I am finally getting braces. I’ve wanted them my entire life but my parents couldn’t afford them. In fact, they never could afford a dentist. My first time was going as an adult. That wasn’t pleasant. Now I want straight teeth. My orthodontist said I’d need some teeth removed because of crowding. I am absolutely terrified. If my first few dental appointments were a nightmare, I can’t imaging what having my teeth pulled will be like. Is there any way to straighten my teeth without removing teeth?
Cammie
Dear Cammie,
I’m sorry that your first experiences with the dentist were frightening and painful. That would put anyone off of going back, especially for a more invasive procedure.
If there is overcrowding, then the only way for orthodontics to straighten your teeth is with some of those teeth extracted to make room for the ones being moved into their proper position. It would certainly be fine for you to get a second opinion before doing that, though, in order to see if there is as much overcrowding as you were told.
May I suggest you get your second opinion from a dentist who does Invisalign. This is a type of orthodontics which allows you to straighten your teeth using clear aligners. No one will even know you are straightening them. Many adults prefer this option to traditional wires and brackets. If the case isn’t a good one for Invisalign, the dentist will let you know. Either way they can give you an opinion on whether you need those teeth extracted.
If you do, don’t panic. There is a way for you to have a dental appointment that not only isn’t a nightmare, but can be completely anxiety free. I want you to see a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication that will allow you to sleep through the entire procedure if you want to. There are several levels of sedation available, so you can choose which you want. Patients with dental anxiety who try dental sedation find that it completely changes their lives.
This blog is brought to you by a compassionate dentist in Libertyville, Dr. David Potts.