I got new teeth today after having bad teeth my whole life!

[u/[deleted]]

[u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

dude, I'm in the middle of getting my teeth fixed for the first time in my life and am so excited. I finally have insurance.

Having bad teeth has been fuckin debilitating.

Your post gives me so much hope :) Thanks for sharing.

[u/MrChris680 → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

It's worth it my man. I didn't have insurance so I paid the 25k outta pocket but dude it's completely worth it. I wish you luck in your journey

[u/BaconHamAndCheese12 → u/MrChris680]

thank you :)

you look great, man.

[u/[deleted] → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

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[u/throwawaygreenpaq → u/MrChris680]

$25,000!?!?!

[u/bagoink → u/throwawaygreenpaq]

Yup! It's apparently been decided that teeth are "luxury bones."

Even with insurance, prices are ghastly.

[u/gdewulf → u/bagoink]

I have found with my teeth issues, that a lot of times it is actually cheaper without insurance as many dentists will work with you. Dental Insurance is an absolute JOKE and a scam

Edit: I should clarify, it seem that if you have minimal issues with your teeth, dental insurance is mostly worth it. Covers cleanings pretty much and minor work. But if you need major work like me, and “cosmetic” work, it most likely isn’t. At least from my experience.

I once went to a dentist with insurance, he quoted me and said if you self-pay I can put you in a payment plan and you will end up paying less. I still have major work to do and the quotes with insurance have been staggering and typically if you use insurance they don’t seem to be able to work with you near as much.

[u/thebrose69 → u/gdewulf]

Also, dental school! You can get the same work done for a fraction of the cost

[u/tahcamen → u/thebrose69]

I’ve know a few people who traveled to other countries to get dental work done. Cost far less and they went to somewhere vacation worthy to boot (Mexico, Costa Rica, etc).

[u/potatohats → u/tahcamen]

How does one even begin to find information about stuff like that? Like places that will do the work, estimated procedure costs, etc.

Asking for myself, btw.

[u/schmeelybug → u/potatohats]

Search 'dental tourism' as a starting point.

[u/susienixkerry → u/potatohats]

Poland, Czechs Rep and Hungry have amazing dentists for a fraction of the costs. Just make sure to find one with good reviews. I can personally recommend a dentist in Spain but it would be more expensive. And yes, all these dentist would have the right education.

[u/rareastaire → u/potatohats]

My dad got heart valve surgery from a top doctor in Paris, put it on his credit card, lived to the age of 91. The amount it cost was probably equivalent to a copay in the US

[u/Leighcc74th → u/potatohats]

The standard of dentistry & medical care is high and the local currency is weak in both Turkey & South Africa. Both are nice for a holiday too (Cape Town in SA's case) making them popular destinations for cosmetic surgery & dentistry.

[u/sensitivepenelope → u/potatohats]

Had dental work done in mexico and thailand!! I live in california and feel like it’s kinda common to hear people going to Mexico for dental work. There’s places that will pick you up from the border or whatever hotel you’re staying at. Just google dentist “Cabo”, “Mexico city”, “Tijuana”, or whatever major city you’re going to and lots of places should come up

[u/240Wangan → u/potatohats]

There's travel agents that specialize in this, and articles out there about popular destinations etc.

[u/Blarty97 → u/240Wangan]

Yes, this is real, I went to eastern Europe and got my teeth Polish-ed

[u/Working-Pressure2544 → u/potatohats]

its all online, its called medical tourism

[u/1AggressiveSalmon → u/potatohats]

Search for "Mexico tooth town". Los Algodones is a big one, but you can also get quality dental work in TJ.y neighbor lost most of his teeth to radiation treatment. His US dentist works with a dental office in TJ for the removals. They pick you up from your home/hotel, and return you afterwards. Saved him at least $7,000.

[u/Comfortable_Eye8343 → u/potatohats]

As a dentist, just beware. I have seen some great examples of this and some truly horrific ones. If things start failing a year later it becomes very difficult to get things fixed as well

[u/funkypotatomildew → u/potatohats]

I found an amazing dentist in Colombia using Dental Departures. My uncle asked me for help finding an alternative to very expensive work he needed done so I went on a research binge. He needed several implants, one root canal and crowns for half his teeth. I liked the fact that the website had price estimates for each practice, but I reached out to the dentists I was considering independently. I speak Spanish, but the dentists' offices both had staff who spoke perfect English because their practices are pretty much geared toward dental tourism.

My uncle saw two US dentists and was quoted between 55K and 62K for the work he needed done. There were cheaper options like bridges and partial dentures, but the top-of-the-line treatment was about 60K in all.

