Whether to do braces or not

[PollyannaMom]

DS is "due" to get braces. (We had an initial consult at the ortho a while ago, but it wasn't time to start yet. Dentist has said we can go back to ortho now for a full consult.) But I'm really torn.

On the one hand, I don't want to do it. I'm worried about sacrificing the health of the teeth for the look of the teeth (discoloration, etc.) He's also prone to canker sores, and I'm afraid braces will make that worse. I wonder if trying to make everyone have perfect teeth really is "the foot-binding of our age" (read that phrase somewhere, but don't remember where) and just whether all the restrictions and discomfort really are worth the difference.

...But then I picture him losing out in a job interview years from now because the other guy has a better smile, and I feel guilty if I don't do it. And I worry that if we wait too long he'll lose the minor comfort of the fact that many of his friends have them at the same time.

* I also wonder how much input to give him? Obviously it's a parent decision in the end, but I do want to hear his thoughts without making him feel like he gets/has to decide himself.

Obviously, I'm not making this decision strictly on DIS advice. I do have a dentist and an orthodontist that I'm listening to as well. But since there is always the fact that they do stand to make money off this, it would give me piece of mind to hear from customers as well, and asking here lets me hear from many at once.

The poll question is: If you or your children had braces, are you glad you did it, or do you regret it?

 

[aprilgail2]

I have never heard anyone say they were sorry they got braces- but have heard PLENTY say they were sorry their parents never got them braces. I have friends that had braces as adults because their parents never got them for them.
People with missing/crooked teeth are judged as low class, like it or not it is the way it is.

 

[NJlauren]

If you can and they recommend it I would do it. My husbands parents got them for his sister and not him, his weren't that bad and he was always self conscious about it. We ended up paying a lot of money for him to get it done now, and he is so happy he did.

The canker sores may be and issue but I think one worth it.

 

[Happy Snowman]

Our ortho told us that our DD was borderline whether she needed braces or not. He said she would probably make it through her 20's and be ok but eventually her teeth would shift. I've seen that happen with my teeth a little, my DH's teeth a lot and my sister was wearing braces herself at the time because her formerly fairly straight teeth had shifted a lot. None of us had braces as children because our teeth looked ok then. I had some other orthodontia and wore braces for 4 months to finish that though.

She ended up with braces and is very happy--we left it up to her. She still wears her retainer nightly and takes very good care of her teeth.

As for the cancer sores...often there is a dietary issue that causes them, either from a medical condition or something lacking in a diet. It might be worth looking into.

edit--I hate that people have to quantify asking for opinions on here by saying they have a dentist/doctor or whatever. Of course people do, but getting "real life" examples or suggestions is good too. Just because people don't have MD after their name (or DDS) doesn't mean they haven't been through whatever medical/dental treatments/conditions and have in depth knowledge....ok, rant for the morning .

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hi Polly!

I think it depends on what the braces are for.

Is it pretty much JUST a cosmetic thing? In that case, I might very well skip it (and he could always get them as an adult then, if he wanted, and by that age might brush and floss better so as to not have such an effect on the health of the teeth).

My son has lots of issues with nasal passages not being right, and sounding very nasaly and sometimes struggling to breath (he has had surgery once already and will have a bigger surgery when he stops growing). His jaw was also very far out of alignment and that made these issues worse. So we felt he NEEDED to have the braces--but he is not great at taking care of his teeth the way he should and caused different issues (in spite of MUCH nagging from me) in that area while he had them. Had it been mostly for cosmetic reasons I would not have had him get braces for those hygiene/health reasons.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I would definitely recommend it.

My daughter had braces when she was 12 and her teeth look so much better.

 

[anniemae]

I would say to do it. I have never heard of anyone regretting it.

 

[Dawnlight]

Dentists are pushing braces earlier and earlier, even while first teeth are still being lost. I think they do this to increase business, not due to it being a necessity for either health or appearance.

I've had dentists tell me my kids need braces, starting at around 8 years old, and now, as teens their teeth are beautiful- really beautiful (which surprises me because I had braces from 12-16).

Remember, orthos have bills to pay, college tuition, and maybe even Disney vacations to finance. Don't let it be on your back if it's unnecessary.

 

[Happy Snowman]

Dentists are pushing braces earlier and earlier, even while first teeth are still being lost. I think they do this to increase business, not due to it being a necessity for either health or appearance.

