Adult dental braces

[benjy]

Any dentists or dental surgeons in the house?

In a little over a month I'm booked to get one of my wisdom teeth out, in the seat, at a regular dentist, and to be honest I'm a little bit petrified of the expected pain. The dentist is only comfortable doing 1 wisdom tooth as it is the easiest and the other two wisdom teeth are more difficult to remove therefore referring to a specialist.

As part of the specialist referral I'm thinking of getting braces, to straighten out my teeth and hopefully the 1.5cm over bite that I currently have. I'm hoping the installation of braces would improve the way I feel about myself in the long run. I also have a narrow jaw, which is appears to be a genetic issue... when sister was 21, she had a jaw the size of an 8 year old (now corrected)

For the dentists or dental surgeons in the house, what should I expect from getting my wisdom teeth out when at the specialist (haven't been referred yet), and is braces on adult (I'm 33) teeth recommended?

Once everything is finished, I'm seeking to achieve a wider smile, straighter teeth, wisdom teeth removed and feel great about myself

 

[Milboo]

Not a dentist but I’d say don’t double up on the cost and possible pain, and just get all 3 pulled out under GA by the specialist.

 

[benjy]

You're not the first person to suggest that. I just sent a message to a specialist in Melbourne city so would probably receive a reply tomorrow.

I know I need to get at least 1 out sooner (I think a difficult one) rather than delay it. I don't get any pain from any of the teeth but pretty sure they are causing other issues such as really minor headaches.

I really don't like the dentist so probably good idea to get everything done in one lot, at the same time, don't mind the multiple visits to get the time off work

 

[samh004]

Having just removed my lower braces after 3 years, it's a long expensive process, but you'll be happy with the results! I had some teeth extracted in the middle as part of a bi-maxillary osteotomy (double jaw surgery) while I was under GA – didn't feel a thing

I could give recommendations on the GC, less so for MEL.

Best advice for you if you need to get surgery, beef up your private health care early!

 

[Pushka]

You're not the first person to suggest that. I just sent a message to a specialist in Melbourne city so would probably receive a reply tomorrow.

I know I need to get at least 1 out sooner (I think a difficult one) rather than delay it. I don't get any pain from any of the teeth but pretty sure they are causing other issues such as really minor headaches.

I really don't like the dentist so probably good idea to get everything done in one lot, at the same time, don't mind the multiple visits to get the time off work

I had a wisdom tooth removed in the chair last year under local shots. Took ages to extract given the length and twist of the root which was known prior. Pain during the procedure was managed but it was uncomfortable for a few days. I had another one removed in the chair under gas and went back to work that afternoon.

MrP had two removed under GA several years ago by a surgeon and could barely sip liquids for well over a week. He was in a lot of pain. I do wonder if being under a GA gives the surgeon licence to be more brutal in the extraction process.

 

[Cossie]

Pushka, I'm thinking the same, I had mine removed under a ga and had issues for a while after, including parts of one broken tooth finally making it's way through my gum.
I was told that any broken bits of my teeth left in the jaw would eventually breakdown and exit this way, I didn't think it would quite an issue as it turned out to be.

As for braces, I'd say do it, some these days are barely visible, or you could go invisaline or behind the teeth (lingual?) if possible in your case.

 

[benjy]

Just received a rough email quote from the specialist of $550 - $750 per tooth on a complex wisdom tooth extraction plus hospital costs, so probably nearly $2k for the whole lot ouch. Costs based on how complex the extraction is, and doesn't factor private health rebate.

I'm keen on braces but not keen on the costs, definitely know it's worth it in the long run.

I'm not liking the sound of complications after GA surgery but I know it all depends on how complex the surgery is.

Private health limits resetting in July so might just try to time my visits, one in June and the other beginning on July , but I also want to use my Personal Leave up (400+ hours) before possibly leaving my current employment, so many decisions to make!

 

[Pushka]

Just received a rough email quote from the specialist of $550 - $750 per tooth on a complex wisdom tooth extraction plus hospital costs, so probably nearly $2k for the whole lot ouch. Costs based on how complex the extraction is, and doesn't factor private health rebate.

I'm keen on braces but not keen on the costs, definitely know it's worth it in the long run.

I'm not liking the sound of complications after GA surgery but I know it all depends on how complex the surgery is.

Private health limits resetting in July so might just try to time my visits, one in June and the other beginning on July , but I also want to use my Personal Leave up (400+ hours) before possibly leaving my current employment, so many decisions to make!

There are quite invisible braces now aren’t there? Ok, you know they are there and people can see them but it’s not like a mouth full of metal anymore. At your age I’d probably do it, you’ve got a lot of years to feel much better about yourself and I know from someone who had some cosmetic work done (but not braces) it was wonderful to really know the smile had significantly improved.

 

[Lynda2475]

Not a dentist but +1 for just getting all wisdom teeth out at once under GA. When I had mine removed, only 3 needed to be removed, with a watch on the 4th. I told them I wasn't coming back so got all 4 done at once. Try and get a thursday appointment, take friday off work plus the weekend and you will be fine. I didn't have any complications.

