Outrageous Cost of Kids Braces

AussieDolphin on 30/05/2020 - 20:19
Last edited 03/06/2020 - 10:43 by 1 other user

Hello,

My 12 year old son needs to get braces. I don't have private health and apparently my ex-husband cannot help me pay $7,400 for braces. It's a lot for one parent! In my state, we only have two orthodontists but I'm sure there might be dentists that can possibly take care of this. I don't qualify for a health care card, unfortunately. I would like to hear from other parents who have had to get their kids braces without private health. Were you able to reduce the cost somehow? The dental benefits scheme doesn't cover orthodontics.

Thanks

Health & Beauty Dental

Comments

    • [Deactivated] on 01/06/2020 - 17:57

      Why does a high school kid need fillings? Some of us ascribe to the philosophy that prevention is better than cure.

      • Antikythera on 01/06/2020 - 21:46
        +1

        went to check when fluoridation of mains water began in Australia, 1960s. never thought about it until today, but I lived off tank water until the age of 18 so never got fluoride in my water as a kid. I wonder if that's why the dental vans targeted rural high schools.

  • mrvaluepack on 31/05/2020 - 19:43

    Go to a south east asian country for a holiday and get it done there. Total will be cheaper.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 31/05/2020 - 20:15

    $7400 is almost the cost of my car.

    So how much would it be if you had private insurance I wonder? Half price cheaper?

    • xuqi on 01/06/2020 - 12:01

      No, even a top tier health cover would cover only ~$1500 of the $7400. 'Great insurance ripoff' is what private health cover should be called.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2020 - 20:55

    Would it be cheaper to get private health care that covers this, and a lot more?

    • 777 on 31/05/2020 - 21:06

      Wait times

  • MessyG on 31/05/2020 - 21:18
    +4

    OP do you think your ex would be willing to go halves if the payment was spread over a few years? Over 3 years that's around a hundred bucks each a month, still a lot I know. It's cheaper than paying for private health insurance.

  • Blargman2001 on 31/05/2020 - 21:19
    +3

    Did the orthodontist say it absolutely 100% must be done? The dental benefits scheme doesn't cover orthodontics because they are a bit of a discretionary item. Sometimes we can't afford all the things we want.

    • AussieDolphin on 31/05/2020 - 23:42
      +1

      Yes he did.

      • Blargman2001 on 01/06/2020 - 01:11

        He said it must be done or he'll suffer for the rest of his life or must be done or it'll lead to increased risk of cavities and cosmetic issues?

        • Antikythera on 01/06/2020 - 01:23
          +6

          he said it must be done, or the orthodontist's kids might not be able to go on the school trip to Paris next year.

    • MessyG on 01/06/2020 - 09:08

      With overcrowding (which the OP mentioned) and a bite that isn't flat the teeth lose angulation and you get wear on the surfaces you shouldn't. This leads to increased cavities and malpositioned teeth which can cause serious issues with malnutrition in older age. The earlier you get them fixed, the longer your teeth last into old age. Most parents wouldn't put their kids through something as painful as braces just for cosmetic reasons.

      • Blargman2001 on 01/06/2020 - 14:03

        Cost to benefit is obviously not good enough for government to consider paying for it.

  • Piranha2004 on 31/05/2020 - 21:22
    +2

    When i got braces my parents paid monthly for 4 to 5 years. Im sure there might not be too many people with a spare 7 or 8 in the bank.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2020 - 21:40
    +2

    Fair price, stuff like a 10% discount if paid in full up front is common too

    My mouth cost just shy of 10k to get right

  • tokyocalling on 31/05/2020 - 21:43
    +3

    I got braces when I was 21 and had a payment plan with the dentist (paid a portion every time I visited for an adjustment - had braces for about 18 months). I went to a dentist who performed orthodontic work and the cost was much lesser compared to going to an orthodontist. However, NT may not have the same range of dentists who perform orthodontic work to peruse compared to Sydney so the quote you received is probably justified. It would also be worthwhile considering an orthodontist over a dentist if your kid's overcrowding case is more complex than most.

