What is the cheapest (but effective!) way to fix the gaps between my teeth?

I have a gap between my front teeth and crooked gapped canines. I haven't posed with an open-toothed smile in a photo since I was 8. I absolutely hate my teeth and begged my parents to fix it, but they always refused because of the costs. In high school my dentist said my mouth was in pretty poor condition due to my jaw alignment and that I would need full-on braces, not just a retainer for straightening. My parents said if I needed braces, I was on my own. I'm now a college student with absolutely no income to spare, and I don't have financial aid because my parents have too much income for me to be eligible. I support myself completely, and my insurance is pretty awful and won't cover a penny of any orthodontic work. However, it's been 14 years and I can't take my hideous smile any longer. Can anyone please recommend something for me? I don't care about my jaw anymore, all I want is straight teeth. What is the most affordable way to do this?Something that won't stain or break either?

What is the cheapest (but effective!) way to fix the gaps between my teeth?
. I think you should go to the dentist and get a cheap plastic mold made. It's cheap and VERY effective
Reply:well, there is a way to fix the spaces with out the cost of ortho or pricey veneers(which is a very nice option for you in the future). it is called bonding. my dentist does them and it runs about the price of a composite (white material) filling. they add a little bit to each side of the teeth involved with the spaces. you want to find a good dentist though, as you do not want to have one not really care about the cosmetic/proportion of your size and the size of the teeth when finished. i will tell you that sears and other chain dental centers my not be the best way to go. they try to get people in at low cleaning prices and their treatment cost are higher with sometimes lower quality work.


you said that you are in college...does your campus or a campus close to you have a dental college in it? there you could find students who need to get experience at minimal cost...same goes for orthodontic work if you would consider that.


as far as staining and breaking goes...there may be staining if you are a coffee/tea/wine/pop drinking..it is slow and develops over time..breaking sometimes is just being aware of what you are biting into. good bonding can last a long time. but there is nothing that replaces the natural tooth and even those can break!


good luck with your quest for a bigger smile!
Reply:Something as important as your teeth-don't compromise-what ever the insurance will pay try and pay the balance yourself. If you have a family dentist, they may be willing to place you on installments. Check it out-there are times when the cheapest way is not the answer.
Reply:bonding
Reply:I've had braces but still have tiny gaps. Went to a few dentists and they all say it's how the root of my teeth can somtimes not touch causing the gaps. Very common and something braces couldn't fix. Now I have composite put on them to cover the gap. It was cheap, $75 with insurance but sure it's under $100 or so. I don't have really good insurance. But it can stain over time. I'm a coffee addict and former smoker though. I've had mine for over 5 years. I just replaced it this year only because I wanted it to be shaped differently. It was still in good shape. Just be sure to keep it clean.


Another way is to ask if you can make monthly payments to your ortho. I paid $100 per month for a few years. I've heard friends who do $50 a month. So ask around. I had no insurance at the time. Also ask if they can give you a break if you pay cash. I've had dental work where they knock off a few $. Or if they have discounts for college students. My sister gets 10% off just cuz she asked. Or there are dental credit cards specially made for dental work. At low long term interest rates. Bank of america or citi cards offer them but shop around for the best rate. Or you can visit a dental college and ask about rates. Get the phone number online and call or walk in to ask. It's hard to do it online. We use to sit there all day until they had an opening, even when they said no more room. Sometimes someone doesn't show up. The work is really good. It does take longer but deep discount and they are really friendly. I've had extractions for free and other work for reallllly cheap. Or do a search for another dental insurance. Mines still is not so good but it covers Ortho for $1000. And I pay $18 a month. Go to dentalplans.com or do a search. Westerndental also has a dental plan. Or ask your dentist if they offer any. Good luck! =)





****************I JUST READ YOUR UPDATE**********


I have Lumineers on my two front teeth but it costs $1400 each, here in so California and that didn't include the cement. There are veneers, which I also have, porceline veneers, but cost me $500-$800. My insurance didnt' cover any of these since they were all cosmetic. Does ur school have a dental department? They give deep discounts. good luck! =)
Reply:Porcelain veneers.
Reply:Some of the above answers give some options which may work. Sometimes veneers just on the front six teeth could do a lot of good in changing your appearance.





The problem is that it is difficult to tell just from your description without seeing the problem and how big it is. You really won't get an accurate answer unless a good dentist examines you.





My recommendation for you to do is to see a good well known dentist in your area who has his name on the door. I would stay away from a clinic or a dental mill. I agree with the above poster that don't try to cut costs for this kind of thing. Pay more to see a good dentist you trust and then you can decide on the best option you can afford. If you try to cut costs too much, you will not like the result or pay more to fix it in the end.
Reply:I suggest using plain old white plaster!!!



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