Opinions on getting braces at 19?

[Anonymous]

I'm 19 and want to get braces. I'm covered under my parents insurance until I'm 21 as long as I'm a full-time student, which I am. However, it turns out there is a lot more to do than what I expected.

1. I have to get 2 top teeth (pre-molar) removed to make space for my canine teeth which are up high.

2. I have the choice to remove no bottom teeth, one tooth or 2. Removing no bottom teeth would make them pushed out farther. The problem with that is that they'll be covered by less gums possibly causing infection. And I would need gum grafting. Removing one tooth would remove the "problem" tooth and may not push them out farther. Removing 2 bottom teeth would also may not push them farther resulting in less teeth covered by less gums.

3. I have the option to remove my 3 wisdom teeth. I will probably remove one since I do have pain here/there but the other 2 I have never felt.

I want to know peoples opinions in general since I don't really know what to do...

[Anonymous]

I was supposed to get one when I was 11 but I halted because I was afraid that I might not be able to fully take care of my teeth with the braces on. But now I'm in my 20s I'm planning to ahve it on and I'm happy about that. Pulling out teeth is normal procedure especially for those having very tight space for their teeth and have no worries on that. Now I'm old enough I believe I can take a better care of my teeth then I thought when I was younger. If I can do it you also can do it. As long as you're diligent enough to clean it well and use the rubber band they provide during the night you'll have straight teeth in no time. Just follow whatever your ortho says.

[Asker]

Thank you! Reading what you wrote is easing my anxiousness :)

[samhradh_leannan]

Does your dentist/ orthodontist not have an idea of what will ultimately be best for the health of your teeth? This sounds like a pretty wishy washy situation. If your own dental care provider is really unable to make a solid recommendation, I would strongly consider going to other dentists and orthodontists to get multiple opinions on the situation. There is just no way a stranger on the internet can give you good advice about which of your teeth to have pulled.

[Asker]

I'm seeing 4 for sure to get different opinions. The first guy I'm definitely not going with since he quoted braces would be $7000! Where as the 2nd guy said $5000 which is way more reasonable. And since I'm covered under insurance for $5000, I won't have to pay much, if at all.

Are they supposed to tell you what to do? I thought they give you options .

[samhradh_leannan]

I guess maybe it depends on the situation. When I got braces, there were specific things that I HAD to do for the health of my mouth. If your reasons for wanting braces are more on the aesthetic side, then I guess it makes more sense for there to be multiple options. But still, if you know the outcome that you want, it seems like a good, experienced orthodontist should be able to recommend the best option for getting there. For example, they might say removing four teeth would be best, but...

[samhradh_leannan]

...you COULD remove just two if you'd rather not remove as many, etc, just hypothetically speaking. But I wouldn't trust an orthodontist who isn't opinionated, because to me that says they just don't know what's best.

[Wineredskirt]

Follow the recommendation of the orthodontist. They are experienced and are thinking what will work best long term.