Braces and an operation!

[Miss S]

Hi.

I have a tooth growing upward in my top gum but it is not affecting me in any way. However, I need braces as I have a tooth overlapping another tooth at the front on my top set of teeth.

In order to have braces, I would have to an operation to remove the tooth in my gum, which involves risk.

Is it really neccessary to remove the tooth? Do you think it is worth the risk? My unstraighten teeth are begin to annoy me now, but I really do not know what to do. Another issue is the cost, as I have to start paying for all my treatment from now on!!

[Dr Pav Khaira]

I can certainly understand your concerns!

Without knowing exactly what the situation is it is very difficult for us to advise. Have you been told what the potential complications are?

If you are under the care of a specialist, I would generally recommend you go with their advice. They are specialists for a reason!

You obviously still have some concerns about your treatment, I would encourage you to speak to your treating dentist in more detail and express your concerns so that they can answer any questions you may have

Hope this helps

[Miss S]

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly!

The tooth was growing in the gum is close to one of my nerves. I went to see the speacialist about six, seven years ago and at the time my teeth did not look too bad, but they are starting to stick out as I'm getting older! I shall speak to my dentist about. Do you think I should have my teeth x-rayed on a regular basis to see if there is any growth in the tooth growing in the gum? I have not had them x-rayed for many years!

[Dr Pav Khaira]

An x ray would be a very sensible place to start. Do speak to your dentist about your concerns, I'm sure you will feel a lot better once you have spoken about it

[monkey]

Hi,

I just thought I'd let you know I needed an operation for pretty much the same reasons as you before I had my brace put on and I was nervous too but I thought you'd like to know it went really well with no complications or pain afterwards and I now have lovely straight teeth

[Miss S]

Thank you for letting me know. Makes me feels a bit better. Im going to see my dentist next week so I will see what he says.

[Dr Pav Khaira]

Please do!

[Miss S]

Hi. I went to see my dentist who refered me to an orthodontist. I have decided that I do not want to have braces done due to the price and the risks involved. My dentist has told me that there is another route i can take to improve the look of my teeth. He has told me that he can drill my teeth so that they are in a straight line. Does this mean that I will have veneers put on aswell? I am really nervous about the treatment because some of my front teeth will be cut off?. Do you think this is the best option for me? What are your views on drilling teeth? I am sure my dentist is already aware that i have had root canal treatment on one of my front teeth, but would this affect the drilling of the tooth?

[Dr Sepehrara]

Hi

It is very difficult to say what treatment option is the best for you without carrying out an examination.

the options t o improve the appearance of your teeth are:
-whitening
-orthodontics (fixed braces, invisible braces or lingual orthodontics)
- combination of orthodontics and veneers
- veneers

Each type of treament has its pros and cons. I would read more on the above treatments on the cosmetic guide homepage, there are many articles with a lot of useful information.

My personal views are to be as conservative as possible when improving the appearance of teeth, so my first choice is orthodontics if the teeth are not in a favourable position and then whitening. If the teeth are in a favourable position then veneers can be considered, but you have to realise that this is a lifelong commitment and the veneers will require replacing in the future. This is just a brief outline. Each case is different.

If cost is a concern, you can always consider finance. But please remember that quality comes with a price.

Hope this helps

Kind Regards

Raha