Do you notice peoples teeth/smile?

[fezident]

I have ONE crooked tooth (kinda like Patricia Arquette) and I seem to fixate on it. I can't help but feel as though other people notice it IMMEDIATELY.

It bothers me. And... at times... it affects my confidence so, I went to the Orthodontist yesterday and started the process of getting INVISALIGN. (clear, removable, plastic, "braces").

The whole thing is gonna cost me almost 8000 bucks. To me, it's totally worth it.

Because I'm so self concious about my own teeth, I tend to notice other peoples teeth immediately. I mean IMMEDIATELY. It's literally the first thing I notice.

Is everyone like that? Is it just me?
When you meet somebody, how long is it before you notice their smile? I think it's right up there with "eyes" and, for a lot of guys "boobs".

But a coworker of mine said "YOU'RE getting braces?? Why... are your teeth even crooked?!" Perhaps they were being kind or, maybe, other people just don't notice.

How say you?

[Jujubees2]

I tend to notice people's teeth, especially those who have perfectly straight choppers.

I had braces but got them later than most and didn't get them taken off until the day before high school graduation. My teeth have moved a bit since then so there are not perfectly straight anymore. The bigger thing was that I took a baseball to one of my front teeth when I had the braces on and it damaged the tooth so that it's a bit discolored now. I think about it every so often but it doesn't bother me enough to have anything done. I just go for my cleanings every six months.

[A.J.]

I never had braces as a kid and I have a snaggletooth like Jewel so I'm very self-conscious about smiling. My teeth are just another one of my repulsive physical attributes.

I suppose I could get braces now but I'm pushing 40 so what's the point.

[FUNKMAN]

i'm a people watcher. it interests me to look at them, their features, their expressions, wonder what their personality might be and what their life has been like.

If given enough time and opportunity I take a notice to their teeth. Have to say I am surprised by some news media people and actors that have pretty crooked lower teeth. Lou Dobbs and Will Ferrell come to mind.

Before 7 of my front teeth got knocked out in a car accident I had the two fang looking teeth in the front top. Now I have even teeth because I have a 7 tooth bridge up top. To be honest I'd rather have my "real" two looking fang teeth back...

[fezident]

I'm 36 and I'm gettin' 'em!

I take my appearance really seriously. I work out twice a day. Cool haircut. Funky clothes. Etc etc. Never had any problems meeting women. (although being a professional musician might've helped in that department)
I was thinking about leaving my teeth alone. Screw it. But... then I realized that I'm gonna be alive for another 50 years. That's a loooong time to be unhappy with my smile.

I don't look like Cletus but, yeah... my teeth could use a little help so... I'm gonna spend the money.

Not exactly looking forward to having my f'ing jaw broken and re-set but... at least I'll catch up on some serious TIVO action.

[Jujubees2]

Even though my teeth aren't completely straight now, they are a lot better than before I had braces. I had two fangs and a good overbite. When I look back at photos of me as a youngster I hardly ever showed my teeth when I smiled.

[Chainsaw]

I notice teeth and faces almost to an extreme....it's probably the reason I became a dentist

[Kris10]

If it makes you feel better than do it.

I only notice something if it really stands out but honestly if something bothered me about myself I'd either accept it or do something to correct it.

[drjoek]

Orthodontics is Gods gift to mankind. Ok maybe Im overstating my professions impact but, maybe not.

Good for you fezident .Invisalign is a very effective means of treating crooked teeth that is very esthetic. it may work a little slower then traditional braces but they are nearly invisible. Sounds like I need to raise my fees a bit or open an office in the city. Good luck and if you have any questions along the way that your ortho doesnt answer PM me.

[drjoek]

I notice teeth and faces almost to an extreme....it's probably the reason I became a dentist

:thumbup:
Orthodontist here

[Kris10]

Do they really have to break your jaw? I didn't realize that was part of the procedure.

I had braces when I was younger, glad my teeth were fucked up enough on their own!

