Have you noticed something different about me? No? Well, look closer because a few months ago I received some brand new front teeth.
My teeth had been bothering me for a while. It’s one of the parts of my body I’m least happy with. Here is what is wrong with them:
- There is a big gap between the upper and lower teeth
- They are too big for my mouth
- They are not straight
- They are not white
- They are very sensitive
- On top of that my front teeth are fake due to an accident in my teens
- The black of the crowns is clearly visible when I smile
The dentists
Over the years I have been to many dentists in 5 different countries to see if I could solve any of these issues.
The most logical option would be braces of course, but time and time again I was advised that it was not possible for my teeth as there was just not enough space in my mouth. That would need to be created by surgery.
The oral surgeon
So I ended up consulting with an oral surgeon who recommended I had surgery as eventually my teeth would start to crack; there was too much pressure on my back molars. The procedure would take a lot of time and involve 3 (!) operations. What could be the risks of these procedure, I asked. Well, you could die, he said only half in gest. I decided against it.
Whitening
Whitening my too visible portruding teeth was not an option either as I have 2 crowns for my front teeth due to a childhood accident. If I bleeched the other teeth, my front teeth would still be yellow and stand out more, which would look awful.
Invisalign
Then I found out about Invisalign through blogging. That sounded interesting. Perhaps that could solve my issues? Invisalign is a proprietary method of orthodontic treatment which uses a series of clear, removable teeth aligners used as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces. The method is less intrusive, is barely visible and required no surgery.
I consulted a local dentist, had photos taken etc, and was advised that yes, Invisalign may be able to solve some of the issues, but it would be very difficult. Since I already had sensitive teeth it may aggravate the issue even more. It would also be lengthy process (perhaps even 3 years) and final results would not be dramatic. It all seemed too much risk and effort. So I decided against that too.
The crowns
What I could do though was change my crowns. They had been in my mouth for more than 25 years and although still healthy, they really were not looking all that good. I would also be able to whiten my teeth and the crowns would be thinner which would make my front teeth stand out less. I would also get rid of the black borders that were clearly visible. Again I got mixed recommendations. Some dentists thought this would be easy to do, others saw problems and told me I needed a root canal.
So what to do? Did I really need to do it? There was really nothing wrong with the crowns per se. I would mainly be doing it for cosmetic reasons. Was it really worth all the hassle and money? In the end I decided that it was, as I had been complaining about this issue for years. I always thought that ‘it wasn’t worth all the hassle, but if you keep coming back to an issue that annoys you every day, then maybe it just is.
The procedure
In the end I ended up with a dentist that made the most sense to me. He gave me a clear cost estimate of the worst case scenario (where I needed a new pole and a root canal treatment) and a best case scenario plan, which he considered more likely.
I would first need to whiten my teeth to determine how white they would go. I used the recommended Whiter Image take-home whitening system, which was pretty straightforward to use. First, the dentist creates a mould of your teeth which you then fill up with the fluid and hold on your teeth for 45 min to an hour each day. My molar teeth did become very sensitive with this treatment, so I mainly used it for the front teeth that you could clearly see.
When I was happy with the color of my teeth (they couldn’t really get any whiter) the old crowns were removed. Fortunately everything underneath looked ok, so the best case scenario could be applied and the whole procedure was very straight forward and I got them replaced in 3 sessions. Although unpleasant (as dentist visits always are) he got the job done quickly and efficiently.
So there you go: my new teeth!
In the end I’m very happy I had it done. Although my teeth will never be perfect, they are looking much better now and I can smile with more confidence! Please note that I had this procedure done before my holiday so all the photos of the last few months included my new teeth.
How to find a good dentist and the right procedure for you?
My experience with dentists is that you get a different opinion from each one. I have seen quite a few over the last 10 years in various countries and they all give different advice. Often they have advised me to do something and as a result I ended up with (worse and) more sensitive teeth. My advice is to shop around when you want something major done and get various opinions. Then use your own judgement to determine what is right for you. Believe me, the specialists are not always right and no-one knows your body and sensitivities as well as you do!
How do you look after your teeth?
How about you? Have you had issues with your teeth after 40 and how do you look after them? It would be great to hear about your experiences with procedures as well.
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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You have a beautiful smile, before and after. Thanks for sharing your story!
I’m very happy for you that you replaced those two crowns. I had a situation which I began to correct when I was 48. Most of my amalgam fillings were replaced with white composite, then I got braces for 2 years, at which point I had the surgery which would line up my bite correctly. The braces stayed on for another 6 months while my jaws healed. Both jaws were cut for the procedure. My first surgery was not entirely successful, so my dentist prepared me for a second surgery. This time, I went to an expert in this procedure out in Michigan. I am in upstate New York. After the surgery, my dentist lengthened my teeth with bonding, to get them in the best possible place. The bonding made them look like new. It is now 7 years later, and I wear a bite appliance at night to help keep them in place. To me it was worth all of the effort. I had no pain with the surgery, and I hope to have a good smile for a long time to come. You’re never too old.