    I do want to point out that it's imperative that the retainer is worn frequently after removal of braces (I wore mine everyday/night for the first 6-9 months of removing). I know quite a number of my high school friends who did not do this and had to get Invisalign later down the track as their teeth had shifted significantly. Depending on the overcrowding and whether it affects the jaw/bite or whether it's mainly for aesthetics, adult braces could be an option.

  • Oz em on 31/05/2020 - 21:51
    +1

    Apply for child support change of assessment bad he has 50% care he may have to pay half.

  • Hotpotcorn on 31/05/2020 - 21:51

    i had Invisalign fitted- one of the best-known orthodontics in Melbourne and it was 7400 after upfront payment discount. so your quote was definitely not excessive.

    • Tongtong12 on 13/06/2020 - 05:41

      May I ask who is your orthodontic. My son need braces as well and I live in Melbourne too

      • Hotpotcorn on 27/06/2020 - 14:40

        smile solutions

  • md333 on 31/05/2020 - 21:55
    +3

    Might be worth trying some dentists.
    In Perth we had a referral to an orthodontist from the school dental care. Was very disappointed with the quote we were given after an examination, no options or discussion of what was to be done or why. It just said something like "class 1 bite" and a cost (very high) and plan of treatment (years).

    We discovered through a friend a dentist who does braces, and he was way more helpful, explained in detail what the issues were and options for treating it (including going back to the orthodontist) from what he said my impression was that Orthodontists have a code of conduct to only offer treatment plans pretty much aiming for perfection. Not sure if this is true but seemed to match our experience.
    The dentist was able to offer a much shorter treatment of a few months, which corrected the major issue of cross bite (one of the lower teeth outside the upper teeth) but not make everything perfectly straight. This seemed much more attractive, mainly due to the much shorter period of treatment, but it was also a lot cheaper. We've been very happy with the results, and there is now nothing visibly or functionally wrong with his teeth, as far as we can tell, and no issue according to his regular dentist, though no doubt an orthodontist would be able to find an issue.

    Everyone's case is different and this might not work for you, but we were very pleased and think it is an option worth looking into - does require finding the right dentist, but at least you should have more than 2 to choose from.

    • Dalton on 01/06/2020 - 00:44

      What was the difference in price?

      • md333 on 01/06/2020 - 01:45
        +1

        Just looked it up. Orthodontist quote was $6400. Dentist was $550 initially. Might have been another charge later of $100 or so. Bigger difference in price than I remembered, less than one tenth.

        I had $6000 in savings banked from not having health cover, but happy not to spend it.

  • jeka1103 on 31/05/2020 - 22:44
    +2

    I had braces about 15 years ago in Sydney, and my parents paid about $4000 at the time. I didn't have a significant overcrowding problem and didn't need any teeth extracted at the time. However, as an adult, I had wisom teeth issues (there wasn't enough room for them to grow in as no teeth had been extracted earlier…) and had to have them taken out. I opted for the surgery option to get all 4 taken out and it ended up costing me about $4000. So it's worked out roughly on par with what you've been quoted?

    My parents were on a payment plan with the orthodontist and it worked well for them. The cost of the braces is actually what prompted them to cancel private health insurance, as they realised they had been paying all that money and were going to get next to nothing back. As everyone has said above, see if you can do a payment plan with your orthodontist! Bear in mind that having braces is a long term thing, I had mine for just over two years and you have to have them tightened every 4-6 weeks plus there is getting and adjusting the retainer afterwards. You see the orthodontist a lot over the time you have braces, and they do a lot of work and assessment on you. It's not just $300 for a consult and perscription like some specialists charge.

    I know you've said your ex can't help pay, but just on face value of what you've said, it's not fair on you to be copping the full burden of the cost either. You've said your ex earns significantly more than you in one of the comments, you should at least ask if he can assist with part of the cost, esepcially if he has 50% custody of the kids. If he's taken a pay cut at the moment, ask for him to help down the track when things get easier for him.

  • Tech5 on 31/05/2020 - 23:25
    +7

    OP, do remember than most orthodontic cases are purely cosmetic, rather than functionally needed. Anecdotally, I would say about 80% are cosmetic with a minor bit of difficulty keeping crowded teeth clean.

    • MessyG on 01/06/2020 - 09:09
      -2

      Not correct, straight teeth with a correct bite last a hell of a lot longer into old age than angulated ones with enamel erosion as a result.