In total, including the cost of hotel stays (for a 30 days split over two treatment periods), taxis, food, airfare for two trips for him and his wife, he spent 18K. He shows off his teeth to everyone now.

[u/I_dunno_Joe → u/potatohats]

Just be very careful. My wife is a dentist and we used to live in Arizona. Some of the people that came back from procedures in Mexico were scary. There were lots of people with crazy infections that spread to the heart, implants that just fall out of the bone or are really wiggly, gums that look like they were cut using a hacksaw, etc. There were also people that said they got their work done in Mexico and it looked as good as any US dentist's work.

You can definitely get decent work done in some of those other countries for a good price, but I would caution you to do some heavy research on the place you choose. The regulation is pretty lax and in some places, any Joe off the street can just put up a sign and say he does dental work.

One somewhat secret trick is to use those dental discount plans. Like Carefree or DentalSave. Often times, you will end up with a better deal with those than with dental insurance, and they are dirt cheap. Dentists hate them because they will be contracted so cheap sometimes that it doesn't even cover their costs, but it's good for you.

Good luck.

[u/justdrunkdontmindme → u/potatohats]

A country most don't think about to go to for cheaper dental/other surgeries is Croatia.

[u/throwawayinthe818 → u/potatohats]

Don’t know all the details you ask about, but if you can get to Tucson, rent a car and head south an hour to Nogales. Park on the US side and walk across the border. Dozens of state-of-the-art dental clinics right there at a fraction of the cost.

[u/katygirl75 → u/potatohats]

IDK about going out of country, but I googled “dental schools (what I needed done)” near me. I had skin graphs done in my mouth along with other dental procedures and not only was it affordable they worked out a payment plan for me, too. There’s always a dental professor overlooking the students and this made my work very affordable.

[u/heckler5000 → u/tahcamen]

This really seems the way to go. I could use sick leave instead of vacation leave!

[u/[deleted] → u/tahcamen]

It’s amazing what other countries offer. I love the US but I went to Hungary to have a few dental implants done. I spent less getting all of the dental work done there than I would’ve for 2 teeth here.

[u/bipolarnotsober → u/tahcamen]

My aunty went to Ukraine, I know that's feasible at the moment but Eastern Europe mostly have amazing healthcare.

[u/Tatooine16 → u/thebrose69]

My dad was able to go to UCSF and got top notch dental work. There is an instructor teaching directly with the student not one thing is done that is not approved. It's not cut rate dentistry and was a godsend for him on his limited income as a senior.

[u/DaughterEarth → u/thebrose69]

same for if you want a fancy hairdresser. I went the modelling route (graduates proving their skills) and got so many awesome haircuts and dyes and GOT PAID. But you can also just volunteer and won't get paid but will get a cut and colour for free. Volunteering for practice = what you actually want. I got moneys cause they got to do whatever they wanted to my hair and I just had to sit still for a few hours while people filmed the whole thing.

[u/parkleswife → u/thebrose69]

A doc I know said that dental students are meticulous because their work is evaluation/checked every step of the way.

[u/bobbarkersbigmic → u/thebrose69]

I’d prefer if my dentist went to dental school. I mean, sure you’d save money, but it wouldn’t be wise to just let anyone fix your teeth.

[u/Motocamperman → u/bobbarkersbigmic]

I mean it's probably better than no care at all which is what my wife and I have had for more than 20 years.

[u/thebrose69 → u/Motocamperman]

Well it’s students basically being supervised by instructors. So the work is still gonna be good work, you just don’t have to pay an arm and a leg anymore, only a half an arm

[u/Shikabane_Hime → u/thebrose69]

I go to the student hair salon because it’s only $14, and those instructors are watching like HAWKS. I can only assume there is a very high required standard of supervision in a dental school.

[u/Kawaiidumpling8 → u/thebrose69]

Agreed. I had to have braces a 3rd time. It was cheaper doing their set rate payment plan rather than going through insurance. I also learned alongside the residents because they were given explanations so I understand what’s being done, why it’s being done, what’s wrong and how I can better care for my teeth.

[u/Little_Custard_8275 → u/thebrose69]

I swear a huge, huge chunk of the comments on reddit about health costs in america. Can you ya'll just all get free healthcare already so we can move on? Just make it the single issue for next election. Forget marijuana, forget everything else, just focus on healthcare for now.

