[Clara]

I'm 23 and thinking about finally straightening my teeth. I should have had braces as a teenager and got as far as having a removable brace made before chickening out - at that time the thought of an ugly, lispy, removable brace then train tracks wasn't something I felt comfortable with. That's still the case, but now there are more discrete options available now I'd love to be able to smile without embarassment.

The main problems as I see them are:

- protruding canine teeth (my two front teeth are almost perfectly straight). One of the top ones sticks out quite a bit and sometimes pokes out even when I smile with my lips closed, which I hate

- overcrowding (my dentist years ago said I needed my wisdom teeth removed which I never had done.) They're about half through now with half of each tooth still beneath the gum

I haven't been to the dentist for a couple of years but have never needed any fillings so I believe the teeth themselves to be in reasonably good health. As I'm fairly young I'm keen to keep my 'real' teeth rather than opt for veneers etc.

I have quite a high profile job which involves meeting clients and talking to people a lot. I really need a treatment that can be seen as little as possible, and which won't affect my speech too much.It sounds vain but I'd rather it was painful that obvious!

I appreciate that a consultation is required to give specific advice but I would really appreciate some advice on the pros and cons of Invisalign vs lingal braces for a case like mine, in terms of cost, effectiveness and appearance. Also, is a retainer needed after treatment for both these systems, and what would that look like?

I live and work in London, so can probably find someone to carry out either treatment. If anyone knows of a practice that carries out both these treatments and can give me an unbiased consultation contrasting the two that would be helpful too.

Sorry this is so long...thanks!