      • Tech5 on 01/06/2020 - 09:10
        +6

        Im a dentist. The word you are looking for is attrition. Erosion is from acid. And severely malpositioned teeth (to a degree where they are damaged) falls in the above mentioned 20%

        Don’t offer black and white opinions on something you don’t know much about. Sometimes no opinion is good too

        • MessyG on 01/06/2020 - 10:43
          -3

          I'm a doctor and the vast majority of my patients are elderly. I am constantly dealing a lifetime of bad teeth and the patients with well positioned teeth tend to have more of them and in better shape. I wonder what the orthodontists would think of your position?

          • Tech5 on 01/06/2020 - 12:25
            +13

            @MessyG: You should understand the difference between anecdotal evidence, as both you and I have brought up, and peer reviewed studies. The studies say that there are a lot more factors than just well positioned teeth when considering dental wear, tooth loss and decay. There are so many confounding factors. For e.g. A patient who had rich enough parents to give them orthodontic treatment, probably were a lot more health literate and careful in what they taught and fed their kids

            Since you are a doctor, I should probably let you know more about tooth wear and the elderly.

            There are specific cases where poorly aligned teeth will cause attrition. These are mainly either a class III skeletal malformation with either anterior edge to edge occlusion, or a reverse over jet. The other two are either a compensated posterior cross-bite with a shift into maximum intercuspation, or class II with a deep overbite and retroclined anteriors.

            There are a few reasons why the elderly may present to you with severely worn dentition. They are:
            1. A form of selection bias where elderly with many co-morbities are more likely to present to the doctor.
            2. Diet- acid intake such as lemon in water is a huge factor in dental erosion. I have seen patients at the age of 30 with stubs of teeth
            3. Lifestyle choices- chlorine in swimming pools for example
            4. As above with the co-morbidities, obesity is linked with a GERD as you well know
            5. Many medications that are more prevalent in the elderly community cause severe xerostomia. Caries is almost guaranteed to occur in those with dry mouth. Additionally, without the buffering capacity of saliva, acid attack is much stronger and more damaging.
            6. If you are dealing with the elderly now, that means they have dealt with a lifetime of G.V. Black style dentistry. That is, maximum intervention rather than preventative care. Loss of posterior dentition, heavily restored teeth all cause wear of remaining teeth.

            These are just some reasons off the top of my head why elderly present with worn teeth.

            Yes, severe malocclusion is one reason, but it is not the only reason.
            Show any orthodontist this post. I can almost guarantee you they will agree with me. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is a must when it is causing damage. This is the very basis of the IOTN used in the UK NHS system. Malocclusion below a certain threshold is not deemed a "health problem", only an aesthetic one.

            My problem with you is that as a Doctor, you are very knowledgeable in a lot of bodily systems that I would only have perfunctory knowledge about. However that does not mean that you can paint with broad strokes and say "incorrect" without qualifying your statement.

            You and I both know that black and white statements like that cause more damage and misinformation than any well intentioned good.

            • aussie bargain on 01/06/2020 - 22:41

              @Tech5: That is a very informative reply.
              Both my parents are in the medical field overseas (one is a dentist) and the comments do sound familiar.

              I wonder whether you have any thoughts about tooth grinding as a cause for worn dentition.

  • Jalif on 01/06/2020 - 02:01

    That's a standard price, but should include 2 years of adjustments and check ups.

    Invisalign can be done for about $6000, but your teeth need to be pretty good to begin with.

  • pomchu on 01/06/2020 - 07:52

    $10000 quote to get 1 implant, 2 crowns. Now that is what I call expensive.

    • Ash SA on 01/06/2020 - 08:43
      +1

      I went to India and got 1 implant, 3 root canal treatments, 3 crowns, cheap lodge stay, air tickets = $5500 :)

  • AEKaBeer on 01/06/2020 - 09:17
    +2

    As has been suggested try a couple of dentists first, of they can't do it ask them to quote the extraction costs. Dentists are much cheaper than orthodontists, in my case I wore away much of my enamel through acidic drinks/foods and grinding my teeth while I sleep. I went with an orthodontist after a referral. The process set me back around $4k, when the material they used (don't remember the name) to fill my teeth with degraded, I went to a dentist and they charged about a third over a few visits.