[u/[deleted] → u/Motocamperman]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/thebrose69 → u/bobbarkersbigmic]

But it’s students being supervised by certified dental professors. So it’s still good work, just cheaper

[u/seamus_mc → u/bobbarkersbigmic]

You arent getting people on their first day of school…

[u/forestofpixies → u/[deleted]]

Well, someone's never heard of the tooth faery!

[u/ClockwerkKaiser → u/forestofpixies]

The tooth fairy is just a dental school investor.

[u/thebrose69 → u/[deleted]]

Right. Similar to apprentices or interns…..gotta start somewhere

[u/AgentKillmaster → u/thebrose69]

My mom got all her work done in Mexico, said the dentist are much better trained and have more modern equipment for a fraction of the price. In fact they correct a lot of mistakes and bad work done over the years by dentist in the US. Plus she would take a couple weeks vacation while at it.

[u/One_Posh_Possum → u/thebrose69]

Got an implant and the crown for the price of just the implant by going to the dental school. Took a little longer, but they did an amazing job

[u/DeeNYC45 → u/gdewulf]

I don't even know what the point of dental insurance is for, they cover nothing.

[u/Hm4585 → u/bagoink]

Which is why me, a 14 year old kid hasn’t been able to go to the dentist for 3 years. Good Dental is considered a luxury. Thankfully my mom was finally able to set up a appointment.

[u/ComradePyro → u/Hm4585]

My dude, trust me on this one, keep hold of the thought that your dental care is super important. You definitely have the right idea. Flossing is seriously underrated.

[u/mferly → u/bagoink]

Which is absolutely insane given that it's well-known among doctors and the like that oral care, or lack thereof I should say, has a direct correlation to heart health.

[u/clutchthepearls → u/bagoink]

And even then a lot of dental insurance caps your benefits at a couple thousand a year. So good luck getting anything done quickly without paying for some things out of pocket.

[u/uglydavie → u/bagoink]

In America all bones are luxury bones!

[u/December_Flame → u/bagoink]

Even with insurance its likely still to cost 20-22k. Most dental insurance basically covers yearly cleanings and one small piece of non-standard dental work a year.

[u/y2julio → u/bagoink]

It amazes me how this is still a thing despite the fact that bad dental health can lead to so many other issues that your health insurance is going to eventually be forced to cover anyways.

[u/silvertealio → u/y2julio]

This, and it blows my mind that dental/oral health is considered as a completely separate thing from regular health care.

[u/Obliviousaur → u/bagoink]

I've said this on reddit before but whomever decided dental work required separate insurance in the states should have all but one yanked out and denied any further work for the reminder of their sad, corporate driven life

[u/cheesybitzz → u/bagoink]

That's funny because bad teeth can lead to a lot of digestive problems

[u/uuhhhhhhhhcool → u/cheesybitzz]

Oh, and much much more. I lost my ability to smell in November (was not sick at the time, and PCR covid test was negative) and both my PCP and ENT seemed puzzled. ENT ordered a CT scan of my sinuses recently & found that I have an abscessed maxillary molar whose roots protrude into one of my sinus cavities (if I remember correctly). I had a root canal on that tooth before and the nerve is dead, so I never felt any pain. Never felt any pressure because all of the infection/pus (ick) was draining into my sinus cavity instead of building up. I stopped being able to breathe through my nose a month or two ago (no air movement through there at ALL, which i didnt even know was possible) and thought my seasonal allergies were just acting up--I tried air purifiers, sudafed, dayquil, zyrtec, ibuprofen, saline nasal spray, saline sinus rinses, two different prescription nasal sprays, breathe right strips (even tried wearing 3 at okce at different places on my nose, and literal nasal dilators (plastic rings that force your nose open wider than normal) and it just kept getting worse. Just finished my antibiotic course while waiting for my endodontist appointment and wow! I forgot how nice it was to be able to breathe with my mouth closed.

Maybe eventually I'll be able to smell again and I'll be able to stop having nightmares about my house catching fire and me not noticing anything's wrong until too late.

[u/dannydigtl → u/uuhhhhhhhhcool]

Good god…

[u/MaveInfinite → u/bagoink]

Yeah fuck that. That’s why for my implants, I’m going to Mexico or Costa Rica.

[u/thebrose69 → u/throwawaygreenpaq]

I have caps on my top 2 front teeth. $900 PER TOOTH to make it into a crown, and any insurance I’ve ever had only covers half. Dental work is absurdly expensive

[u/Odd_Requirement_4933 → u/thebrose69]

Yeah, I needed an implant for one tooth, of course it's a front 😑 i would have jumped for joy at $900. It's going to be about 3k all in after the permanent crown, that's with insurance. I've had all sorts of complications with the surgeries (had to be redone several times, so painful). It's been a nightmare. It's so expressive.

