Adult braces - 6 month smile

[Sln2404]

An update now I have the braces off I had them on for 136 days.

 

[Sln2404]

I’ve had them on for 8 weeks now. 16 weeks to go!

 

[Champagnecampaign]

I’m taking a gamble with Smile Direct as what I am wanting is very minor (my teeth are all straight just a few gaps). I’ve heavily researched and know the pros and cons. I’ll happily report back here as I go.

 

[BettyCrocker]

I’ve had them on for 8 weeks now. 16 weeks to go!

Wow! What a difference already. Looks great!!!

 

[Sabbie]

Why are so many adults needing braces and orthodontic work? This was all done in the late 1970s to early 1980s and all free from my NHS dentist.

You must have been lucky and got in there in time for braces. My brothers who were 5 years older than me had them via the NHS but by the time I needed them it was not available so I waited until I could afford it as an adult.

 

[Carrie2019]

Ah they look fab. I’m getting Invisalign soon

 

[Here to hate]

I had a similar gap in mine, and got it fixed over 10 years ago with composite bonding. It’s where they basically use the same material as what they use for fillings to bridge the gap between teeth.
It’s completely painless, you don’t even need a numbing injection and it looks really natural, took only about half an hour too.
It’s a really good option for superficial issues like gapping or evening out chipped teeth.
It cost €100 and is still perfect years later. So do some research on composite bonds and see if any of your local dentists offer it, if that’s your only issue with your teeth then it’ll be a much cheaper quicker option than braces to close the gap.
My dentist said there would be no need for porcelain crowns or veneers and he was right.
Theres lots of before/after pics on the internet to see what it’ll look like too! Best of luck x

Amazing. Thank you, I'll definitely do my research and that sounds like a great option and a lot cheaper! I was quoted 3k today for Invisalign and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to afford it.

 

[MollyCross]

I would really like braces or Invisalign to fix a gap I have in my two front teeth. I'm almost 35 and just feel so embarrassed to go to the dentist about it about my age.
Any suggestions on what would be most suitable please? I've also thought about porcelain crowns.

Please don't feel embarrassed to see your dentist about this. You'd be amazed how common it is for patients to consider orthodontics. There's likely to be various options, from fixed braces/invisalign to cosmetic veneers/crowns. Your dentist knows your teeth best, will have an idea of your mouth as a whole and can give you advice on what's right for you. Nothing to be embarrassed of, and sometimes it's the nicest work to do, as minimal treatment can result in patients feeling so much better about themselves.

 

[Daisyxo]

I would really like braces or Invisalign to fix a gap I have in my two front teeth. I'm almost 35 and just feel so embarrassed to go to the dentist about it about my age.
Any suggestions on what would be most suitable please? I've also thought about porcelain crowns.

I had a similar gap in mine, and got it fixed over 10 years ago with composite bonding. It’s where they basically use the same material as what they use for fillings to bridge the gap between teeth.
It’s completely painless, you don’t even need a numbing injection and it looks really natural, took only about half an hour too.
It’s a really good option for superficial issues like gapping or evening out chipped teeth.
It cost €100 and is still perfect years later. So do some research on composite bonds and see if any of your local dentists offer it, if that’s your only issue with your teeth then it’ll be a much cheaper quicker option than braces to close the gap.
My dentist said there would be no need for porcelain crowns or veneers and he was right.
Theres lots of before/after pics on the internet to see what it’ll look like too! Best of luck x

 

[Here to hate]

I’ve got Invisalign and honestly it’s changed everything - it’s made me take my oral hygiene so seriously too but it’s super difficult to wear for 20 hours!!!

have a meeting with both a normal brace and Invisalign. I was told it’ll take longer with normal braces than Invisalign and also my Invisalign quote was £1000 less than the normal braces who quoted almost £5k

Thank you so much. I'll do just that.