[Chainsaw]

:thumbup:
Orthodontist here

a wire-bender? Awesome! :clap:

[Hottub]

Since MsTub has been in dentistry for 10 years now, I have no option but to notice. I don't get hung up on a little crooked, or a snaggletooth, but poor oral hygiene, OH MY GOD!

The people who smoke too much and have terrible staining. The people who have missed more than a couple 6 month cleanings. The chronic halitosis due to a steak rotting between your teeth. Inflamed and puffy gingiva.

*BARF*

My teeth are far from perfect by Joe's standards, but they are OK. Never got to have braces. But at least I take a little time brushing rinsing and flossing. That makes up for a world of imperfections.

[Hottub]

Orthodontics is Gods gift to my wallet.
QFMFT!

[drjoek]

QFMFT!

I need all the help I can get the next 5 years
received welcome package to Patrick for College next year at RPI

$48000 out the door and they don't exactly think I need financial aid. :wallbash:
Moira will follow the following year

[drjoek]

Since MsTub has been in dentistry for 10 years now, I have no option but to notice. I don't get hung up on a little crooked, or a snaggletooth, but poor oral hygiene, OH MY GOD!

The people who smoke too much and have terrible staining. The people who have missed more than a couple 6 month cleanings. The chronic halitosis due to a steak rotting between your teeth. Inflamed and puffy gingiva.

*BARF*

.

Hottub is a wise man:thumbup:

[Hottub]

Luckily I still have 8 years. And you better believe my broke ass will be recieving financial aid.

Also, if all goes well, Moira will get a free ride!:clap:

[drjoek]

Luckily I still have 8 years. And you better believe my broke ass will be recieving financial aid.

Also, if all goes well, Moira will get a free ride!:clap:

Moira was named All American at the National Scholastic Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend. She placed 6th in the 5000 meter race
:wub: proud parent

ps 8 years go by waaaaay to fast

[Hottub]

Oh yeah. Elaine retired. I think the new hygienist is a Hun!
But Goddam, am I clean when I get out of that torture chamber of a room.

[fezident]

Do they really have to break your jaw? I didn't realize that was part of the procedure.

I had braces when I was younger, glad my teeth were fucked up enough on their own!

Getting your jaw re-set isn't AUTOMATICALLY part of the procedure. It seems, there's certain types of bites that require a good ol' breaking. Of course.... I'm one of those cases.

GOOD TIMES!

[CountryBob]

I notice chick's teeth immediately upon meeting them. My rule of thumb is: if a chick dosent take care of her mouth she definately isnt taking care of her pussy. Nice mouth hygiene = nice box hygiene.

[SatCam]

I like girls with perfect teeth. But myself??????????????????????????? God blessed me with an overbite, overjet and all that other fancy stuff my dentist tells the hygenist to write down. Im happy with the way I am even if I cant chew a sandwich correctly :wacko:

[FUNKMAN]

love the dentist and hygienist and having my teeth all clean but there's two things that get to me:

when the dentist asks you a question or talks to you while he has a hand in your mouth and the saliva sucker is in there and all you can do is moan or groan, gives me anxiety

sometimes the dentist will be pressing your lip against the cutting edge of your teeth as he works and it hurts

that's it

[Whiskeyportal]

I always look at the eyes, then the teeth, boobs after that if it's a girl

[Kris10]

Getting your jaw re-set isn't AUTOMATICALLY part of the procedure. It seems, there's certain types of bites that require a good ol' breaking. Of course.... I'm one of those cases.

GOOD TIMES!

I would only do this if they could put to sleep during the procedure, otherwise forget it.

[grlNIN]

When i was younger my teeth were really mangled and shit, after like 5 years of braces my teeth looked amazing. However, i didn't keep up with the retainer like i should have and one tooth next to my front tooth is snaggled. It bothers me more now then it ever did and im actually looking into getting fit for a retainer again to wear at night and around the house.

I have been told that i have a really nice smile, i usually attribute this to my dimples and cheekbones.

