considering dentures, but haven't got there yet for variuos reasons (mostly fear).. heck my husband has been wearing dentures for 44 yrs and never had a day problem with them. The dentist will tell you to save, but there is no guarantee how long these saved teeth will last..My sister in law had her whole upper mouth with crowns and bridges. They lasted several years, then one day alot of decay formed under the crowns and had to have them removed and got dentures. Crowns ,root canals.bridges cost her $22,000 US...out of pocket only to lose them in the end. She went to the dentist every 6 months faithfully. The dentist told her she did nothing wrong,but it happens. Now she is wearing dentures. Add the cost of extractions and dentures to the $22,000.
Her dentures are prettier and more natural looking than the crowns and other work done previously. How can people who never wore dentures pass judgement? Her bottom partial she hates, it feels heavy and the bottom gums are receding.

Answer 9

Don't worry about it! We see folks like you every day that for some reason have neglected their teeth. If you are serious about wanting to fix them without having to resort to dentures, you'll want to prepare yourself financially, because it can be expensive. Ask family, friends or co-workers who their dentist is and if they recommend him/her. A good dental office will have pictures to show you of work they've done for others. Please don't be embarrassed, they're only going to help you smile.

Answer 10

First of all...Even people with no teeth smile wonderful !!! Smile smile smile...dont feel embarassed.
THEN Go to the dentist, and some months later you would feel so so perfect! I have brace one year now, and even if I hurt or dont like myself with them, I am really happy for making my smile better. I was also embarassed at the very beggining, when the doctor was putting on the brace...its just in your mind...