I've had dentists tell me my kids need braces, starting at around 8 years old, and now, as teens their teeth are beautiful- really beautiful (which surprises me because I had braces from 12-16).

Remember, orthos have bills to pay, college tuition, and maybe even Disney vacations to finance. Don't let it be on your back if it's unnecessary.

Our dentist told us when our son was about 2 that he would need braces based on his bite and jaw. He wasn't the one that would do the braces, had no financial incentive to do make the recommendation, but as our family dentist, he was doing his job watching out for the oral health of our kids. . Yes, there are some unethical dentists and orthodontists out there, so it's a good idea to get a couple of opinions, but mostly they are doing their job, for which I am thankful. Also, their teeth can look straight but there could be bite issues or whatever that you don't see because you are not a dentist/orthodontist. Like I said earlier, I had "beautiful" teeth as a child/teen, but as an adult, they are shifting and causing some jaw issues and such.

 

[toystory1130]

I would say go for it, confidence has no price.

 

[dawnhaze]

I was "supposed" to get braces as a kid, but I had to have an appliance and headgear first for something or another (I think I had a minor underbite) before they could actually do the braces. In the meantime, my dad lost his job and his new one didn't have family dental insurance coverage, so we didn't end up doing the actual braces afterwards.

Honestly, I'm glad I wasn't forced through even more years of pain for cosmetic purposes. The slight overbite the appliance/headgear combo left me with is no big deal and has no impact on my confidence, as I rather imagine the original underbite wouldn't have. I have no oral health problems and I've had relatively little other dental work. I did have to get my wisdom teeth removed in my early 20s, but that happens to plenty of folks who had braces, too.

 

[eebadeeba]

I understand what you are saying. My daughter is missing the teeth between her front and eye teeth. The eye teeth came in right next to the front teeth, so no gap. She has a beautiful smile, but it is noticeable that something is not quite right.

If she wants to move the eye teeth and have implants she has to wait until at least 16 to start the procedure.

It will ultimately be her decision. Right now she would say no. She is 12.

It seems so easy to justify this major procedure for cosmetic reasons. I would never allow a **** job or cosmetic surgery on her nose for cosmetic reasons.

Also, have you noticed Kiera Knightly's teeth?

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Okay, anyone who would compare orthodontics to foot binding is showing an extreme lack of understanding for the life-long debilitating practice of foot-binding. The discomfort and annoyance of braces is temporary; the outcome almost always beneficial.

My parents' dentist friend told them when I was 2 that I would need (not should get, but need) braces when I was old enough. I had something in my mouth from age 8 through 16. Dentists today always comment on how nice my teeth are.

 

[Southernmiss]

Get the braces. Dh and I both had braces ( I could use them again, may get them eventually). Our youngest of 4 is in braces now at age 13. All 4 of mine have had braces ($20,000 out of our pockets--3 Disney trips for us).

It's soo worth it. 3rd ds was the worst with dental care before braces. With and after braces he's become the poster child for how to take care of your teeth--and now has a smile Osmond worthy).

I really thought dd's teeth (child currently in braces) were fine. Turns out she's going to need the most work, so what do I know.

As far as discoloration and damage to the teeth, that's really grasping at an excuse not to get braces, in my opinion Our orthodontist was very protective of the coloring and care of our kid's teeth. When he didn't think the kids were doing proper home care, we got a strongly worded letter to encourage our kid to brush better (happened only once). At the end of treatment when the braces came off, the orthodontist did teeth whitening treatments immediately before I even saw my kids without their braces.

I look at the long haul. Because of better care now, kids will be less likely to dental issues as adults and less likely to need false teeth.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I only skimmed the replies so sorry if this has already been suggested...

Have you considered, or is your son a candidate for Invisalign?

That would lessen the chances of discoloration and be much more gentle on the inside of his mouth since he's prone to sores.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

And as far as the need for them vs. cosmetic reasons, I feel that you should talk to your son. Is it something he's self conscious about? Or something that can be an issue down the line for him as an adult?

 

[gwynne]

Easy answer. Get the braces. I didn't get them as a child, but needed them. I was asked if I wanted them in a way that kind of made me feel guilty due to the cost. So, I said I'd do without. As an adult, I finally got treatment, no regrets.

