Hi

I'm 37 years old and for many years my upper front teeth have been growing inwards rather than straight down. They seem to be pushed in that direction by an adjacent tooth on the right which slightly overlaps.

Obviously, this means that when I close my mouth fully, there is some pressure on the 4 lower front teeth. A few years ago, one of them - the second to the right - chipped at the top. There was no pain, and a dentist did a quick rebuild on them, but it only lasted a few days and it chipped again. This happened twice, so I left it.

Last week, I was in Russia with my wife (she is Russian), and she took me to her old dentist, who did a more thorough job rebuilding the chipped tooth. However, since then, I have been more aware than ever of the pressure on my 4 lower front teeth when I close my mouth - especially the left-most of them. I really feel this tooth being pushed back, and it feels vulnerable. I wonder if they may somehow have got twisted slightly during the surgery. Now, I am very conscious about eating, and even worried about sleeping in case I nash my teeth together during the night and split the lower tooth off (I might not be so lucky with the pain this time... ).

It has made me want to get the problem sorted once and for all, to avoid 40 years of worsening teeth and horrible treatment! I think my teeth are generally quite strong, but not well aligned. There are also 2 upper teeth missing - one on each side - 3rd from the back, so there are spaces there.

Could someone please advise what the options are for someone of my age, so that I have an idea what I am talking about when I go to a dentist? What procedures would be involved and how long would it take to correct all of this? Am I too old for a brace to resolve this problem? Is there anything that could help the immediate risk to the lower teeth?

Would be very grateful for any responses.

No, you are not too old for braces and that is what I'd suggest you do. Make an appointment with an orthodontist who treats a lot of adult clients. Go have a consult, maybe even see another for a second opinion. If they both differ, then see a third.
Orthodontics is probably the only way to correct the bite once and for all but you may also have to have some orthognathic surgery, not sure?

Good luck to you and keep us posted as to what you decide.

Sounds like what we call "class 2 division 2 malocclusion" go here George M. Myracle, DDS  Orthodontist - Class II Div. 2
Do your teeth look like that? Generally it is characterized by a deep bite, with the front 2 teeth pushed back. It is unlikely to cause any serious damage unless you are stripping the gums off the bottom teeth, or they are getting loose. If there is a lot of pressure on that lower built-up tooth then likely the filling needs to be ground down. If you decide to get it fixed, it may involve major jaw surgery, or at the VERY least, EXTENSIVE orthodontic treatment (AKA a lot of metal in your mouth for a long time)