After hearing nightmare stories from people who had complicated extractions in the chair (including the dentist putting his knee on my friends chest to get enough leverage) I wanted to be blissfully unaware of what they did to get them out.

As it is day surgery you shouldn't have to pay any hospital excess and 100% of the hospital fees are usually covered by your insurance. I got 85% back on the extractions per my cover, but the out of pocket came from the anaesthetist - those guys cost a motza for what equated to 30 mins of work.

Never had braces as have straight teeth naturally, so cant comment. Except to say that in addition to traditional metal braces you now have the option for the removable ones you only wear to bed, or having clear ones or having them put on the back of your teeth. Not cheap and process takes years, but a mate had his done at 50 (mid life crisis) and is very happy.

 

[benjy]

I've researched that there are quite a number of options for braces, from the traditional metal option (cheaper) to the inside braces which on the more expensive side. I'm not too fussed on what I go for as long as what I go for works!

I've relatively new to taking out Private Health and from what I've read, I'm not covered for hospital within the first 12 months as wisdom teeth is pre-existing, but I may be completely off the mark. Will definitely check once I receive a quote and the item codes from the specialist/surgeon.

 

[Pushka]

I've researched that there are quite a number of options for braces, from the traditional metal option (cheaper) to the inside braces which on the more expensive side. I'm not too fussed on what I go for as long as what I go for works!

I've relatively new to taking out Private Health and from what I've read, I'm not covered for hospital within the first 12 months as wisdom teeth is pre-existing, but I may be completely off the mark. Will definitely check once I receive a quote and the item codes from the specialist/surgeon.

If you aren’t covered just yet make sure the specialist knows that.

 

[Eija]

This may be another option https://www.bangkokdentalcenter.com can't recommend them highly enough! All the information/specialists you need in one place. I had major work done here...Aussie dentists were quoting $60-80K plus. And you get to explore Bangkok...it is AFF after all. Stayed at Emerald Hotel(club room in tower) 200-300 meter walk away. There is even a BIDC patient discount. What you see on the website is what you will get & more! My treatment was 4 years ago. Absolutely no problems since.

 

[Milboo]

I bounced out of the GA like I’d never even had it. No swelling, no pain and back at work the next morning.

My tip - read up on dry socket and how to avoid it!

 

[JohnK]

Just received a rough email quote from the specialist of $550 - $750 per tooth on a complex wisdom tooth extraction plus hospital costs, so probably nearly $2k for the whole lot ouch. Costs based on how complex the extraction is, and doesn't factor private health rebate.

I had 2 wisdom teeth removed in hospital close to 20 years ago and would down that path again if necessary. The cost after Medibank Private rebate was the cost of my excess which is $500.

I was in some pain for around a week. I was not happy with the surgeon as I was given double dose of adrenalin under anaesthesic and I was still numb just before midnight. That was good for the pain but awful for my anxiety.

 

[benjy]

I took the plunge today and booked a consultation to check out my wisdom teeth and what needs to happen for orthodontics.
Complimentary specialist orthodontics consultation next Monday followed by the wisdom teeth specialist appointment early next month ($150 minus medicare rebate)

I went to Smile Solutions in Melbourne and really impressed with the service I received from the staff I spoke to. Felt they genuinely wanted to assist and provide as much information as possible to ensure I was informed.

Watch this space

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I did invisalign in my early 30s and my teeth are beautiful now ;-)

Seriously though you don't want metal in your mouth if it can be avoided. Stay away from traditional braces.
Malaysia and Thailand are cheap for invisalign. 2-3k AUD. I did mine in AU was about 7k and still worth the expense

 

[Melburnian1]

There are many competent dentists in Philippines as well. Many go to Cebu or Manila although if cost here is A$2,000, then the expense of a trip may not justify going overseas for just that. English of dentists there is far better than Thailand. However much dental work in Oz costs $$$.

 

[benjy]

I've had a number of appointments since my original post, with an orthodontist and a specialist surgeon.
They told me what I not only already knew, in that my wisdom teeth need removal, braces are great option and jaw needs expanding.

So, in around 3 months (surgeon is popular), I'll be in surgery under general anesthetic getting 4 wisdom teeth removed, braces on, a jaw expander inserted (day before surgery) and my top jaw broken (to allow jaw to expand).
This is the first surgery I'll be having (there's no sound)

Then 9-12 months later, I'll be getting the bottom jaw bone and nerve gets expanded to fix my 1.5cm overbite, basically what you see below

The braces and expander will cost me $8.5k. Haven't received the quote for wisdom teeth and hospital fees yet, but likely to be $2 - $3k. FUN

 

[Toula92122]

You won't regret having it done. I have had both the traditional metal braces as well as a round of Invisalign and would go with the Invisilign any day of the week. Very little pain and not having to deal with a constant cut mouth was a win for me. I have a similar underbite to yours, but now in my 50s so not likely to be fixed, but seeing what they are able to do for you, makes me wish it had of been offered.