Also, keep in mind any stories about the olden days of braces probably aren't particularly relevant today. Orthodontic care has come a long way over the time.

Waiting to have the teen take care of it as an adult is an option, yes. But, they will likely have a longer treatment time due to the postponement.

 

[Dawnlight]

Our dentist told us when our son was about 2 that he would need braces based on his bite and jaw. He wasn't the one that would do the braces, had no financial incentive to do make the recommendation, but as our family dentist, he was doing his job watching out for the oral health of our kids. . Yes, there are some unethical dentists and orthodontists out there, so it's a good idea to get a couple of opinions, but mostly they are doing their job, for which I am thankful. Also, their teeth can look straight but there could be bite issues or whatever that you don't see because you are not a dentist/orthodontist. Like I said earlier, I had "beautiful" teeth as a child/teen, but as an adult, they are shifting and causing some jaw issues and such.

I had beautiful teeth due to having braces for 4 years, than a retainer for I forget for how long. Now, in my early 40s, teeth are shifting again. It happens braces or no braces.

Yes, I agree that a few opinions are necessary before committing. I don't agree that a family dentist doesn't necessarily have an incentive as he isn't the orthodontist. I've seen many circumstances in dental, medical, and pharmaceutical situations where it's a "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." and while the gain might not be an obvious financial one, there may be a gain of some sort or another.

I also don't buy into the notion, except in rare and extreme circumstances, of the need for orthodontics being a health issue. Compare the rate of orthodontics in the USA vs other countries in the world. We are all about having a perfect smile no matter the cost. (Here's an article that supports that: http://news.rutgers.digitalwave.ws/focus/issue.2010-03-02.2969546649/article.2010-03-30.4875992696 )

 

[ronandannette]

Hi Polly!

I think it depends on what the braces are for.

Is it pretty much JUST a cosmetic thing? In that case, I might very well skip it (and he could always get them as an adult then, if he wanted, and by that age might brush and floss better so as to not have such an effect on the health of the teeth).

My son has lots of issues with nasal passages not being right, and sounding very nasaly and sometimes struggling to breath (he has had surgery once already and will have a bigger surgery when he stops growing). His jaw was also very far out of alignment and that made these issues worse. So we felt he NEEDED to have the braces--but he is not great at taking care of his teeth the way he should and caused different issues (in spite of MUCH nagging from me) in that area while he had them. Had it been mostly for cosmetic reasons I would not have had him get braces for those hygiene/health reasons.

Our DS's was about 13 when the issue of cosmetic orthodontia came up. He vehemently did NOT want braces. His dental hygiene habits were (and still are ) less than meticulous. Given his resistance and therefore lack of motivation, even the dentist agreed it was probably a bad idea. I pushed at first until he finally said to me "Mom, am I really that ugly?" Point taken. He didn't get braces.

I agree with all the PP's that have said the OP's child would be grateful in the long-run, and I'm sure my DS would have too. Given his feelings though, and I was totally surprised how strong they were, it just wasn't a hill we chose to die on. He may make the decision to move forward on his own at some point (and we left that option open to him for as long as he is elegible for our insurance coverage).

OP, do talk this through with your son and see where he's at with it. FWIW, I agree with your comment that "perfect smiles" are a relatively recent expectation. Watch an old TV re-run from the 70's if you don't believe me.

 

[Ginny Favers]

Dentists are pushing braces earlier and earlier, even while first teeth are still being lost. I think they do this to increase business, not due to it being a necessity for either health or appearance.

I've had dentists tell me my kids need braces, starting at around 8 years old, and now, as teens their teeth are beautiful- really beautiful (which surprises me because I had braces from 12-16).

Remember, orthos have bills to pay, college tuition, and maybe even Disney vacations to finance. Don't let it be on your back if it's unnecessary.

I would not get braces that early. My DD is 8 and I have been told to take her to an orthodontist, something I refuse to do. Several of her classmates have braces, but I am reminded of my sister, who had a giant gap in her teeth when she was 8, which eventually closed up naturally as she grew up, giving her what was considered a "textbook bite" by age 12.

My parents got me braces at 12 for my overbite, and though I hated them at the time, it was 2 years of heartache for a lifetime of nice smiles. Very happy my parents did it for me.