I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m super diligent with my dental routine too—brushing, flossing, even those little interdental brushes—and yet I’ve still had to get a filling redone after braces. It’s weirdly frustrating when you feel like you’re doing “everything right.” I guess genetics and just plain luck play a bigger part than we think. Have you ever tried switching up your toothpaste or mouthwash after a redo? I’m always curious if that actually makes a difference or if it’s just wishful thinking...
I swear, I’ve switched toothpastes more times than I’ve changed phone cases—sensodyne, charcoal, the “all-natural” ones… Honestly, didn’t notice much difference after fillings. Sometimes it feels like my teeth are just stubbornly doing their own thing no matter what. Genetics really do mess with us.
I get what you mean about genetics—my dad’s side has “bad teeth” and it feels like I inherited all the worst parts. I’ve bounced between brands too, especially when my dentist suggested switching after I got a couple of fillings redone. Honestly, I didn’t see much difference either, except maybe my wallet felt lighter from buying all those “specialty” toothpastes.
Has anyone else noticed that insurance barely covers anything with re-dos? I had a crown that needed to be replaced after just two years and the bill nearly knocked me over. I actually started asking my dentist if there were more budget-friendly options, but it always seems like the choices are limited when you’re trying to save money and not risk your teeth further. Do you ever feel like you’re stuck between paying up or risking another painful redo down the line?
I also tried some of those “natural” toothpastes because they were on sale, but honestly, they made my teeth feel weirdly gritty and didn’t seem to help with sensitivity at all. Maybe it’s just me, but the only time I really noticed a difference was when I switched to a soft-bristle brush and started flossing more. Even then, I still ended up back in the chair for another filling a year later.
How do you guys decide when to just go with what’s cheapest versus what your dentist recommends? Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth paying extra for the “premium” stuff or if it’s just marketing. And is it just me or do redone fillings always feel a bit “off” compared to the first ones? Maybe I’m overthinking it, but sometimes it feels like no matter what toothpaste or brush I use, my teeth are just going to do their own thing anyway...
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck between paying up or risking another painful redo down the line?
Totally get that feeling. It’s like, you want to trust the dentist’s advice but your bank account is screaming at you. I’ve tried the “premium” toothpastes and honestly, I couldn’t tell a difference except for the price. For me, the basics—soft brush, floss, and whatever toothpaste is on sale—seem to do just as much. And yeah, those redone fillings never feel quite right. I don’t think you’re overthinking it at all.
That’s such a real struggle. I’ve been there—sitting in the chair, getting that “you might need to redo this filling” talk, and just thinking about the cost versus the headache of waiting it out. I get wanting to stick with the basics; honestly, I used to do the same. But after one too many botched fillings (I swear, one of them kept catching on my tongue for months), I started being a bit pickier about what I’d spend on.
For me, what helped was finding a dentist who actually explained why something needed to be redone—not just “it’s old” or “it doesn’t look right,” but really breaking down what could happen if I waited. Sometimes it was legit, sometimes it felt like overkill. Once, I actually got a second opinion when I felt pressured into redoing a crown that wasn’t even bothering me. That saved me hundreds, and a lot of stress.
About those “premium” products... I’m with you for most stuff. Whitening pastes? Meh. But when it comes to things like toothpaste for sensitivity or specific mouthwashes, sometimes paying a little more has made a difference for me—especially after getting work done. Still, nothing beats brushing and flossing every day, no matter how fancy the tube is.
The financial part is rough. I started setting aside a little “dental fund” each month just so it didn’t hit all at once. Not always possible, but even $10 here and there adds up. And weirdly, I found that talking openly with my dentist about my budget made things less awkward—they usually had options or could space things out.
Redone fillings are the worst though. They never feel quite as good as the original, do they? Maybe it’s just me, but I swear I can always tell which tooth has been through the wringer.
Anyway, you’re definitely not alone in feeling stuck between your wallet and your teeth. It’s a balancing act every time.
