I’ve been with this practice for over 10 years, and for the most part, I’ve had a good experience. The hygienists do a great job cleaning my teeth, the receptionists are always friendly, and the environment is clean and welcoming.
The reason for my 3-star review isn’t about the service I receive here now, but rather something more personal that I’ve carried for a long time.
Many years ago, I had two healthy upper molars extracted as part of NHS orthodontic treatment. At the time, I was under 18 and felt pressured to act quickly before I’d have to pay privately. I wasn’t given any alternatives or made fully aware of the long-term, irreversible implications. I wasn’t experiencing overcrowding or major issues, and looking back, I wish the dentist or orthodontist had taken more time to assess the situation properly or guided me with a more conservative treatment plan.
Now, years later, I live with the physical and emotional consequences of that decision. I have gaps where there were none before. My jaw sometimes clicks and used to not open fully post-braces. I often experience pain, and I suspect it’s because the upper row of my teeth has moved back, forcing my lower jaw out of alignment to compensate. I also clench and grind in my sleep, likely due to this imbalance, which only adds to the discomfort.
It’s painful to live with something that feels like it could’ve been avoided. The regret affects my mental health — not just because of how my smile has changed, but because I feel like I lost something healthy and irreplaceable without truly understanding the risks. I’ve been told the only options now are more orthodontic work or retainers, which is difficult both financially and emotionally when trust has already been shaken.
This isn’t an attack on the current practice or staff, everyone here has always been respectful and professional. I’m just sharing a deeply personal reflection in the hope that others, especially young patients, are encouraged to ask more questions and understand all their options before making decisions that can’t be undone.
I hope one day I can fully come to terms with this and move forward without pain or regret. Until then, I just wanted to be honest about what I’ve experienced. It does make me sad At the time, I didn’t feel I had the power, information, or maturity to make a truly informed choice. The idea that this can’t be undone fuels anxiety and a sense of being trapped. Even though the decision wasn’t entirely mine, no one seems accountable now, and that creates a deep, lonely frustration. Clicking jaw, facial changes, and visible gaps, each is a daily reminder of what I feel was a mistake.
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