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Children's health

Braces - for teeth not trousers!

7 replies

glinda · 08/04/2009 11:12

One of my 13 yr old dd's front upper teeth is a bit crooked. I asked our dentist about whether a brace would help and he was really dismissive. Obviously we would have to pay to have it done privately but he seemed to think that:

a.) I was being very shallow and the cosmetic problem was very minor.

b.) That dd would have to wear a retainer every night after the brace came off to prevent the tooth returning to its original angle.

I probably am being shallow, but I see many of her friends wearing braces for less obvious reasons and she is becoming more self conscious about her tooth.Does anyone have experience of braces for this reason? Should I book in with an orthodentist (correct term?)for their opinion despite my dentist's views? Any idea how much it might cost?

Thanks for any advice in advance

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smudgethepuppydog · 08/04/2009 11:50

How does your DD feel about it? If she wants to have her teeth straightened and you can afford it, go for it.

I know that where I live only the very worst problems are now sorted out via the NHS. My DD had severe overcrowding and her teeth were done through the NHS but it was an uncomfortable time for her.

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glinda · 08/04/2009 12:43

Obviously she wouldn't enjoy it but she thinks that it needs doing. Her Dad has the exact same wonky tooth and I catch her looking suspiciously at it!

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smudgethepuppydog · 08/04/2009 18:49

Lol, no it's not pleasant but DD found the whole thing worthwhile in the end. DD had to give up some foods(like apples, polos etc) and it did hurt her when the braces were tightened but copious amounts of painkillers helped her through that. She did have to wear a retainer for a while and probably hated that more than the brace itself but she loves her teeth now. I don't think there's anything shallow about getting the treatment if it's within your means.

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smudgethepuppydog · 08/04/2009 18:51

PS...Get it started sooner rather than later. My DD's biggest regret is that she had her brace in when she went to her Prom. If we'd been able to pay for her treatment we could've had it sorted by then.

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Claire2009 · 08/04/2009 18:54

Seems strange that a dentist would want to dismiss it?!
I'm thinking, dismissing means less money for him iuswim...

I'd call the orthodontist and see what they think, then can then measure her up for a brace. Not sure how much it'll be but my Sister used to wear a reatiner brace for 4hrs a day a few years ago.

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smudgethepuppydog · 08/04/2009 19:02

Claire, opnce my DD was fitted with her brace she saw the orthodontist more than her dentist. The dentist just did her usual check ups, all the other work was done at the orthodontist so the dentist wouldn't be losing any money.