Braces, how much and at what age?

[njsweetP]

Haven't read thru all the threads but wanted to add. Both DD's had braces.
Oldest DD had them for just under 2 years. She got them when she was 11 and taken off at 13. She also had an underbite so had to wear a head brace at night. Youngest DD had them put on at age 10 and removed 2 weeks ago at age 12. She had them on for 2 years 2 months. She had to have a palate expander first. Both include retainers after the braces are off. Cost was about 5600 each. Insurance covered half.

 

[ameraumi]

Are orthodontic braces only an American thing? It seems like a lot of money to spend, but does the rest of the world do this also?

What about countries where the standard of living does not support $5000 for straight teeth? Are there any serious medical problems one can get because of crooked teeth?

How bout it international Disboaders? Do you also spend this kind of money on orthodontics?

I can answer part of this. DS(14) currently has braces do to a perm tooth coming in sideways under the gum line. So for him, it was a "medical" issue. The tooth is resting against another tooth and they are worried about decaying. He will have to have oral surgery to open up the gums so they can bring that tooth up.

The total cost for his braces was $4800, our insurance covers $3500. The remaining amount was split into 12 months interest free payments thru Orthbanc. Just a few more months and we will have it paid off. DS still has about 8 mos left in his braces if all goes well (a total of 18 mos in them, but could be 24 mos).

I remember when I had them, it was $2400 and I had them on for 4 long years. Boy have things changed.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My dentist did mention that there are two routes orthodontists take--i.e. the "phase" route or all at once. Is the "phase" route always more expensive? I'm kind of leary of that approach, but I haven't investigated it enough to know if it's always more money in their pocket or if it's truly necessary.

The guy we went to for our first consult was just a REALLY expensive orthodontist. I didn't really like him, and I didn't want DS to be in and out of braces over and over again. Insurance for ortho isn't that good to begin with, and I don't think they would pay for multiple courses of braces.

DS saw the orthodontist Thursday and they scheduled him to have the braces off May 1. So he will have had them for 20 months. He will have a retainer afterwards that I will STRICTLY enforce. He turned 12 in January so I don't think it's bad to be finished with braces before he is 12 1/2. (Bless his heart, he just had to get glasses so at least he won't have both to deal with for very long!)