Maybe you notice other people's teeth so instantly because you're really self conscious about your own.

[fezident]

I admit that I'm sensitive aboot it but, it HAS been mentioned once or twice over the years by people other than me. Hence... my complex.

I was on an audition once. I had the longish hair... I was in excellent physical condition... tan... etc etc.
The casting director actually referred to me as "the guy who looks like Matthew McConaghy... without the million dollar mouth".
Once ya hear that a few times, it's easy to see how a complex can set in.

[tele7]

I've had a gap between my front 2 teeth since I was a kid. Only about a 16th of an inch, but enough to make me self conscience. As a result I tried my best to hide my smile. About 2 years ago during a dental check up, my dentist said "you want me to take care of that? You mean now? Yes.. He bonded them in about 40 minutes. The result was so amazing it seriously brought a tear to my eye. Totally natural looking and I can even floss between them. That being said, I still hide my smile. Force of habit.

[LaBoob]

I'm obsessed with teeth... other peoples' and my own. Most of my obsession lies not in the alignment of the teeth, but the color. I am pretty aware of the whiteness and brightness of my teeth and insist that they be nothing but shockingly white. I also swish and swallow with water after I drink anything that could stain my teeth (wine, coffee, blueberries, etc).

Also, I think ladies with snaggleteeth are awesome. I was lucky enough to have braces when I was younger for a minor overbite, but I always envied girls who had the Jewel-look going on. For some reason it's very sexy to me and I wish I could try it out for just a week. However, guys with a snaggleteeth never, ever struck me as hot.

[A.J.]

I have a snaggletooth like Jewel so I'm very self-conscious about smiling.

However, guys with a snaggleteeth never, ever struck me as hot.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2bEvc48JZw4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2bEvc48JZw4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[sr71blackbird]

Unless they are exceptionally messed up, I do not notice peoples mouths. I look at their eyes. If I am talking to a very pretty woman I do look at the mouth as part of the whole facial package, but if I saw a crooked tooth or two, it is no big deal.
My teeth are straight and I have had compliments on mine, so I guess some people look. There is this guy where I work who is in his late 40's who has this bushy mustache and I noticed these small rubber bands on his desk and he said they are for his braces! He showed me his teeth and he had this big gap between his front teeth and he has braces on, trying to correct it. He said that he has been shy about it his whole life, maybe thats why he grew the mustache. I honestly never noticed it on him.

[angrymissy]

My teeth have always been straight, but were nast for a WHILE due to my fear of the dentist. When I was younger, we had no $$ for the dentist, then I went when I was like 20 and first got my own dental plan. The dentist was evil and mean and I was terrified to go back. Between the smoking and coffee drinking, I had nice yellow teeth, with like 4 cavities, 2 root canals, and a crown needed.

Just dropped $3k on sedation dentistry a few months ago and it was the BEST thing I ever did. Knocked my ass out and did months worth of work in one day while I was passed the hell out, nicest dentist ever.

My father literally had a hillbilly mouth and the same fear of the dentist, he had about 12 rotting teeth left in his mouth and hadn't been for like 15 years. I just had him travel 1 1/2 hours to my dentist and last weekend they knocked him out, pulled the rotted teeth, and gave him dentures, it's very strange to see my father with teeth, but he's very pleased with the results.

[LaBoob]

I had a cousin a few months back DIE because of an ABSCESS TOOTH... I immediately thought, what is it, the Stone Age? Who dies of a problem with teeth anymore? But apparently an abscess tooth is absolutely deadly if gone untreated long enough. It's an infection that can spread to other parts of the body and that's exactly what happened to my cousin. It turned out he didn't have the money to go to the dentist which broke my heart, as I am throwing money away left and right on things I don't even need.

Dentists are more important than we know. Your mouth and your teeth can be a sort of indicator of your overall health and they can catch things before they become a problem, if you see your dentist regularly. I am guilty of avoiding the dentist for a few years here and there, but when you come out and get a clean bill of health you know it was worth the discomfort.