  • ogdenvilleoutlet on 01/06/2020 - 09:37

    Consider joining a Private Health Insurance provider and just stick out the 2 month waiting period! At least I think it's roughly 2 months across the board

    • Jono05 on 01/06/2020 - 13:22
      +5

      You’ll find that the 2 month waiting period is just for general dental services. For orthodontic treatment the waiting period is 12 months. You also accrue a certain amount that you can claim per year of cover until you reach the maximum amount. With HCF Multicover you accrue $440 per year up to the maximum lifetime limit of $2640 per person on the policy. So you have to have a policy for 6 years to be able to claim the maximum account. Health funds aren’t stupid.

  • FareEvader on 01/06/2020 - 09:56
    +2

    Braces in Melbourne from an orthodontist costs between $5k - $8k, so your $7k seems reasonable. They generally don't ask for $7k up front, usually a payment plan (no interest). According to my orthodontist, getting braces later in a little later in the teen years or even early adult years is better as it gives more time for your teeth to grow and develop but obviously it is different for everyone.

  • Boioioioi on 01/06/2020 - 10:43
    +1

    For anyone in other states, Universities sometimes have orthodontic clinics. I live in Brisbane and when I was younger got mine done at the University of Queensland dental clinic. Was about half price.

  • Cyphar on 01/06/2020 - 11:01
    +1

    Why is your husband unable to pay? Seems a bit ridiculous. Is he unemployed and unwilling to pay or does he believe that as he pays child support, he doesn't want to pay? With tax time coming up, surely he will have some funds to send you. This is something Child Support may accept for a change of assessment.

    • AussieDolphin on 01/06/2020 - 16:59

      His reason for not paying is that he had to take a 10% pay cut at work. I get $65 a month child support. He's employed and unwilling to help apparently because of the pay cut???

      • dailygringo on 02/06/2020 - 14:47
        +2

        the cost of orthodontics is given as an example of a ground of departure from the original child support assessment to meet the special needs of the child.

        Have a read of the DSS Child Support Guide,

        contact the child support line at Human Services

        for guidance in completing the form on that page.

        ask your orthodontist about the payment plan options available (let's say,0%, 7k, 2 years, ~$135 fortnight), and seek a change of assessment which fairly apportions that cost between both parents.

        hope that helps :)

        • Trance N Dance on 02/06/2020 - 17:29

          Orthodontics might be considered a special need, only if both parties agree that it is. If both parties don't then the party relying on the reason that it is will need to provide documentation that it is to petition the decision maker. Now that's just the financial side of things. The consent part is a whole different ball game and since the father has 50% custody, he could theoretically decline consent for treatment (unless there's an arrangement that all medical decisions will be made by one parent) and thus remove the special need from assessment for a change to child support.

          One reason why dealing with children with separated parents and joint custody is a pain, obtaining consent is a minefield (including financial consent).

  • Banana on 01/06/2020 - 11:14
    +2

    I got mine done in my late teens for about $6k. Parents paid the deposit, I paid the remaining on payment plan. Had a part-time job at the time to support myself.

    If the case is not urgent, why not wait till your son can contribute to the cost? Most of my peers who had their braces done earlier in their lives now have crooked teeth, as they were not diligent enough to wear their retainers after the treatment, while I have religiously worn mine even after 10 years. I paid a significant amount of money towards my straight teeth so I want to make sure they stay straight for as long as possible.

    • Quantumcat on 09/06/2020 - 22:17

      Great idea. I got braces aged 16-17 and only wore my retainer for about a year. Now there is an overlap of my smaller incisors over the big ones. Not enough that it is really obvious to look at it but very clearly feelable with the tongue. If you have to pay for it yourself you're going to make damn sure you look after it

  • AlanHB on 01/06/2020 - 11:38
    +1

    I know this sounds like a hard situation, but in the end the question is "how do I save this cash"?

    So on that note, break down your monthly income and expenses and see what excess you can save.

