Tooth Extraction, fixed braces & SCARED!!

[Hannah29]

Hi all. I have joined this forum today in the hope that someone will be able to help me through the next few months! I am 27 and have finally taken the plunge and booked my orthodontic treatment and am being driven to distraction about it all.

I have 2 more teeth on my right hand side than I do my left so my center alignment is out and I have one twisted tooth that is not matched on the other side. My orthodontist is going to remove this FRONT tooth (very scared about that) and then a week later fit ceramic braces to the top row. This is something I have always wanted but now it is becoming a reality, the thought of having to go through with the extraction and leave a massive gap at the front is really bothering me.

My orthodontist has been very understanding and has said he will fit filling stuff to the side of the surrounding teeth to make it look like there is no gap (which sounds great in theory). However the more I read people's stories the more I hear of unbearable pain and staining and general unhappiness. I am a very unconfident person so I know the end result will be so good for me but getting there seems an impossible task.

It would be great to hear from anyone with any advice, a similar story or just someone I can go through this with!

[Dr Pav Khaira]

It can be a drastic step to remove a tooth in the middle. However, if you have extra teeth this may be the best option for you!

It sounds to me like you are under the care of a specialist orthodontist. If this is the case they will be very competent at what they do! I would suggest you speak to your orthodontist about your anxieties so that he/she may reassure you.

Keep concentrating on the final result you will have, it'll be worth it!

Kindest regards