Q. Hi, I’m 23 years old. I sucked my thumb until I was 13. My top teeth were pushed out and my bottom ones were pushed in. My bottom right 1 tooth has even turned 90 degrees so it\’s perpendicular to the others! Because of this, the dentist told me I have pockets in my gums they harbour more bacteria than normal people. 3 years ago, I started suffering from gum disease. I\ve since had 4 gum infections, 2 abscesses, 3 teeth extracted and I now have another broken tooth. My gums are wearing away too. Most of my problems are due to the fact I didn’t see a dentist from the ages of 16 and 20. I\ve started going regularly again but I’m distressed at all the work that needs doing. Is there anything that can be done for me with cosmetic dentistry? I think I need braces to start with to straighten my teeth, but then I worry that they’re beyond repair because I have missing teeth. Please help me as it has had massive effects on my confidence and self esteem as I can\’t smile or even talk properly as I’m so scared of anyone seeing my teeth.