$6000 for braces UPDATE: See Post 72

[ceecee]

Your dentist is not an orthodontist and therefore you were referred to one. I really don't think it's negligence on the part of the dentist. We have a general dentist in our town who does ortho (he did the weekend ortho course) so people think they are getting a great deal, since he charges about 1/2. So many people end up needing to go to an Ortho after that they actually end up paying more. We have several orthodontists and they all do things differently. My DD's permanent cuspids were horizonally impacted and one ortho suggested extracting the baby teeth early to see if they would come down. The other ortho said it probably wouldn't work. We did it and the teeth have come down on their own. Her 24 mos case is going to be closer to 30, but she doesn't have to have surgery to expose the tooth.

 

[Todd&Copper]

My point is that you were very quick to assume the dentist was "negligent"(your word, not mine). I prefer to give the benefit of a doubt. I AM a dentist, and from what I have read, there are a LOT of misinformed individuals passing judgement here.

But the two opinions are so different. I think that is what people are hung up on.
What if you went to one doctor who told you your cholesterol was a little high, but everything else seemed OK and he referred you to a cardio specialist just to make doube sure. The cardio specialist takes one look at you and tells you, no it is not only slightly elevated cholesterol, but also myriad heart and circulatory condition that require extensive treatment, numerious medications, and possibly surgery. I would think a second opinion would be in order in this instance, b/c the two evaluations were so extreme.

As far as reporting the dentist, that may be drastic. Perhaps the ortho is sing a bit of scare tactics or being a bit extreme to push OP into getting the braces sooner rather than later. Maybe the things he is pointing out are not terribly obvious conditions. But unless you get a third opinion from a non-affiliated dentist, it is too soon to throw around the threat of reporting the dentist to state boards.

 

[soccerdad4]

Just a warning!!

If the braces on left on too long, it can cause the tooth roots to shorten, and his teeth will be loose. That is what happened to me.

We moved in the middle of treatment, and the new ortho left them on for another 3 years, for a total of 5 years. All of my teeth are now loose. Not too the point that they will fall out, but if I use my fingers, I can wiggle them. I can't get molds done anymore since it could actually pull my tooth out if the mold putty stuck to a tooth.

Michael

 

[PlutoPony]

But the two opinions are so different. I think that is what people are hung up on.

That's what I'm reacting to..... I'm admittedly a layman, but this would raise BIG red flags for me and I would be questioning the diagnosis of both the dentist and ortho until I got more information to confirm one or the other positions. The dentist notices what he describes as a small overbite and suggests treatment will be on the minimal side, i.e. spacer, and refers OP to an ortho. Said ortho diagnoses (maybe I'm not using correct dental terminology here) a much more significant overbite as well as other problems that require braces that will need to be on a fairly long time. To me as a parent, if the ortho's correct and there are bigger problems than a small overbite, the dentist should have picked up on this - and probably seen it much earlier than now. If the dentist's view is more correct, the ortho is "over treating" (if that's a word) and I obviously don't want to "treat" things that aren't really problems - not to mention putting my child thru that and spending the $$. The third scenario - the answer is somewhere in between - is probably most likely. But it's hard to know who to believe and thus trust when you different professional opinions - most of us have BTDT and it's not a good feeling.....

 

[liveforthemagic]

For the OP, our son had some pre-braces stuff a few years ago with our first ortho. At the time, he accepted our insurance. When it came time to start preparing for braces, he never told us he no longer took our insurance, he just did the x rays and impressions, and popped the bill on us. And his estimate for braces was 6200. Originally he had told us $3500 after insurance.

So I took DS and his crooked teeth out to bid. I explained to 2 other orthos our situation, took the x rays and impressions and DS's records from the first ortho, and advised I had a daughter who would also be a patient if we could get an affordable resolution. I found an ortho who did not take my insurance, but gave me an agreed upon price for braces, pre brace spacers, and after brace retainers. They put it in writing and are allowing us to pay over 36 months with no interest. Putting yourself in their shoes, orthodontists are small business owners who need a waiting room full of tin grins. I'm sure this economy has not been good for them, as alot of people see braces as a luxury or optional item.

