I have just started to notice this more recently that no one other than my wife and now kids have seen my teeth because I try not to expose my teeth!
Initially my front teeth were crooked, and one had a hairline crack which overtime got bad.
I never fixed them because of the fear of dental expenses and never had enough savings to spare some towards personal care.
Is anyone else in the same boat? BTW I am 38 now.
It is not an eyesore and I doubt I would like to talk to someone so shallow, I've never minded at all talking to people without perfect teeth.
38 ? At the age of giving a flying f.. Abt what people think. Just smile 😂
Just go see a dentist and start slowly
40+ years. I have considered veneers and implants and every dentist said to keep what you have as the other options are a constant headache with care and maintenance and serviceability. And so life goes on.
I mean even with natural teeth you still need to go to the dentist every 6 months for checkup and clean, not to mention the twice daily brushing, flossing, interdental brushes etc..
I have lived in Australia for more than 20 years but all major teeth works for my family, we go to Vietnam (my mother land) to have it done. Cost is about 1/10 to 1/5 compared to Australia and the quality is very good and you save heaps. Only major work that you may need to have it done in Australia is normal metal braces because you have to see dentist very often to adjust. With clear aligner for simple case, you can still have it done overseas but not much cheaper so it is still better to have it done here.
My family have had major dental work done at reputable places in Vietnam for anywhere from 1/20 to 1/5 of cost. These dental works are considered expensive for locals but with the currency exchange for Aussies, its considered afforable.
In my experience, people who are judging you for your teeth are not worth having around. If you want to get your teeth fixed for you go for it, but don't avoid smiling or laughing for those kinds of people. Surround yourself with people who have a positive impact on your life.
This may be easier said than done if it's work related and you work with people who care more about your appearance than your personality and ability to do your job. Sadly this is many people's experience, but it sounds like it is all areas of your life.
However, in the real world first impression counts for alot. You see it in dating and working career. Once first impression wears out, you’ll get to see the true impression however getting past the first impression hurdle is the hardest!
First impression gets you the opportunities in life, then true substance allows you to retain those opportunities.
I havent laughed or smiled freely in 20 years either…and it has nothing to do with my teeth!!
DBR
I remembered reading somewhere that a woman avoid smiling for may be 20 years or more in order to avoid wrinkles
Been there funny enough about same age. Exact same feelings and shame. All fixed now (braces jaw surgery and two implants among other general things). Yep it was expensive but yep it was life changing. Can’t put a price on it (fine estimate 20-25k but there’s payment plans and all sorts). Went from consciously trying not to smile every day of my life to not a second thought now. Completely liberating. Highly recommend it and don’t fear the dentist. They’ve seen it all and majority are compassionate people and just want to help.
I am in the same situation like you. I also have wisdom teeth. I left it for a long time. Now I have tinnitus on my ear and partial hearing loss. Some specialist think my wisdom teeth and my jaw bone issues (TMJ) may be partially causing Tinnitus. Hence, I am removing the wisdom teeth this month. And potentially going to get invasilign this year + mouth guard.
In other words, I will be able to smile again.
UPDATE: I got my wisdom teeth removed yesterday through Westmead Private and using my private insurance. I had Tinnitus (phantom sound) on both ears. The tinnitus on the right ear is no longer there or maybe it is there but so low that I am unable to even consider it to be there. I am letting know because if there is something bothering you and you can afford it, go for it. Do not wait for me so long that it becomes a major issue
i must say, it is an eye sore when talking to people when they have shit teeth