    1. What is your salary?
    2. What are your living expenses? (Bills, rent, food). Are any of these expenses higher than they should be?
    3. Where is the rest of the cash going, if anywhere?
    4. How much savings do you have?
    5. Can you sell anything you aren't using?
  • gromit on 01/06/2020 - 11:43
    +1

    Maybe it is just me, but that price doesn't actually sound too bad, subtract all the money you have saved by not insuring and it is a bargain. I had braces when I was a kid as well (~35ish years ago) and even then it cost in excess of $3k for my parents.

    PS: some dentists will help you out with finance or a payment plan.

  • gesco on 01/06/2020 - 11:45

    My guess is that you've excluded dad from the decision making process up until now. The first opportunity that he gets to make a decision you find out that he feels disenfranchised and he makes a decision that you don't like.

    • AussieDolphin on 01/06/2020 - 16:53

      That's not at all what happened. He knows our son has been monitored since he was 10. He was too young for any intervention at that age. He has been updated after every appointment. He doesn't want to attend so what do you expect me to do? The orthodontist has said my son needs to wear braces. His dad works in a different sector and says he doesn't need braces??? He isn't an orthodontist!

      • gesco on 01/06/2020 - 20:38

        Oh, okay, sorry.
        So you both sat down when your son was 10 and agreed that he should see an orthodontist and follow his advice? Now that the time has come dad has backtracked on the agreement.
        I can see how that would be annoying.

      • DrLobster on 01/06/2020 - 22:18
        +1

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/210382. Is this the same son?

    • [Deactivated] on 01/06/2020 - 18:02

      What is your guess based on?

      • gesco on 01/06/2020 - 20:47

        First hand experience.

  • HeyHeyHeyIsItADeal on 01/06/2020 - 12:35

    wait what? I thought this was a normal price? Uni student with braces that cost 7.5k direct payment plan with 4 tooth extraction

    I still need wisdom tooth to be removed (3) so its going to be more.

    • Quantumcat on 09/06/2020 - 22:21

      Do you definitely need the wisdom teeth out? I got 2 teeth extracted on the top as a teen, in my 20s got told will need wisdom teeth out but was too chicken to do it, now in my 30s they say I'm fine to keep them if I want to. If they are growing straight down and not sideways, even if they are only half poking out of the gum you may be able to keep them. Just have to make sure to brush right back there when brushing teeth as I have read wisdom teeth can be prone to cavities and getting an infection in there won't be pretty for treatment.

      • HeyHeyHeyIsItADeal on 10/06/2020 - 13:53

        I dont think so only the bottom two. The lower two on my jaw are sideways but the top right is just not there. Like I dont have any at all in that area but the top left is already out.

        • Quantumcat on 10/06/2020 - 15:19

          How weird you just didn't have one! Yeah I guess you have to if sideways. Darn!

  • Seraphin7 on 01/06/2020 - 12:45
    +3

    Does the kid NEED braces? I remember my parents refused to pay for braces when I was a kid despite orthodonist recommendation. My teeth are aren't "model perfect" (little about me is), but I've never once had any actual problems.

    • Trojan on 01/06/2020 - 13:20
      +1

      It's a want and not a need.
      My teeth are crooked and my parents couldn't afford braces so I still have crooked teeth - I didn't die from it.
      On the other hand, my daughter has crooked teeth and I chose to pay $6k for her braces (done by our dentist)

  • azndraon on 01/06/2020 - 13:00

    paid for mine upfront too, 6800. just go payment plan, or save up for it if you value it that much

  • lainey13 on 01/06/2020 - 13:05

    Don't forget, once you've had braces, you will need to wear a retainer or splint in the future, unless you want your teeth to move and ruin the investment! Speaking from experience, the year or two after is not adequate to prevent teeth movement.

  • annyfication on 01/06/2020 - 13:27

    I started braces in high school in 2004-2006 and mum paid $6k for 2.5 years of treatment with a moderate case. I think that's fairly reasonable considering inflation. I'm not denying it isn't a lot of money, but that price isn't outrageous for the treatment.

    I'm based in Sydney and things tend to be more expensive here, and it was more cosmetic in my case than clinical need.

  • denishdens on 01/06/2020 - 13:34

    Book a flight to India and get it done for about third of the cost

    • gimme on 01/06/2020 - 13:46

      Comment of the day… for many many reasons.