I know you said there is no one else for miles, but maybe it would be worth the trip? Good luck....I know its very frustrating and expensive.

 

[_queenie_]

We had a smilar issue with my DD13. Our dentist has always complimented her on her teeth, but at 12 he noticed her bite was slightly off and thought that her teeth would shift in time, but still thought she should go to the orthodontist to get it checked out, assuming she would need a retainer at the very most. The orthodontist said she would need braces and elastics for 2.5 years and it would cost $5000 (we don't have dental insurance, we can afford but just didn't want to)! Again, cosmetically her teeth are gorgeous, but at this time when she was just starting to get in her last few adult teeth so bite was to the side a bit. This was a real shock, and my DD was 100% against getting braces, so we decided to wait a year to let her teeth shift. On her last cleaning I asked the dentist if she should go back to the orthodontist (they had just done x-rays) and he said not at all and by comparing her old x-rays to the new ones there was a huge improvement.

The trouble with the whole issue is that you don't know how much your dentist knows about that field, or if your orthodontist just wants your money. I trust my dentist as he has had a lot of schooling, he's extremely qualified and I actually don't know why he doesn't have a higher level job than he does, but you don't always know.

 

[mesnowwhite]

you have gotten good advice from everyone here. One thing to consider while you are shopping for an orthodontist. Keep in mind that braces require frequent appointments and depending on the hours of the ortho you may find yourself pulling your child out of school early/you leaving work early to get your child to the appt. Factor that into the distance of the office and the time you have available to take your child to the office. If your ex really wants you to drive 2 hours away to a*cheaper* place will he help out with getting your son there?? That is at the bare min. 4 1/2 hours out of your day every six weeks.

My DD is currently in spacers and head gear for 3 years and that alone has cost us $3600. The braces are another several thousand in another year when the spacers come off (we're waiting for some teeth to grow in).

I agree with the above poster that LOCATION of the Ortho is important. I chose a good Ortho close to work, even though he's more $$ than some others. It seems I'm in their office every 2-3 weeks. I schedule apts for lunchtime and minimize the time off work, as well as the time she has to be pulled out of school. You will thank yourself if you choose a local Ortho close to your son's school. In the end the small savings of driving so far will be eaten up by the gas $.

Good Luck.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Some kids are born with a Silver Spoon in their mouth.
2) Others get braces.

 

[maymom96]

- Does either you or your ex have ortho coverage? Most private insurances cover ortho at 50% and up to your yearly max.

- Tell your dentist what your ortho told you and that you are not happy he did not say something or even recommend those baby teeth be extracted.

- Write a long letter to your state's Board of Dentistry to tell them about your dentist's negligence in detecting your son's condition sooner, and that this will be a huge financial burden on you. They WILL listen and investigate.[/B]

First off, THANK YOU for all the replies. I still have a whole nother page to read.
I will answer the above questions.
1. Neither one of us have ortho coverage. We are both looking to buy discount coverage who would this be considered preexisting?
2. My son goes on the 24th to get the two baby teeth removed. I will tell the dentist what the ortho said. Since the dentist and the ortho share a building, I hope the dentist will talk to the ortho.
3. We live in a small town and I go to the same church as the dentist. So writing a letter to the state boards is something I'm not sure about.
Part of me feels sorry for the dentist. His wife has had bad health problems so maybe his head hasn't been where it should. But as my mom pointed out, my sons teeth issues didn't pop up overnight.

 

[maymom96]

Your assumption is that he missdiagnosed or that the condition was obvious. Perhaps the condition was discussed with the parent prior, but fell on deaf ears. Perhaps removal of the "baby" teeth wouldn't have mattered in the case of impacted teeth. Has it occurred to anyone that I may know something about what I am talking about?????

I will tell you the dentist never said anything to me. My son has went to the same dentist every six months for the last 9 years. The dentist has never said anything. It was me who made a remark about the overbite. He felt the overbite was slight but gave the referral to ease my mind.
My son gets the two baby teeth out in two weeks. He also goes for a second opinion in two weeks. I need to get the dx and treatment codes to see if health insurance will help pay for braces.