On the other hand, I had a friend who never went to the dentist in his entire life and finally went when he was 35. He was expecting some really bad news, but he had zero cavities! How lucky can somebody get?

[Thebazile78]

I never had braces as a kid and I have a snaggletooth like Jewel so I'm very self-conscious about smiling. My teeth are just another one of my repulsive physical attributes.

I suppose I could get braces now but I'm pushing 40 so what's the point.

My stepfather was over 60 when he got his braces.

It's not too late, especially if your insurance will pay for it.

I had a cousin a few months back DIE because of an ABSCESS TOOTH... I immediately thought, what is it, the Stone Age? Who dies of a problem with teeth anymore? But apparently an abscess tooth is absolutely deadly if gone untreated long enough. It's an infection that can spread to other parts of the body and that's exactly what happened to my cousin. It turned out he didn't have the money to go to the dentist which broke my heart, as I am throwing money away left and right on things I don't even need.

Dentists are more important than we know. Your mouth and your teeth can be a sort of indicator of your overall health and they can catch things before they become a problem, if you see your dentist regularly. I am guilty of avoiding the dentist for a few years here and there, but when you come out and get a clean bill of health you know it was worth the discomfort.

On the other hand, I had a friend who never went to the dentist in his entire life and finally went when he was 35. He was expecting some really bad news, but he had zero cavities! How lucky can somebody get?

Several studies were released in recent months about the relationship between the bacteria that cause tooth decay and their impact on your overall health, specifically in reference to its impact on your heart health (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50509).

In addition, if you're a woman considering having children, you should be sure you're paying attention to your dental health as well. Pregnancy has an impact on your entire body; there's no reason your mouth should be any different!
(http://www.perio.org/consumer/pregnancy.htm)

(I read about this before my last checkup and mentioned it to my hygenist because I wanted to be sure I was doing everything I could to prepare for having children. The questions I ask my medical professionals tend to demonstrate to them that I've taken an active role in my own healthcare and they are more than happy to address my concerns. I guess I'm lucky that I have great doctors.)

[IamPixie]

Several studies were released in recent months about the relationship between the bacteria that cause tooth decay and their impact on your overall health, specifically in reference to its impact on your heart health (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50509).




I have mitral valve prolapse and have to go on antibiotics before every dentist appointment.

[PhishHead]

I have mitral valve prolapse and have to go on antibiotics before every dentist appointment.

aww :( that stinks I am sorry Pixie.

[fezident]

My stepfather was over 60 when he got his braces.

It's not too late, especially if your insurance will pay for it.




I thought that insurance NEVER pays for anything elective. I think (but I'm not sure) that my insurance pays a small amount. Like... 1000 bucks. But are there programs that'll totally cover elective orthodontics???

[drjoek]

No plan will cover full Ortho. They will pay part of it for you $1000 isnt bad. Many plans will pay part of it and don't make the distiction between elective or not. Youre insured or not. They dont pass judgement on whats elective.

FYI if you are going to have orthognathc surgery combined with ortho you wont get away with just the invisalign. They will need braces for the surgical component of treatment

[CofyCrakCocaine]

I would only do this if they could put to sleep during the procedure, otherwise forget it.

I'd have my jaw broken only if never. I'd never do this. Ever.

[Kris10]

I'd have my jaw broken only if never. I'd never do this. Ever.

I had a child, that was the most painful thing ever. When your cord is wrapped around the baby's neck and she's pulling down to come out, thats pain!!!!! I'll have my jaw broken but put me to sleep for it or give me and epidural in my mouth! lol

[Thebazile78]

I thought that insurance NEVER pays for anything elective. I think (but I'm not sure) that my insurance pays a small amount. Like... 1000 bucks. But are there programs that'll totally cover elective orthodontics???

I never said "totally cover" since you are an adult and not a child.

My dental coverage is pretty good for orthodontia, but it's much better for children as this is when it's easiest to make the corrections because their gums and teeth are more malleable at that age.