Wow Robin. I’m impressed that you went through the whole process and feel so good about it all. I’m not quite ready for that (not sure if I ever will be). Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Your smile looks fantastic! It sounds like a lot of us have had teeth/smile issues. I grew up having a large gap between my front teeth and was very self conscious about it, especially when I was made fun of or people just commented about it. Luckily I was able to get braces on my top teeth at age 15, and even wore a headgear at night and most of the time I was home. It made a world of difference to me. My husband wasn’t so lucky and still feels very self conscious of his smile. My 12 year old son just got braces put on a few months ago and complained about it, but my husband and I have tried to tell him someday he’ll be thanking us for it!
Thanks Natalie. He sure will be. I’m sure my son will fight as well when he will get braces, but we need to be strong as parents and persist.
First of all, good for you for taking action about something that bothered you. I think a great smile can absolutely change one’s whole outlook. When I was 17, I ended up having 6 teeth removed (4 impacted molars, two canine teeth) because my mouth was too small and caused my front teeth to be extremely crooked to the point where one tooth was overlapping another. Yes, that surgery was awful as I had them all removed at once (I had to wear a head bandage and couldn’t eat for like a week). After getting called “snaggle tooth” for a few years in high school, I’d finally had enough. Even with crooked teeth, I was considered very attractive so I never suffered from boys, it was always the girls who were so mean and tore down my confidence. I had braces for 2 years and loved them because I knew they were helping and I could see the change happening. Now, because I like my teeth, I smile all the time, which of course changes how one relates to the world. I’m 41 now and haven’t had to do any procedures for whitening as I avoid cigarettes, coffee and cola, all which stain teeth. As far as whitening goes, I have a little trick I read about in a magazine article on Katie Couric. I use Tom’s of Maine Natural toothpaste that has whitening ingredients, but any whitening toothpaste would work. The trick is to put some on your teeth like you were brushing them with your finger, then hop in the shower. After your shower (or 5-15 minutes later), brush your teeth as normal. It has the same effect of whitening as with white strips, but without having to pay extra. Anyway, keep up the great posts. I always enjoy reading them.
Hi Kerry. Thanks for your great feedback and tips and sharing your story. I wish I (and my parents and dentist) had been as smart as you. But for reason (which I find very hard to understand considering the extreme overbite I have) my dentist did not feel I needed braces. Then when I enquired again in my 20s, it was too late apparently for normal braces etc. So unfortunately, structurally my teeth are still a mess, but at least they look slightly better now…
I can’t believe how many of us have had the same experiences. I was told at age 11 that I was too old for a brace! When I eventually saw an orthodontist in my early 30s he said that you are never too old to have your teeth moved around. I remember I actually cried with relief. I ended up having 4 teeth removed as my mouth was too small (LOL!) and my teeth straightened (my front teeth were crossed) and veneers on the front ones. However, I wasn’t given a retainer so they have moved again (apart this time). I have always blamed my parents for sticking with the school dentist and not getting a second opinion and I have always hated my teeth, apart from those few years when they were straight. Fortunately dentistry seems to have come a long way and pain management is so much better now.
You look wonderful! I did Invisalign a few years ago and was extremely happy with the results. Had a permanent retainer put on the lower front teeth and wear a retainer, plastic, at night. Worth every cent.
Drinking red wines in California right now and will bleach my teeth when I return.
Have a great weekend?
Jill
thanks for your feedback Jill. Great to read this is working so well for you!
I’m halfway through a year-long course of Invisalign treatment and I’m so glad I finally had it done. I met with the orthodontist originally purely for aesthetic reasons and discovered that my very mis-aligned lower teeth were also causing dental health issues; for example, because my bite was off, my teeth were hitting each other in such a way as to wear off the enamel more quickly than normal. Yes, it looks better but I’m also happy to know that I’m preventing a range of future dental problems. Not cheap, but worth it in the long run.
Good to hear this working so well for you. If the procedure had been easier for me I would have considered it too. I have been warned before that the misalignment of my teeth can cause problems later on too…..
fascinating article, great to know there are so many options
Your teeth look great…. did you have the work done in Singapore?…can you recommend a dentist?
Yes, I went to Smilefocus. My dentist was Dr. Holt http://smilefocus.com.sg/smileteam.html#holt
Thanks Sylvia…
I have used Smilefocus before, but not Dr Holt.
Thx again…
Well done, you look great ♥
I’m 44 years old and have always hated my teeth. My teeth are crowded tightly together because my jaw is too small. As a result, one of my upper front teeth protrudes (I’m always getting lipstick on it-hate it!) and my lower front teeth are crooked. One of my lower front teeth is angled almost on it’s side. My parents didn’t make much money, so even though we had dental coverage through my dad’s employer, they couldn’t afford braces for me. I didn’t even go to the dentist until I was 17 years old because I had a cavity that hurt so bad I couldn’t eat. I have never had the confidence to smile with my teeth showing for pictures, so I end up looking like I’m smirking or annoyed in most of my photos. I was told I could still get braces, but my three-year old is the priority. If her permanent teeth come in crooked, I want to make sure she gets braces. I want her to have the confidence to show her teeth in photos. The only thing I told my husband I definitely won’t tolerate are teeth that are so yellow/brown they look rotten.