[u/addledhands → u/Odd_Requirement_4933]

I just dropped almost 7k on a root canal and five crowns.

Insurance covered $1500. Gee thanks.

[u/No-Mud9148 → u/throwawaygreenpaq]

In my country (Middle Asia) it costs 400-700$, get airplane tickets guys.

[u/Alomartz → u/throwawaygreenpaq]

Also mexico you can get the same work in there for a fraction

[u/muklan → u/MrChris680]

Went through this last year, had everything up top ripped out, and goddamn. From drinking stuff that's slightly hotter or colder than room temperature and not being wracked with pain, to the whole not dealing with life threatening dental infections every few months, best decision I've made in a long while. You goin implants?

[u/MrChris680 → u/muklan]

I did. I got Temps screwed in now while they are making my permanent

[u/muklan → u/MrChris680]

Sweet! Hope it works out well for ya!

[u/CityOfSins2 → u/MrChris680]

What are these? Like all on 4 implants?

[u/MuchProfessional7953 → u/muklan]

Sounds like it was a great decision for you.

Was so freaked out about having to lose so many teeth, but my life is so much better with my partial (still have a few natural teeth on top and got to keep all but two on the bottom.) My folks both went the full denture route a few years ago. My dad smiles so much more now.

Grateful my dentist has treated all but one family member (and several friends we referred) and was able to work with me while I didn't have dental coverage (and then I got some so I pay a lot less at cleanings, of which I get 4x a year due to periodontal disease.)

[u/alleycat2332 → u/MrChris680]

I have ugly teeth, not bad teeth, they are healthy just ugly. Gapped and small. I’m married now, but I remember when I was single having girls seem interested in me and then immediately turn off when I laughed or smiled.

I’m closing in on 40 now and I still debate getting them “fixed”. I would love to laugh or smile with my whole mouth or not have to look at my feet when I’m happy cus I’m self conscious.

I think you may be what pushes me to get them done. I hate being only handsome with my my closed.

[u/EmeraldEmesis → u/alleycat2332]

Just do it!! My teeth were on the smaller side as well with some gaps up top. I had some dental bonding done on the top ones years ago and it improved my smile by closing gaps, but bonding can only make teeth wider, not longer. I spent almost 20 years with resting bitch face because I still hated my smile. Finally sucked it up and paid the $15k for veneers on the top 8 teeth last year, honestly best decision ever. If you can afford it, do it!!!

[u/tirwander → u/MrChris680]

All implant and such? Not dentures for that price.

I let my teeth go most of my life. I'm 39. I'm very lucky because anything that actually looks pretty bad is back in my molars right now And I don't hurt or anything but they are all spent. You can just tell. You know.

So I've thought implants eventually. Sadly I assumed it would cost like that so we will see. Come on GameStop. Buy daddy some new teeth!🤡

[u/John-Farson → u/MrChris680]

It makes me fucking furious that you had to pay 25K out of pocket for this. I'm happy for you, and you look great ... but Jesus wept. That is fucking criminal

[u/dookiehat → u/MrChris680]

Holy fuck that is a lot of money!! Glad you were able to pull it off dude, sorry you had to pay so much for something so essential. Still, you’re looking baller now

[u/vexillographer7717 → u/MrChris680]

Did you look into traveling overseas for your dental care?

[u/Immediate-Purpose-10 → u/vexillographer7717]

Mexico is the place. There’s a town across the border from Yuma that has something like 30 clinics. My dentist is in Cancun. He does implants for half the cost of US. The dental lab is in town and their turnaround is around 2 days.

[u/Honest-Cauliflower64 → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

YOU CAN SMILE FREELY!!! NO SHAME!!!

Braces were the best thing I did for my confidence. I looked like I chewed a brick before I got them. Always hiding my smile behind my hand or my hair. Or just avoiding smiling. And smiling awkwardly with my mouth closed.

Freedom to be happy 🥹

[u/Outerrealms2020 → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

Hijacking top comment to let anyone looking for new teeth know that dental tourism is a real thing. I went and got twenty new teeth put in I turkey for 4000. It's a year later and I couldn't be happier.

[u/Hookherbackup → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

Could you just give me an estimate of what you paid with having insurance? My husband needs his fixed.

[u/BaconHamAndCheese12 → u/Hookherbackup]

I only have an estimate right now, but it's going to be something like 15K. I need 5 teeth fixed, all my front ones. The dentist's office tried to convince the insurance company that it was for medical reasons, but they see the caps i need as vanity / cosmetic, so it's not covered at all.