  • Thiessi on 01/06/2020 - 14:33

    My 13 year old is about 12 months into the braces process. It will cost a little over 8k all up including all appointments, treatment, materials and follow up consultations. The orthodontist offers a 15% discount if you pay up front but I wasn't in a position to do so at the time. Thankfully they do offer no interest direct debit with monthly repayments over 24 months so that is the option I chose. I would gladly pay 0.3-0.5% extra in tax to cover the cost of dental and ortho under Medicare.

  • RocketSwitch on 01/06/2020 - 15:39

    Why are ortho's so expensive?

    • p1 ama on 01/06/2020 - 17:43

      They're not, it's just that dental work in Australia isn't socialised so we happen to get a glimpse into what it's like in the US. Now you know how people in the US feel.

      • RocketSwitch on 02/06/2020 - 00:14

        Well, I quickly searched Google, SBS found: "When asked this question, industry sources unanimously gave greed as the major factor, but all requested their names not be publicised. “They charge so much because there's a shortage [of dentists] and they can charge,” a prominent industry leader told SBS."

        So, pricks?

        • p1 ama on 02/06/2020 - 17:58
          +1

          Why is there a moral argument? They charge as much as the market is willing to pay. Would you work for $30 per hour when someone else will pay you $60 per hour?

          The problem is that dental care needs to be socialised along with the rest of our medical system.

          • RocketSwitch on 02/06/2020 - 20:42

            @p1 ama: The market isn't really willing to pay since one third of Australians avoid going to the dentist anyway due to cost.

            But I agree with your last point.

  • hearitfromhorse on 01/06/2020 - 17:02
    -2

    The fees are criminal. And the industry is more deceptive than ever. No quote until after first consultation (meaning you're already a few hundred in). Then they map your work over minimum 18 months purely to charge monthly fees to reach the amount they want. Can guarantee you that the work can be done quicker. They're the Foxtel or Telstra of health care.

    • AussieDolphin on 01/06/2020 - 17:11

      You're right! I already paid $300 for xrays and photos.

      • ops2000 on 01/06/2020 - 21:07
        +2

        Xrays photos should be covered by Medicare.

        • AussieDolphin on 01/06/2020 - 23:47

          Apparently not the case for dental.

    • kr0nix on 01/06/2020 - 20:01
      -2

      You seem to be throwing out a lot of accusations without any evidence to back them up.

      Firstly, how can you expect a quote without the ortho checking the severity of the presenting problem? Your case may be significantly different from someone else's. Your expectations may be significantly different from someone else's.

      There are several factors that could affect the length, extent and ultimately, price of treatment and they can't give you that without seeing you.

      Can guarantee you that the work can be done quicker.

      Would love to see some evidence for this, otherwise I'm going to assume you're talking out of your behind.

      • hearitfromhorse on 02/06/2020 - 08:02

        I went through the entire experience myself. And my mother is a dental nurse at a practice which does it. "Evidence", what is this, a court room.

        • kr0nix on 02/06/2020 - 17:25

          Lots of people have medical or dental procedures done on them, that doesn't mean they can speak with the same authority as an expert in the field. I noticed you didn't address my first point.

          And with all due respect to your mother, her experience as a dental nurse doesn't put her on par with the specialist with many years of training and experience behind them.

          Reading your original post, you seem to have no qualms in painting an entire clinical discipline as an elaborate scam/cash grab, with each and every orthodontist being in on it, having provided only anecdotes to back up your accusations. Evidence isn't just restricted to the courtroom, it's required in all walks of life. Orthodontics is evidence-based practice. Here's an example, illustrating one of the most severe adverse outcomes of orthodontic treatment (root resorption leading to tooth loss), with one of the main causes being rushed treatment.

    • AussieDolphin on 01/06/2020 - 17:14

      Wow!I was married so the children are from that. I also didn't think I would end up divorced. Regardless there's no way to tell if a child needs braces until much older. The orthodontist couldn't confirm until now. I'll start a braces fund in case my other child needs them.

    • RocketSwitch on 02/06/2020 - 00:16
      -1

      What a stupid reply. Maybe don't comment if you cannot use your brain.

