Learning how to smile

Sep 20, 2017 10:40 PM

As you can plainly see, I've got some problems vis a vis looking like a homeless banjo twanging "aw shucks" hick. The biggest problem was always my teeth. Family history of gum disease, screwed up wisdom teeth etc etc. I've always hated and feared my teeth, and more than how I look I've always hated how it made me feel . I didn't like smiling, or talking to strangers, or going to the dentist. It's pretty unfair that having awful teeth makes one even less comfortable going to the dentists. So I didn't go. I didn't go for 9 years. Amazingly my teeth got worse in that time (who'd a thunk it?). Finally, my front tooth basically fell out of my head while I was eating a sandwich. I turned it over and found that the underside was entirely black. So that was more or less a turning point for me.

3 weeks and around £1000 later (don't ask where I got the money) I got my first set of dentures at age 27. I feel like a fucking grandpa. Eating is a hassle, cleaning them is a hassle and my whole mouth feels weird. But, I can smile again. It's not something I'm used to or particularly good at (I'm hoping to increase my repertoire beyond "gormless selfie grin") but it's a start. Basically I just wanted to share the good news. Sorry for the selfie but it's kinda the only way to show my grinning mug.

Also I think learning how to smile is a song by everclear. Remember them? What ever happened to them?

I have two cousins under 30 who have dentures because of degenerative bone disease. It happens! And you can't tell they're dentures!

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

It took me 17 years to learn how to smile. Sounds dumb, but look at yourself in the mirror and smile different ways.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Who’s Kim Pine?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Everclear for the win!

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm in the same boat. Need a full upper denture done and I'm only 30. No clue how I'm going to pay for it.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

They don't look like dentures. They did a good job making your smile look like it's actually yours. Congrats on the teeth.

8 years ago | Likes 25 Dislikes 0

Putting the two pics together, I think he means partial dentures, but yea the shade looks good.

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Dental student here, try to invest in implant supported dentures. Better long term outcomes in keeping your bones to support the dentures!

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

+1 but now get back to studying

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

also sorry for the selfie. Me and my fam. My 4 front teeth are fake as well, also inherited bad teeth (1/2)

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Also got it all fixed after years of doubt and low self esteem, so trust me, I know how you're feeling. It gets way better! Looks great man!

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I'm halfway through through the process now, so painful but I can't wait to smile properly again

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I can relate more than I care to admit. Never liked smiling since my teeth are a tad messy, mostly in the bottom row, but I have cavities...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

10/10 would smash. Looking good OP

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Amazing how similar the photos are. Not a single hair has moved.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I took a photo, took out my dentures and immediately took another photo. Plus my hair is crazy greasy.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You prostituted, didn't you

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

A true gentleman never tells

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Toothfully, they'll denture wallet but it'll be worth the plaque you'll get when you win best smile.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Plaque pun intended?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Good humor made a good post. Good luck with the new grill

8 years ago | Likes 134 Dislikes 1

Agreed

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

We aim to please

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

I feel you! I have had horrible teeth all my life, but luckily I now have good dental insurance that helps foot some of the cost of upkeep.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Man I need insurance!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Now get a haircut and you might even pull some pussy

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 2

THIS

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Was literally about to comment that. Don't shave the beard, but trim it. New teeth, fresh haircut, and a soft beard. Confidence +10

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I love the gap! I think gaps make people look lustful and sexy.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

If there is one thing those of us who are older need to teach the young ones it's take care of your teeth.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I got the plaster cast of my dental impressions from the dentist. Shows the horror. Keeping it for when I have kids.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

"Don't fall down now, or you'll never get up. Don't fall down now! (don't fall down now)"

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Next it's time to shave (or at least TRIM that beard so it looks groomed) and get a haircut. That's about 50% of your banjo twanging look.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Awesome. My bf is in the process of fixing his grin as we speak. 14 teeth yanked and a couple partials to go and he'll be good as new.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Congratulations!!! Now you’re a homeless, banjo twang in’ “aw shucks” hick with dentures. BTW, where did you get the money?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I sold a kidney

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Soo just a PSA for those that have this sort of thing going on and are desperate but dont have the cash to get it done. There are these

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Dentist here ... for the love of god noooooo, theres so much you can mess up! see a dentist or go to a dental school

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

I had a patient gorilla glue 8 & 9 back in the other day...just sooo much 'no'

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

plastic white or off white pellets on Amazon you can buy. They become malleable in hot water. You can form them to make fake teeth.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You can eat with them as well. My boyfriend uses these for a few gaps he has in his bottom row.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Only £1000/$1349!!?! That would be about $5000 in the states.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I was quoted 6k for my implant. Guess i just doing get to smile.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

There are other ways to restore edentulous spaces ban implants. Essex retainers, interim partials are both inexpensive. Bridges so-so

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I think he got removable "bridge" work (partial dentures?) rather than "saving" the teeth with root canals and crowns. I spent $8k for 4.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Probably got a interim partial which are pretty cheap. If at a school in the US he definitely could have done it for under $1000

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

In the same boat. Bad oral issues, lack of money & hardly any place near can do the procedures I need. Now I'm stuck w/ mostly broken teeth

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Try a dental school nearby you if there is one. At my school, people drive for hours cause it's so much cheaper than a private practice Dr.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Nearest dental school is hours away & public health offices that do accept my stuff only do cleanings, fillings & extractions

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Humans need like 3 sets of teeth; baby teeth, adolescent/young age teeth and then adult teeth

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The other day I bit a piece of plastic not even hard and more than half of my front tooth broke off.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

FUUUCK that's the sort of shit I'm talking about

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I was like, damn that was my tooth and picked up the pieces lol

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I mean, that sucks, but can we review the things we're supposed to bite and the things we're not?