But all the lead up stuff is covered through my insurance, like the cleanings, whitening and six-month checkups.

[u/Speculater → u/[deleted]]

Their business model is to literally not provide the service their customers pay for. They make money by denying claims, which puts pressure on providing the least amount of care legally possible.

[u/breaking_goddess → u/Speculater]

Why tho. How do we get out of this insurance hell

[u/SmartAleq → u/breaking_goddess]

Pretty sure the only answer involves guillotines.

[u/birbsgonewild → u/SmartAleq]

Yep, there's a reason the media lambasted Bernie so hard when he stood a chance. Bernie was coming for their money.

[u/AdmiralPoopbutt → u/[deleted]]

Dental insurance is the most useless of all the medical insurances. Basically they bully the doctor to take a "lower" rate, then apply coinsurances and deductibles in such a way that you have to have a ton of dental work to even "break even" with the premiums.

It's the nature of the business though. Most dental work can be delayed, I'm sure there are people who enroll for a year, get all their problems fixed, and then disenroll. My workplace offers it, but I did not enroll because I don't anticipate the amount of dental work needed to make it worthwhile.

[u/Futuralistic → u/[deleted]]

Idk, my insurance isn't that crazy. I'm having some things done to get my smile where I want it, but I'm only at a few thousand out of pocket. You gotta hit your deductible quicky, then just go after it. Yea, it sucks, but the payout is sooo worth it.

"Some things" includes root canals, bridges, fillings, and veneers to be clear.

[u/Additional_Ad4884 → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

Having a bad teeth is not medical problem? Damn thats fucked up

[u/just_sayi → u/Additional_Ad4884]

It absolutely is! It can lead to heart disease and death. The problem is with American ‘healthcare’ or the shameful lack of it.

[u/Additional_Ad4884 → u/just_sayi]

I mean, mouth and bad teeth are main reason that all shit goes to your system, i was an UN -peacekeeper and the most important thing was good teeth if you want to join.

[u/Randy_K_Diamond → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

You really need to look into going overseas for this. There are first class dental works with expats in SE Asia that are a lot cheaper, even with flights and accommodation thrown in. Also a “free” holiday. Please do some research and look beyond your own country (I assume your from USA).

[u/PrairiePepper → u/Randy_K_Diamond]

Don't need to go overseas, can get it done in Mexico for a fraction of the cost.

[u/Ittybitty666 → u/Hookherbackup]

It really depends if it’s going to be something like an implant supported denture, how many implants need to be placed, bone graft, supporting hardware and then the crowns themselves. It’s so fucking pricey. Dental insurance hasn’t changed for so long. Unfortunately (unless you’re a federal employee) dental insurance maxes out yearly at $1,000-$3000. This means they’ll cover up to (usually) 50% of those procedures up to your dental maximum. After that, you still usually get to continue using your dental insurance’s contacted rate (which is significantly reduced from the FFS or regular office fee for service) but this process is very lengthy and expensive. It’s so life-changing so I’m very excited for y’all but I worked in dental recently and just wanted to spread some of my knowledge. Sorry if it isn’t very helpful.

[u/MrChris680 → u/Hookherbackup]

I honestly don't know. I don't have insurance. I paid outta pocket and it ran me 25k so I'd imagine less than that

[u/Hookherbackup → u/MrChris680]

I appreciate the answer. Unfortunately, it looks like he is going to have to remain like he is.

[u/MrChris680 → u/Hookherbackup]

Have yall looked into a grill? I wore one for a while. They make natural teeth looking grills.

[u/Hookherbackup → u/MrChris680]

No!! That’s a wonderful idea! Thank you! I bet we could afford that.

[u/Beddybye → u/Hookherbackup]

My hubby used Removable Vaneers USA...they look fantastic.

Google them, they have tons of reviews and pics. Cost him $599 for the upper and look like his natural teeth.

[u/ScottieRobots → u/Hookherbackup]

You should also investigate getting the work done at a dental school, or going the medical tourism route. Can save you significant money.

[u/Trugem6 → u/Hookherbackup]

I got full dentures and had 17 teeth pulled. Paid about $9k cash. If you can afford it definitely get implants or snap ins.

[u/Louisward21 → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

It's impossible to put a monetary value on feeling good about yourself. Congrats!

[u/freediverx01 → u/BaconHamAndCheese12]

I’ve yet to see any insurance that offers decent coverage for dental work.

[u/Knova_]

Two things: 1) the dentist did an amazing job

2) what made your teeth that way?