  • fozzie on 01/06/2020 - 17:45
    +2

    Well I’m in South Sydney and I went for the local orthodontist. The cost has been $8500 for one and $8000 for the other one. We did have extra insurance and we got back $2400 per child (mind you it cost us $100 a month, but we we got other benefits we were happy to have had it). Many horror stories regarding teeth, I would just go to the best orthodontist and pay in instalment (that’s what we have done for our two kids). It’s expensive but you don’t want to ruin their teeth by going to someone not qualified

  • Morphio25 on 01/06/2020 - 18:55
    +1

    Dental plan! Lisa needs braces.

  • lunartemis on 01/06/2020 - 20:12

    We paid around $8K and got about $2.5K back from the private health insurance. She still has them and was due to get them off but due to COVID19 and her bracket broken, it is now being delayed to July this year.

    • fozzie on 01/06/2020 - 22:59

      My daughters appointment was changed as well, annoying!

  • khomeini on 02/06/2020 - 01:19
    +2

    Remember, "a dentist who fits orthodontics does not an orthodontist make".

    I'll be taking my daughter to the orthodontist later this week. Based on her overbite, crowding, crooked teeth & (don't know the term) lower jaw being shorter, I'd envisage costs being double yours. I'll let you know what it comes out to for reference.

    Also, after attending previous cursory examinations from prior orthodontists and dentists with some orthodontist training, they refer all complex work to orthodontists. SImple braces and fittings can be competently done by dentists.

    My suggestion is to see whether your child requires complex work, if not - have them seen by a dentist who carries out brace work and get an idea of costs (look at their prior work). If its complex, go to an orthodontist. I have dentist acquaintances whom we meet socially so "can get a good price" but in our case, we'll be going to the specialists.

    PS. Also have private health insurance but we won't get much in return from them ($2k max) so focus isn't on saving via private health.

    • khomeini on 03/07/2020 - 17:40

      So for a quote yesterday for appliances, screw anchors, braces and retainers all for $10k from the orthodontist. (Apparently with a 1/2 cost on the screws).

      That doesn't include extraction of two teeth but all good.

  • payless69 on 02/06/2020 - 09:05
    +1

    We had one kid sorted by the Chiro cost less than a grand. (orthodentists refuse to enter a discussion) A body posture can cause endless issues.
    The other kid refused chiro and wanted braces, 2k but both over 10 yrs ago. Later wisdom teeth cost 4k. Kids come at a cost!

    • Tech5 on 02/06/2020 - 09:21
      +2

      You say it like refusing to enter a discussion is a bad thing lol. They'd just as much get in an discussion about the benefits of hula hoops on the re balancing of your chi.

    • Jugganautx on 02/06/2020 - 21:47

      You put 1k down the drain? I thought this was ozbargain

  • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 10:10
    -1

    You can always rush them to emergency dental, and then say they had pain.

    • Tech5 on 02/06/2020 - 10:20

      Can't get ortho at the ED, if that is what you are suggesting

      • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 11:08
        -2

        You can, first you need to love in the erea of a hospital, then let a grandparent whose on the pension to have them assign them to medicare.

        • Tech5 on 02/06/2020 - 11:09
          +1

          No you can't. ED's do not manage ortho. A full of braces takes 1-2 years and over 12-20 visits. Noone will consider ortho as an emergency

          • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 12:01

            @Tech5: I didn't say it's Emergency, geez that's what you keep saying.

            Well no point recommending it if all you'll do is label it a emergency.

            https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/OralHealth/patients_treat.html

            • Tech5 on 02/06/2020 - 13:41

              @[Deactivated]: Lol you called it "emergency dental"

              Either way, the sit and wait list for public dentists do not include ortho for in pain patients. Only basic fillings, extractions and possibly root canals

  • trapper on 02/06/2020 - 11:03

    Mine were about $4k or $5k 25 years ago, so $7,400 now sounds pretty cheap comparatively.

    If you kid has crooked teeth start saving now, don't wait till they are 12.

    That said it sucks for a single parent, especially if dad isn't going to chip in.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 12:07

      Thailand $1200, $300 per a revisit, Philippines the same.

      But only recommended if you know what your doing.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 12:13
        +1

        Anyone who knows what they are doing, doesn’t participate in medical tourism.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 12:32

          Well life is risk, but life with out risk is not life at all.

      • John Kimble on 02/06/2020 - 13:11

        But only recommended if you know what your doing.

        What do you mean?

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