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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get teenage dd braces

54 replies

Ilovemycatalot · 31/10/2022 10:16

Hi just wanted an opinion. My dd has been refused braces on the NHS but desperately wants them. I could just about afford it on a payment plan but it’s a big commitment financially and I hate having things on credit. Should I just suck it up and get it done? I know straight teeth have many benefits but her teeth are not awful and who realistically has perfect straight teeth. However all her friends are getting them all NHS funded which grates a bit when I’ve got to pay but that’s life I guess. So my question is it worth making the financial sacrifice? How important do you think it is ?

OP posts:
Original poster
Ilovemycatalot · 31/10/2022 10:51

She takes very good care of her teeth is very image conscious.

OP posts:
pjani · 31/10/2022 10:52

My suggestion is that you split the cost and she gets a job and contributes. Even if she’s paying you £5 a week upping to £10 a week as she gets older, I think she can contribute.

(I say this as I got my first retail job at 14, I did 3 hours a week so it wasn’t a problem with schoolwork)

MrsLargeEmbodied · 31/10/2022 10:52

i would go with the NHS suggestion
otoh retainers are a very good point
dd managed to be under orthodontist, had braces but the retainers were not something we had considered
no idea if she still has these.

notanothertakeaway · 31/10/2022 10:53

Is your DD willing to do chores toward money to contribute? That might be a way to test how important it is to her

I would do it. I dont know anyone who regretted having braces, but I know plenty who regret not having them

LookingAtYou · 31/10/2022 10:54

Well if her df has offered 1k towards then definitely! £1675 is a great price.

'The grading system is pretty sensible and yes unfortunately a 3 will not be funded by the NHS.'

Some are. It does seem discretionary, one of ours got theirs funded and they certainly weren't grade 4s or 5s.

MrsLargeEmbodied · 31/10/2022 10:54

can you placate her by seeing if she needs glasses?
my own teen dd went through the same request, it was advised by the orthodontist she didnt need them
she forgot about it
just because friends have braces seems a ridiculous idea.

BlackberrySky · 31/10/2022 10:54

Just over £1.5k for a lifetime of straight teeth is a worthwhile investment in my opinion (given your ex will pick up the other £1k).It isn't about vanity; like it or not, people judge appearances and unsightly teeth can affect your career opportunities in some cases. I would do it if you possibly can. I have two DC with braces at the moment, one qualifies for NHS funding (grade 5) and the other doesn't (grade 3).

LookingAtYou · 31/10/2022 10:57

'Is your DD willing to do chores toward money to contribute?'

She's 14! She shouldn't have to contribute towards orthodontic treatment.

If you can afford it, even on a payment plan please do it.

MrsLargeEmbodied · 31/10/2022 11:03

might they become worse in future do you think op?

Reluctantadult · 31/10/2022 11:03

I'm not clear, does she want braces because she wants braces? Or because she wants straight teeth? If it's the former then I wouldn't. The money for one thing. But they're also pretty horrible to have! I found mine painful and made my face ache. If it's because she wants straight teeth then maybe, if you are confident she'll also wear the retainer religiously.

Original poster
Ilovemycatalot · 31/10/2022 11:06

She wants braces because she wants straight teeth. She says she’s embarrassed to smile but not sure how true that is.

OP posts:
ZandathePanda · 31/10/2022 11:10

Quite a few of my Dds friends had braces at that age but now their teeth are all over the place as they couldn’t be bothered to have the retainers in at night.

MrsLargeEmbodied · 31/10/2022 11:15

i would revisit in a year or so op

BlackForestCake · 31/10/2022 11:18

Been quoted £2675 her dad (we are not together) has offered £1000 towards it.

That is nothing for a lifetime of beautiful straight teeth. I wish it had even been mentioned as a possible option when I was 14.

Londono · 31/10/2022 11:21

I expect to be in a very similar position soon with DD, we are still waiting for the NHS orthodontist referral but dentist has warned us that it is unlikely to be covered. Although my EXDH will not pay a penny. I think I'll get the braces as it will make such a difference to her.

Minniem2020 · 31/10/2022 11:24

I've always hated my teeth and it has really affected my self esteem. I now have braces age 38, I really regret not getting them when I was younger. If they are affecting your DD and it is something that's affordable for you then I would get them. She would have to make sure she looked after her teeth afterwards as in using her retainers etc though as at that age it will be very easy for them to move if she doesn't.

Turquoisa80 · 31/10/2022 11:25

My ds aged 14 is having them soon on the NHS and I'm so grateful as I couldn't afford them otherwise., he has an 8mm over bite and it's noticeable. If you can afford it and it boosts her confidence.. Gi for it

Energeticenoch · 31/10/2022 11:27

Absolutely do it. My eldest didn't qualify for NHS, I paid, and it's worth every single penny to have lovely teeth. I will do the same for youngest. Middle got them on NHS

luciaann · 31/10/2022 11:36

NHS treatment you have to be a 4 and above. It's really hard to get nhs treatment now. If you can afford it I'd pay but it's a lifelong commitment so your DD needs to know there will be a lifetime of retainers etc. she won't be able to eat certain foods and she'll need to be on top of her oral hygiene

luciaann · 31/10/2022 11:37

That's a really good price OP. Check for hidden fees such as photos, study models, X-rays and retainers though too

Sixsmith · 31/10/2022 11:42

lannistunut · 31/10/2022 10:29

Do you have a 'slight over bite and cross bite'? If not that is not really relevant.

Many adults have teeth far more crooked than the NHS would allow these days.

Show quote history

Yes I do have an overbite, no need for you to be such an arse

lannistunut · 31/10/2022 11:45

Sixsmith · 31/10/2022 11:42

Yes I do have an overbite, no need for you to be such an arse

Show quote history

That was a very grumpy response and unnecessary - my point was is your overbite slight? Or is yours actually quite bad because you are older and braces were less available?

Try not to be so easily offended, it is bad for blood pressure.

LookingAtYou · 31/10/2022 11:45

'I wish I had done it, I really do. Hate my teeth'

It's never too late! I had damons in my 30s. On for 6mths, best 2k I've spent.

Sixsmith · 31/10/2022 11:46

This reply has been deleted

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Gloschick · 31/10/2022 11:48

I'm not a dentist but have a dc with overbite. My understanding is that it needs treating whilst they are growing to encourage lower jaw to grow. If your dd is already 14, are you sure it will work as she might have stopped growing now.

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