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Yeah I'm being extra careful now that I got it fixed again. Haven't had a hard meal in a week lol

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I hate to ask but... Family history? Is there a chance nobody knee or cared much about oral hygiene? It was partially the cause for me...

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

A lot of family history (& more often than not) is how the family raised the kids with oral hygiene. Bad habits are inherited as are genes.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I agree 100%. It's the easy way out of excepting responsibility. I see it everyday.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I feel like it's half that, half honest but well meaning ignorance.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

10,000,000 times better. Teeth have a big impact on life, good for you for doing something about it.

8 years ago | Likes 773 Dislikes 1

1/? I remember not wanting braces because my teeth were decent, and basically after talking to my bf at the time I decided it would be...

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

2/3 ...better in the long run health-wise AND looks-wise. My sister has similar teeth to what i had and I'm so glad I got braces. I still...

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

3/3 dont think I was unattractive back then (HS), but damn does it make a difference!

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

For real. If I'm ever rich I want to donate money to people who can't afford stuff like this because it makes a huge difference in 1/2

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

getting a job or a romantic relationship etc., and it would be so shitty to be held back in life because of your fucking teeth. 2/2

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Thanks, they really do don't they? Crazy how nature do dat

8 years ago | Likes 172 Dislikes 0

“How nature do dat”

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Well done. You look fantastic.

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

Don't fret about bad teeth too much at 27, sisters fiancé ruined his teeth with Mountain Dew at the same age. Now he has all fake teeth.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You're right. It's a damn shame that my insurance company doesn't cover implants because it's "cosmetic"

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

Dentures are covered probably

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm only missing one tooth. It makes way more sense to me for the insurance company to drop $3000 on one basically permanent implant imo

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

YoU dOnT nEeD yOuR tEeTh!1!1

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Yep, been wanting to have braces for years but cant afford. Teeth is crooked AF. I suffer TMJ, gets worst on winter. Braces would help cure

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Your insurance may still cover permanent dentures. I hated the idea of dentures too, but they're a big step up from a broken mouth.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

100% this. I didn't even have a choice. I was born without them.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Me too. No toothy grins for me. I was quoted 6k to fix

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I had really bad teeth growing up and finally got crowns put in. Confidence increased by 1000 and you'll get used to the feeling in no time

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

How much? How long ago? And any issues? I'm really considering it

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

At a school, it's $500 per crown. Private practice will charge AT LEAST $1000, but probably closer to $1300

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Just keep in mind crowns only last if taken care of properly. They can still get caries and fall out if you don't change hygiene habits.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It was about $1000 per tooth. Took a very long time. Started around 22 and didnt finish til 28. No issues at all. They stain a bit easier...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Any pain? Is it something that you get done in one day? Sorry, a lot of ?s. Lol. Been thinking about it for awhile now.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I had at most done 3 teeth. No pain until the Novocain wore off. They're very sensitive until the crowns go on. But as long as the Novocain

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Is working you shouldn't feel a thing. My dentist told me it took him 3.5 hours to do 9 teeth but it can be done in a couple visits. They

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"If I knew I was going to live this long I would've taken better care of my teeth."

8 years ago | Likes 299 Dislikes 1

Shane MacGowan, probably.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That's actually why we need tooth care. Our early ancestors didn't live long enough to need dental care.

8 years ago | Likes 45 Dislikes 5

They didnt live off highly processed sugar, alcohol and acidic foods either

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

They did. People didn't fall dead at 40.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

They fell dead more like at 30.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 3

Yeah not really, people easily got to their sixties. Low life expectancy was just child mortality

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Maybe so.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 4

1/? I feel you man, poor hygiene mixed with genetics ruined mine. Undiagnosed Diabetes @ 21 rotted what was left of them. Fast forward to 27

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

2/? 13k USD down I have veneers and a beautiful smile. I cried in front of my dentist when I first saw them and choked up all my nurses

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Beautiful, brother. Can't wait to get proper implants !

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

3/3 people thought I smoked meth. Its one of the greatest feelings when you can smile and not be embarrassed about it. I'm truly happy 4 you

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

In the process of helping my husband fix his teeth. I am so happy I can give him that moment. He deserves to smile all the time.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

same boat here, i have almost no enamel on my teeth due to no fluoride when i was growing up, 26 atm and i will need implants by 40 likely.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Dude, get the work done early. I went into debt because of it but it'll get more expensive the worse it gets. People deserve to smile

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

no dentist will do any implants yet cause i still technically have all my teeth(only 3 crowns). they want to "wait", american Healthcare LUL

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0