 

[maymom96]

My son still has several baby teeth (I think 6 or 8). So I'm pretty confident that braces will not be put on this summer.
We nick named my son the gold child. Not only are we looking at the cost of braces, but he needs to have a procedure called Coblation-Assisted Turbinate Reduction done and we need to look into allergy shots. $$$$
Did I mention what size feet he has? He'll be 12 next month and is in a size 14 shoe. So the nick name Golden Child fits!!!
I think I need to stop talking about the braces issue. My poor kids know the dollar figure. I was talking to my mom and she said something about the braces. My 5 year old replies "Do you know it's gonna cost $6000".

 

[maymom96]

I took my son to another orthodontist for a second opinion today. It was a
much different experience but also cheaper. Today we weren't shown the
office, no x-rays were taken and no frills. We were put into an office,
the doctor came in, did a few measurements and give us his findings.
He is mostly concerned about the crowding Nate has going on and the baby
teeth he still has. He said that by 10.5, male children should have no
baby teeth left in their mouth. Nate at almost 12 still has a mouthful.
His over bite is about 3 mm.
He recommended a spacer for about 4 mouths. Then about 30 months of
braces. The time in braces could change after he had the chance to
examine x-rays and other pictures that would need to be taken.
He said Nate does have wear on his teeth. But it's all baby teeth and it
could be from grinding in his sleep. He could out grow it or he may need
to wear something at night.
The cost is $5100. That would include any devices he would need and
doesn't matter how long he will be in braces. $150 of that is for the
x-rays, molds, ect that were taken today. After the ortho looks over
that stuff, the plan of action will be created.
I decided to go with this ortho. The cost was a big factor (around a
grand different in prices). They were more willing to work with you on a
down payment and monthly payments. I do need to find out if Nate needs
ortho care after the braces come off, if it's covered by the $5100. A
woman at our church needs braces again and she said it's covered by what
her parents paid to the ortho when she was a teen.
I have learned about Damon System Braces. They cost less, involves
fewer visits to the ortho, patients are in braces six months less and
it's less traumatic for the patient. The closest ortho to us that uses
these types of braces is more than I'm willing to drive. But part of me
feels that I should go for a third opinion and check out this new
system. I feel like I'm looking to buy a car instead of dealing with a
medical issue for my child.

 

[prncsskimb]

I have damon braces right now. They have been on now for about a year and I am looking to have them off within the next six months. They are still painful but the time is much much less that you need to be in them. I have not read this whole thread so I dont know exactly what has been said about them. The cost for my braces, retainers, and all appts including the follow ups once the braces come off was 4800. I live in florida if that helps with the price range. The time has definately been quick considering my niece has been in the regular kind for 3 years. I know you said it would be a drive but it may be worth at least going for an initial appt. I just know how conscious I always am with smiling and the sooner they come off the better.

Kim

 

[mamalle]

sounds about in the ballpark personally I have 3 different opinions for braces for myself and they all have different approaches and vary in price. Not one has the same way of doing it so I guess what Im saying is- go with what you feel comfortable with for your son and his condition. best of luck! Im looking at $5000 for me for the next 22 months but my insurance does pay $2500 so that makes it abit easier to do.

 

[minniebeth]

maymom96,
...and I have heard it is not unusual for older boys to have their baby teeth.
Everything is just slower for boys. My DS is 13 and still has 2 baby teeth to lose. The more moms I talk with, the more I find the older boys still have them. Our ortho said no big deal. The wear on the teeth may also be corrected when everything else is corrected as well.
I know your process and it is not easy! Good luck in your orthodontic journey!