[u/MrChris680 → u/Knova_]

Genetics. Every person in my family has weak and terrible teeth. I bit into a turkey and cheese sandwich once and cracked a tooth.

[u/jdmkev → u/MrChris680]

Jesus thats terrifying and the fact that insurance calls teeth vanity like bruh I can't even eat a soft turkey and cheese sandwich

[u/richestotheconjurer → u/jdmkev]

its crazy. i have tons of cavities that need to be filled and potentially two root canals, so i have a lot of anxiety about eating. it's taken me a year to get comfortable with eating stuff like sandwiches again, and i still have long periods where i barely eat because i cant handle the anxiety. but i cant get any of it fixed because it'll cost $8,000. im not even sure if i want to try getting insurance because i dont know if the hassle will be worth it.

[u/askingaboutarental → u/richestotheconjurer]

A lot of places offer in-house insurance for some nominal fee that wipes a massive amount off the price. You may not be able to do everything at once but at least get a handful of the cavities filled. Still won’t be super cheap.

[u/ScottieRobots → u/richestotheconjurer]

Investigate getting the work done at a dental school. Significantly cheaper.

[u/sermer48 → u/jdmkev]

What’s wrong with eating nothing but soups and smoothies for the rest of your life? We’re sorry but our corporate yacht is vastly more important! /s

[u/DaughterEarth → u/jdmkev]

One of my biggest beefs with Canadian health care. Eyes and teeth aren't included. Like okay guess I don't have to see or eat then? I'm just lucky to have good teeth and vision and fuck everyone else? The second beef is unrelated but there's constant pressure for MORE privatization and just like please no, we barely have health care as it is. Like I lost my job and had to stop my medication because I could no longer afford it, that's BS, let's not go further in that direction please.

[u/Towel4 → u/jdmkev]

luxury bones

[u/iFlyAllTheTime → u/jdmkev]

Insurance is one of the cancers plaguing this nation.

[u/IndirectBarracuda → u/jdmkev]

Teeth implants are vanity, I think because dentures are viewed as an acceptable, cheaper alternative.

[u/2hoty → u/IndirectBarracuda]

yeah, except anything but implants have serious long term consequences

[u/Toadsted → u/2hoty]

Like being so frustrated with the dentures that you just don't ever wear them.

[u/ayyyyycrisp → u/Toadsted]

my dad is 2 years and $50k+ into getting dentures. screws in his jaw that hang down to attach the dentures to. a couple times we had to rush him in because he snapped the dentures into place, but couldn't snap them back out. he couldn't stop gagging the whole way, unable to remove them.

got new ones, they rattle around, food keeps getting stuck up top, hates how he looks with them in, can only eat foods as hard as a hotdog. usually just doesn't even bother.

so much money spent for a multiple years long process that still has no end in sight

[u/Katapotomus → u/Toadsted]

And the eventual loss of bone in the jaw due to not having force exerted on it the same way. Implants do provide the bone sustaining force however.

edit: typo

[u/InternalReindeer5802 → u/MrChris680]

Same with my family. I broke a family record by keeping my teeth till I was 40.

[u/kshell521 → u/MrChris680]

Same bro, bit into a taco bell burrito and it cracked a tooth lol. Super soft and still somehow cracked a tooth

[u/TheRealWookyMonster → u/MrChris680]

Bacon cracked my first, then popcorn, and a cheeseburger for the third.

[u/MakimaMyBeloved → u/TheRealWookyMonster]

Popcorns are my nemesis. I've also had teeth broken by cucumber and apple

[u/I_Have_3_Legs → u/MrChris680]

I'm on the same boat but my insurance sucks ass. I've been to 4 different dentist now and they are all telling me it will be $2000+ per wisdom tooth extraction.

Guess I'll just deal with the pain until it becomes so unbearable that I'll pull them out myself idk

[u/richestotheconjurer → u/I_Have_3_Legs]

jesus, i dont have insurance and thats about how much mine was. have you tried looking into dental schools? some will remove wisdom teeth and it will likely be cheaper, although i dont know how much exactly.

[u/tideshark → u/MrChris680]

I know your pain dude, I once broke a tooth biting into a PBnJ… with creamy PB!!!

[u/AakashMasani → u/[deleted]]

I am a dentist and not to invalidate your experience, especially since I haven't examined you - but genetics play almost no role in dental decay.