Your dentist did a great job on your teeth! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks Barbara and thank you for sharing your story!
Your story sounds like mine…and as I’ve grown older and literally more “long in the tooth,” my crooked front teeth are more noticeable! Had a very unsatisfying conversation with an orthodontist about my options, but no one suggested crowns until recently—grrr! Anyway, my dentist suggested starting with bleaching and then if they still bother me, move on to the crown option.
Thanks so much, Sylvia, for sharing your story! You’ve inspired me to pursue this idea a little more aggressively.
Don’t hesitate to see other dentists too Laura. They will offer different opinions and you will be able to make up your own mind. Starting with the bleaching sounds like a good option to start with…
A Lorraine said: your post struck a nerve haha.
I have an overbite which was “corrected” by removing some molar teeth and by wearing braces when I was 8 years old. The overbite is less, I will say that.
I have asked around as well and found out that my jaw never fully grew. In order to correct this I have to have my jaw broken en re-set etc. etc. I decided against it. Everybody likes me the way I am.
But I do want white teeth. Drinking coffee all the time does not help the colour. My genes have provided me with strong but yellow teeth. I just don’t dare.
When I asked my dentist about whitening he said: “you can do it as you have strong teeth”. Which implies that your teeth get damaged. And the whitening only lasts 3 to 4 years. So I am not taking that risk.
Then I asked for venere covers, but they are like crowns. They might last 25 years or 7 years and perhaps borders will show as my gum is retreating a bit.
Looking at you does bring this longing back. Gosh, you look good.
I’m not sure it’s so bad for your teeth. My dentist said it isn’t and my own research confirmed that. The only thing (and maybe that’s why your dentist said that you need strong teeth) is that they become very sensitive during the bleaching. I solved that by just doing the visible teeth and it was fine. Maybe you should do some more research on it and consider again?
I also had trouble when I had my teeth whitened because of sensitivity. My dentist adjusted the strength of the whitener solution being used and that helped a lot. This may be an option as well.
Your dentist has done a very good job, your teeth look very good and natural.
Greetje, who will surely read this, knows why I keep my mouth closed on my blogphotos.
I have very healthy and white teeth but a small gap between my front teeth – I know, even super models have it 😉 but I never felt confident and it is a matter of time and money when I will have it done.
Annette | Lady of Style
Oh yes, be sure I am reading this. I am so longing for the day you give us your beautiful smile. With gap. It is so lovable. Every time I visit your blog I think this. haha.
I have always been self-conscious about my overbite but on consulting the orthodontist, I was told that invisalign braces would not be worthwhile unless I had my jaw broken and reset. I didn’t. My teeth enamel is thin and yellowed. I really like your new smile.
Your article touched a nerve with me ha! ha!
I have always hated my front teeth as one was rootfilled and grey after a childhood accident. My mouth was overcrowded and poor dentistry as a child by a school dentist meant I had loads of unnecessary amalgam fillings (any Brit out there will know what I am talking about) and was told I was too old for a brace at age 11!!!!
In my 30s I saw a great dentist and an orthodontist and had 4 teeth removed and my teeth straightened with a brace and veneers fitted to my front teeth. For a few years I was happy with my teeth for the first time.
Over time those front teeth drifted apart and out and I am very self conscious of how they look. I started having more treatment with a view to Invisalign and new veneers less than a year ago which started with a traumatic 2-hour removal of an impacted wisdom tooth. Although the treatment has been on hold recently I am hoping to proceed again shortly.
I was told that you are never too old to do something about your teeth.
I have veneers on my two front teeth as the enamel started to wear away when I was in my late 20 s. They were great at first but as I have got older they do look darker round the edges next to my gums and it is making me self conscious when I smile. So I may have to think about having them replaced. Yours look great Sylvia although I never noticed anything wrong with your teeth before. It always seems much worse to us but I suppose we look at ourselves more closely than anyone else does.
Well, of course I did not publish any photos where the teeth looked too bad. Believe me I have plenty!
Your smile is beautiful! Seems like as one gets older, your teeth are going to have problems. Mine started at 35 and I was lucky to find a good dentist with the skill to make them look better. I’ve had a frightening amount of dentistry, mostly not by choice, although I’m happy with the results.
blue hue wonderland
Yes, you have a great smile. So many americans do. I can often instantly recognise an american just from the way her teeth look!
I had my teeth whitened and then wore a transparent brace for about 2 years to straighten my front upper teeth. It was a long haul and I still wear a retainer at night on a regular basis to keep them in place. It is the best investment I have made as it takes years off when you have good teeth. I can now smile in photos without looking like Dracula.
Great that it worked so well for you. I do agree that nice teeth make a real difference!