 

[grlpwrd]

I took my son to another orthodontist for a second opinion today. It was a
much different experience but also cheaper. Today we weren't shown the
office, no x-rays were taken and no frills. We were put into an office,
the doctor came in, did a few measurements and give us his findings.
He is mostly concerned about the crowding Nate has going on and the baby
teeth he still has. He said that by 10.5, male children should have no
baby teeth left in their mouth. Nate at almost 12 still has a mouthful.
His over bite is about 3 mm.
He recommended a spacer for about 4 mouths. Then about 30 months of
braces. The time in braces could change after he had the chance to
examine x-rays and other pictures that would need to be taken.
He said Nate does have wear on his teeth. But it's all baby teeth and it
could be from grinding in his sleep. He could out grow it or he may need
to wear something at night.
The cost is $5100. That would include any devices he would need and
doesn't matter how long he will be in braces. $150 of that is for the
x-rays, molds, ect that were taken today. After the ortho looks over
that stuff, the plan of action will be created.
I decided to go with this ortho. The cost was a big factor (around a
grand different in prices). They were more willing to work with you on a
down payment and monthly payments. I do need to find out if Nate needs
ortho care after the braces come off, if it's covered by the $5100. A
woman at our church needs braces again and she said it's covered by what
her parents paid to the ortho when she was a teen.
I have learned about Damon System Braces. They cost less, involves
fewer visits to the ortho, patients are in braces six months less and
it's less traumatic for the patient. The closest ortho to us that uses
these types of braces is more than I'm willing to drive. But part of me
feels that I should go for a third opinion and check out this new
system. I feel like I'm looking to buy a car instead of dealing with a
medical issue for my child.

Getting a 2nd opinion is great...and a 3rd, and a 4th etc.

Yes, I think no matter what you, though, are going to get different opinions and suggested treatments. I also remember going to 3 or 4 orthos for consultations and I had a range in price and suggested treatment. I did this for myself way back when and also currently for my daughters.

Please also remember that some orthos go the phase route which will add to the cost. I am not sure your 2nd opinion includes phases (1st phase, 2nd phase, etc.), but that would increase costs if there were phases involved. I know someone mentioned that there is a profit component to doing it this way.

As for the story about "A woman at our church needs braces again and she said it's covered by what her parents paid to the ortho when she was a teen" that really sounds like a YMMV kinda thing. That doesn't seem standard to me.

Ditto... Good luck in your orthodontic journey!

 

[Anne34]

maymom96,
...and I have heard it is not unusual for older boys to have their baby teeth.
Everything is just slower for boys. My DS is 13 and still has 2 baby teeth to lose. The more moms I talk with, the more I find the older boys still have them. Our ortho said no big deal. The wear on the teeth may also be corrected when everything else is corrected as well.
I know your process and it is not easy! Good luck in your orthodontic journey!

I totally agree -- my son is 12 1/2 and still has some baby teeth. Our ortho has been puttinf off the braces hoping he will lose a few more teeth -- he doesn't like to pull 6 or 7 teeth. He said since my son got his teeth later, they will be later faling out.

Losing teeth later is really nothing to woory about.

 

[beavismom]

I am a little put off by the last orthos comments about baby teeth. My 12.5 yr old DS just lost his last baby teeth (4 or so in the span of about a month). and our it hasn't been of any concern to our dentist or the ortho we took him to for a general consult.

 

[jakenjess]

My son is 12-1/2 and only has lost 8 baby teeth! The dentist and ortho say it's unusual but they're not concerned. He got his teeth very late, so he'll just be later getting the ortho done, though we're anxious to get it on and over with, as our DD 10-1/2 will be needing it too. She also has only lost the 8 baby teeth, so it must run in the family!

 

[TaraPA]

maymom96,
...and I have heard it is not unusual for older boys to have their baby teeth.
Everything is just slower for boys. My DS is 13 and still has 2 baby teeth to lose. The more moms I talk with, the more I find the older boys still have them.

My DS11 has a lot of baby teeth left - and his last 6-year molar just came in last month! He didn't get his 1st tooth til he was 16 months old & was the last in his class to loose a baby tooth. Must be hereditary - DS7 hasn't lost a tooth yet, and was also 16 months old ti his 1st one came in. We're heading to our 1st ortho consult in 3 weeks...finding lots of good info on this thread!