If you go to a village in South Sudan nobody has decay because the closest source of sugar is a 2 day walk away. (Source: I went there) It is a completely preventable disease caused by sugars (diet) and bacteria (inadequate oral hygiene). Lots of my patients are in denial that they're not cleaning their teeth well enough until I give them the plaque disclosing tablets and suddenly they get it, that they've been missing the gumline or flossing with the wrong technique for decades

Excluding some very rare conditions in which the teeth do not form correctly in childhood (e.g amelogenesis imperfecta), weak crumbling teeth are due to preventable decay. Of course there are other medical factors such as lack of salivary flow (xerostomia) that can increase your risk

Gum disease however can have a very large genetic link as well as links to diabetes. However this will lead to wobbly teeth and eventually tooth loss not a "weakness" of the tooth that some commenters have described

[u/kshell521 → u/Knova_]

Ive got weak teeth just like him. I bit into a soft burrito from taco bell and cracked a tooth a few weeks ago.

[u/Blonde_Mexican]

OMG- got permanent crowns on my front teeth this morning!! I can’t stop smiling (I had a cracked tooth and a large gap). You look awesome!! Used Care Credit for the part my insurance didn’t cover, 2K. I haven’t smiled showing my teeth for 10+ years. Worth every penny.

[u/Badkitty500]

Looking Good! Congratulations!!

[u/asburymike]

r/mademesmile indeed! Congrats

[u/TuxTues3 → u/asburymike]

Literally

[u/ratzerman → u/TuxTues3]

Probably most literal post in this sub's history. 😁

[u/Ackermiv → u/asburymike]

I thought it was r/technicallythetruth

[u/iceberger4]

Lookin good my man!

[u/sarahkfoster]

Fuck yah, man!!!! You look good!

[u/TheMagarity]

that bald guy doesnt have any teeth so you were already doing better than him

[u/Raider-26 → u/TheMagarity]

That bald guy was the price of those undoubtedly expensive new chompers

It’s just a joke

[u/in_animate_objects]

Congratulations! Also screw anyone who judges others based on their teeth, dentistry is RIDICULOUSLY expensive and you could have the best hygiene in the world but if bad teeth are in your genes you’re screwed

[u/HotMagentaDuckFace → u/in_animate_objects]

I worked in a dentist office for three years and that was a very humbling experience. We had people who were meticulous about their teeth and still struggled to keep them and people who were honest about brushing infrequently and shrugged when you asked them if they flossed but still somehow had teeth that were in good condition. Insurance companies would rather see you have teeth pulled than fixed. What they do pay for still leaves patients with large bills. Considering the host of other health problems poor oral health can lead to, it’s sickening that dental care isn’t more accessible.

[u/in_animate_objects → u/HotMagentaDuckFace]

I’m so glad you mentioned the other health issues that can happen, I don’t think people realize the amount of GI issues that come from having weak or pulled teeth. They shouldn’t have to deal with all that plus the insane stigma on top of it.

[u/HotMagentaDuckFace → u/in_animate_objects]

100%. There’s links to multiple cancers, cardiovascular disease, stroke, the list goes on. The dentist I worked for has a brother who let a tooth abscess go without treatment. It was before I started working there so I don’t have all the details but basically the infection spread in his body, landed him in the hospital, and nearly killed him.

[u/EllspethCarthusian → u/HotMagentaDuckFace]

The triangle of death. Infections like abscesses in the mouth, eyes, and nose can easily migrate to the brain and kill someone. It’s absolutely insane that dental care isn’t standard issue and affordable.

[u/k9moonmoon → u/HotMagentaDuckFace]

I have a friend that almost lost her eye because of an abscesses tooth

[u/llamalover729 → u/HotMagentaDuckFace]

Yes! I'm very careful and nearly always need to have a filling. It's infuriating. My husband barely cares for his and they're in great condition

[u/Hot-Class8889 → u/in_animate_objects]

Yes! My husband has had bad teeth his whole life and people just assume it's drugs,he can't help it that bad teeth run in his family

[u/SeattleBattles → u/in_animate_objects]

It's pretty fucked up we don't just consider it part of normal healthcare. I'm self employed and can buy decent health insurance, but the dental options are a joke.

[u/samdavid85]

Amazing smile brother!

[u/PutPuzzleheaded5337]

God damn dude…..you look great!!! I don’t know you but I’m proud of you for fixing your self. Congrats!

[u/MrChris680 → u/PutPuzzleheaded5337]

Thanks man. My teeth have been like that for as long as I can remember. Even in my teenage years

[u/tearsaresweat]

I had bad teeth my whole life too. I hated my smile, was super self conscious, and I could see people judging me.

A few years ago I got crowns and bridge work done. It honestly changed my life and gave me so much more confidence.