 

[Sln2404]

Can I ask how much it was? I had braces years and years ago but never wear the retainers so my top 4 front teeth are crooked, so I would love something like this! X

Mine was £1800 for the top teeth x

I had it last year and regret not having it done sooner. I have a permanent retainer fitted behind and removable one for bed although don't need to wear it every night I try too

I’ve got the fixed retainer. Feels so weird!

 

[BettyCrocker]

An update now I have the braces off I had them on for 136 days.

awesome, a great result, what a lovely smile I’m jealous!!

 

[Kim Mild]

Why are so many adults needing braces and orthodontic work? It's a genuine question - is orthodontic work not offered to children anymore? I had a lot of orthodontic work as a child, starting at age 10 when I had 4 teeth removed (2 from top jaw and corresponding ones from bottom jaw) to create more room for the others. I then had metal rings with slots attached to them cemented onto my back teeth on the upper jaw into which a metal attachment like a horse's bit was inserted, this attached to a strap that went around the back of my neck. I had to wear it for 14 hours each day and it was tightened once a month in order to pull everything back to create even more room for my teeth. After that was over (about a year) I had a plate brace for a couple of years. All in all my treatment took about 4 years, but I have lovely straight and even teeth as a result, so happy it was done for me. This was all done in the late 1970s to early 1980s and all free from my NHS dentist.

I really want braces to straighten my teeth . It is purely cosmetic, from a dentist point of view they are fine and don't cause any problems whatsoever.
I actually think my teeth have got more crooked with age . I had a tongue piercing which didn't help.

 

[Sabbie]

I had braces on and off for WAY too many. I started out with Invisalign which moved a lot of teeth into sorta the right places but did not work at all despite me wearing them the right amount etc. My ortho left me with no bite at all and his solution was to grind the teeth into place. Needless to say I was outta there asap. I then moved on to traditional metal braces where a wonderful orthodontist saved me and got my teeth into perfect alignment. I am so, so happy I did it even though it took so long. Worth all the pain and hassle for sure. I should have just gone with metal in the first place. Just make sure you keep your teeth clean as that makes all the difference. Good luck!

 

[Pixipoppy]

Sorry I know this may be an obvious question but what is involved in the 6 month smile? Is this done with your own dentists?

Mine was done at a private dentist (not my normal nhs one). It’s basically just traintrack braces but with clear fittings so they are not as obvious (you can still see them if you look closely). They stay on for about 6 months but can be more/less depending on the severity. It’s usually only appropriate in mild cases - if there’s major issues with your bite you’d need to see an orthodontist.

 

[Pink waffles]

I had it last year and regret not having it done sooner. I have a permanent retainer fitted behind and removable one for bed although don't need to wear it every night I try too

 

[Daisyxo]

I’m currently weighing up between getting Invisalign and six month smiles.
My teeth are straight with no gaps or overcrowding but because I have a cross bite, you can barely see any of my teeth when I open my mouth to smile.
My teeth are perfectly straight but are behind each other rather than next to each other making my smile tiny and I hate it.
Im not sure which is the best option but I can’t wait to get them, this has bothered me for ages.

 

[minnietribe]

I had the ICE ceramic braces which they market as 'clear' but if you were close to me you could see them. I got them at age 23 and had them for 9 months - best money I ever spent. I do need to wear a plastic retainer at night, I do it every other night and you really do need to wear and replace it for the rest of your life. If you think that will be a problem ask for a fixed retainer on the back of your teeth at the end of your treatment. Good luck - it will all be worth it!

 

[Here to hate]

I would really like braces or Invisalign to fix a gap I have in my two front teeth. I'm almost 35 and just feel so embarrassed to go to the dentist about it about my age.
Any suggestions on what would be most suitable please? I've also thought about porcelain crowns.

 

[Sln2404]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone had braces fitted as an adult? I get mine next Monday & i’m so scared! I’ve gone for the 6 month smile option - a clear fixed braced. I can’t be trusted to have Invisalign, I know I wouldn’t wear them! Just wondered if anyone could share their experience x