Medieval braces, fluoride trays, and the never-ending parade of “extras”—honestly, it’s enough to make your head spin. I’m new to this whole adult dental care thing, and I can’t say I’m not a little overwhelmed. My last appointment felt more like a sales pitch at a car dealership than a checkup. They offered me fluoride trays, whitening, some kind of “advanced” polish, and even tried to get me to schedule sealants for my back teeth. I half expected them to throw in undercoating for my molars.
I get what you’re saying about people in the past managing without all these treatments, but I’m not totally convinced we’re overcomplicating things. I mean, yes, some people kept their teeth into old age with just a stick and some luck… but then again, there’s that whole “dentures in a glass by the bedside” stereotype for a reason. My grandma lost most of her teeth by 60 and always blamed it on “bad genetics,” but she also thought flossing was a government conspiracy.
As for the extras—I caved and tried those fluoride trays last time since my dentist said my enamel looked “a bit soft.” Not sure if it’s placebo or not, but my teeth do feel less sensitive when I eat ice cream now. Could just be wishful thinking, or maybe it actually helps? Hard to tell after one round.
Honestly, the cost is what gets me most anxious. Insurance barely covers anything beyond cleanings, so every add-on feels like a gamble. Still, part of me wonders if skipping them will come back to bite me (literally) down the road. Maybe it’s just nerves talking—my dentist seems nice enough, but I can’t shake the feeling they’re working off some checklist from dental HQ.
Anyway... brushing and flossing are still my main moves. But if anyone ever invents medieval-style braces that don’t cost an arm and a leg, sign me up—preferably after I’ve had my ice cream.
- Totally get the “car dealership” vibe at the dentist these days. I swear, every visit comes with a new menu of “must-have” upgrades—next time I’m expecting them to pitch me a Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush with AI or something.
- I tried those fluoride trays too, mostly because my dentist looked so earnest about it. Hard to say if they’re magic or just expensive mouthguards, but my cold sensitivity’s gone down a bit. Maybe it’s working? Or maybe I just want to believe it after dropping that much cash.
- The cost is wild. My insurance covers the basics and then acts like anything else is a luxury spa treatment. I keep wondering if I’m just paying for peace of mind... or if skipping this stuff will mean more trouble (and bills) later.
- Honestly, part of me wonders how much is actually necessary versus just “nice to have.” Like, is everyone really getting sealants as adults now? Or is this just the latest trend?
- Anyone here actually skip all the extras for years and come out fine? Or did you end up regretting it? Trying to figure out if I’m being paranoid or just practical.
I hear you on the “car dealership” feeling—every visit, there’s a new pitch. Back in the day, a cleaning was a cleaning. Now I get handed pamphlets for whitening, sealants, fluoride, you name it. I’ll admit, I skipped most of the extras for years. Didn’t see much difference until my gums started acting up in my late 50s. That’s when I realized some of those “optional” things might’ve helped me dodge a few headaches (and bills). Still, I think it’s a balance—my dentist knows I’m not interested in every upgrade, but I’ll listen if they’ve got a good reason.
Back in the day, a cleaning was a cleaning. Now I get handed pamphlets for whitening, sealants, fluoride, you name it.
That “upsell” vibe always makes me wonder—how much of it is actually essential versus just nice-to-have? I get that some treatments can prevent bigger issues, but it’s hard to tell what’s marketing and what’s real prevention. Has anyone ever dug into the research on which of these extras actually have long-term benefits? I’m always curious if the data really backs up all these new recommendations, or if it’s more just “better safe than sorry.”
Medieval braces, huh? Now that’s a mental image—some poor knight with wires tied around his teeth, dodging arrows and toothaches at the same time. Makes me feel a little better about my old retainers, honestly.
About all these “extras” at the dentist now... I get what you mean. When I was younger, a cleaning was just a quick scrape and polish. These days, it feels like you can’t leave without someone recommending three new treatments. My dentist keeps bringing up fluoride varnish and sealants. I asked her straight out if I really needed them at my age (let’s just say I’m not in the braces crowd anymore). She said for kids, sealants make sense—less chance of cavities in those deep grooves. For us older folks? Not as much unless you’ve got specific issues.
Fluoride, though—I used to think it was just for kids, but apparently it helps with sensitivity and root exposure. Still, I skipped it last time and didn’t notice any difference except a few bucks saved.
Whitening is one of those things that’s pure vanity for me. Tried it once, couldn’t eat ice cream for a week after. Never again.
Honestly, I think a lot of this stuff is like the “extended warranty” at the electronics store. Sometimes worth it, but most of the time you’re fine sticking with the basics if you brush and floss well. My motto these days: If it ain’t broke (or hurting), I’m not fixing it.
That said, if you’re prone to cavities or have sensitive teeth, maybe some of these add-ons are worth considering. Just don’t let anyone guilt you into spending more than you’re comfortable with. Your teeth have probably seen a lot already—mine sure have—and they’re still hanging in there!