Genuinely happy for you dude! Your smile is amazing!

[u/Fredhophead]

Man I am so happy for you. I wish everyone could have their teeth taken care of like you did.

People need to be happy by smiling. It is a human right.

[u/SlideItIn100]

That’s awesome!

[u/GerberBabyPlus]

Good for you man.

[u/JannaMD]

Life-changing. Keep on smiling!

[u/allstartinter2021]

They look really good dude!

[u/Fisk75]

You can’t put a price on feeling good about yourself. Congrats!

[u/Skrip77]

Looking good man! I bet you can’t stop smiling now.

[u/MrChris680 → u/Skrip77]

Honestly I can't.

[u/KajePihlaja]

Man I gotta say, regardless of the state of your teeth in the first photo I love how happy you look holding the baby. Genuine happiness shines bright

[u/Rossweiser17]

Happy for you dude!

[u/Apprehensive_Fix_151]

Love it buddy

[u/patboy52960]

I was born missing 13 permanent teeth and wasn’t able to get implants until I turned 22. I’m honestly so happy for you man I know the feeling!!

[u/THE_TURTLE_MAGE]

I'm happy you're happy

[u/Mysterious-Contact-3]

Damn they deleted their account

[u/kshell521]

I wish i could afford to get mine fixed. Glad for you bro

[u/Sparrow-Scratchagain]

You stole that baby’s teeth?!

[u/servetheKitty]

https://halodentalnetwork.org/nominate/ Help someone who can’t afford $25000

[u/MephistosFallen → u/servetheKitty]

Thank you for this. Like, so much. It’s worth a shot.

[u/[deleted]]

Alas we have to rescind your honorary English man card now

[u/MrChris680 → u/[deleted]]

Lmfaooooooo bruh

[u/Gingerbirdie]

Yay! Great smile.

[u/Tour-Fast]

You look great!

[u/jackrv13]

I like that he’s smiling in both

[u/ghettoangels345]

What do they even do to your teeth to make them look that good, the before and after is pretty crazy

[u/KuhLealKhaos]

So fuckin cool dude I hope you feel amazing!

[u/D0bious]

The fact that he held the baby first and then in the next image had good teeth cracked me up

[u/MrChris680 → u/D0bious]

Lmfao it's my son. That was like a month or 2 after he was born. Only picture I had where my teeth were showing

[u/Darkrisk-rising]

Ima keep it real and don’t take this the wrong way but bruh you really have a nice smile 🤘🤘

[u/MrChris680 → u/Darkrisk-rising]

That is a compliment I have never received. Thank you so much

[u/photograpopticum]

Looks great, I have the impression that they are set a bit irregularly, so they look much more natural, cool.

[u/Impressive-Hat-9514]

Just to grow a proper beard now!! Just kidding man, looking good… let life be good so you always have something to smile about!!!

[u/MrChris680 → u/Impressive-Hat-9514]

Lmfaoooo. Hey man I'm trying with that beard lololol

[u/RaeRaeRice → u/MrChris680]

I say ditch the beard altogether! You have great lips so show them off!!

[u/Dondiibnob]

Good for you Chief

[u/TimeTreePiPC]

I think that is as literal as these posts get. Congrats!

[u/LanceFree]

So it’s true- to pay doctor bills in the USA, they’ll take all your assets, including your first born.

[u/MrChris680 → u/LanceFree]

Lmfaoooooooooooo. They took my left nut too

[u/neuromorph]

They took the teeth from the baby? Science has gone too far!!!

[u/achinwin]

I hate having a shitty teeth. There are so many times when I want to smile but the alarm goes off “others are going to see your shitty teeth” and and I end up giving a really weird no-teeth smile or just generally avoid those situations. Plus I’m always just thinking about it. I need better hygiene. and this may sound so vain but I need extensive work on my teeth to actually get myself to a place where I’m truly able to feel my best self… I’m tired of this shit :|

[u/TuxTues3]

1. Wow amazing
2. Did you get the teeth from the baby in the first pic

[u/MrChris680 → u/TuxTues3]

Lmfao my sons teeth are actually finally coming in

[u/Baronessss]

Congrats! Big life changes, I’m sure.

[u/datkidcudi]

Let’s fucking go dude!

[u/pdiddlydingdong]

Haha it literally must’ve made you smile! They look awesome friend

[u/MrChris680 → u/pdiddlydingdong]

I actually cried when I saw myself in the mirror

[u/General_Amount_6918]

You looks awesome and I know u feel awesome!!! I have bad teeth too :(