Also, drjoe mentioned that the Invisalign system may not work for you...since you are shelling out anyway and are interested in this for cosmetic reasons, talk with your orthodontist about your braces options. The "clear" ones get really nasty-looking after a while because they stain so easily, but they are so easy to sell to people who haven't had experience with them! (My stepfather had the clear ones and so did my best friend in grammar school. The step-dad's turned a gross yellow within a few months, I think it was because of all the coffee he drinks, and my friend's turned yellow within a few months, too. It was pretty freaking icky.)

OK, so this article was written for kids, but it's got some good information:

Braces (http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/things/braces.html)

I was looking for information about braces that go behind your teeth, since you are a working professional in an image-conscious industry. This article had a mention; I am sure drjoe can expound on the pros and cons of this type of correction.

Also, if you sing, braces will probably feel like they're in the way at first. You will need to stop thinking that you need to sing around them but sing with them.

[fezident]

Thanks everybody.
I've been gathering info from two different Orthodontists. One specializes in Invisalign... the other is more traditional.

Either way, it's gonna cost a small fortune and a few years of my time so... I'm not jumping into it lightly.

This will be the most money I've ever "elected" to spend and I'm somewhat intimidated by the thought of it. Almost 10 grand is a shitload of money but, my piece of mind is worth it.

[fezident]

Welp, I pulled the trigger and got Invisalign.

It's an interesting procedure. There's a little more to it than the commercials let on. Kind of a pain in the ass but... it will yield good results. I've had them (top & bottom) for a week and I'm just now getting used to it.

If anybody has any questions about 'em... just ask.

[watson]

perfect teeth are everything, if you have fucked up teeth you have nothing worth living for

[PapaBear]

perfect teeth are everything, if you have fucked up teeth you have nothing worth living for
I know a woman who's teeth were messed up in a car accident. She hated to smile, but she was still very pretty. A couple of years ago, she got fitted with dentures. Now I think she looks terrible. It did something to her jaw line that just isn't right.

[fezident]

I know a woman who's teeth were messed up in a car accident. She hated to smile, but she was still very pretty. A couple of years ago, she got fitted with dentures. Now I think she looks terrible. It did something to her jaw line that just isn't right.


That's strange.
I've never heard of somebody who looked WORSE after getting their teeth fixed.

Ya can't mention people like Jewel or Patrica Arquette without hearing somebody say "she'd be sooo pretty if her teeth weren't all f'cked up."

[A.J.]

Ya can't mention people like Jewel or Patrica Arquette without hearing somebody say "she'd be sooo pretty if her teeth weren't all f'cked up."

Yeah. What a gargoyle that Jewel is.

http://cm1.dotspotter.com/media/0/67/90/Jewel_Kilcher_1.m.jpg

[Dougie Brootal]

yes, but only because i used to have terrible teeth until a couple years ago. i dont know why but now i try to notice other peoples teeth.

[drjoek]

Yeah. What a gargoyle that Jewel is.

http://cm1.dotspotter.com/media/0/67/90/Jewel_Kilcher_1.m.jpg

You have no Idea how frustrating this is to smeone like me in the teeth business.
Add Kirsten Dunst to that list
http://rosasacidas.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/teeth-kirsten-dunst-400a0718071.jpg
Beautiful girls with nasty teeth piss me off

[fezident]

And, believe it or not, Evangaline Lilly. Beautiful face.... but her teeth need work.

[fezident]

Got 'em removed today.
I'm so damn happy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/tucker71/0611092336b.jpg

[drjoek]

Got 'em removed today.
I'm so damn happy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/tucker71/0611092336b.jpg



Congrats
Make sure to wear your retainers as directed.

[fezident]

With pleasure!
I've been insecure about my smile forever.

So long, in fact, that at the end of my appointment... when they went to shoot my "after" photos... I refused to smile. I was all lips. They literally had to kinda coax me into it.

It's a habit that I'll be happy to break.