To get teenage dd braces

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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 ?

I would, it's such an important factor in self esteem and actually perfectly straight teeth seems to be the norm nowadays amongst young people. I refused them as a child and have now got them as an adult. I also have a cross bite and this was causing some problems with my jaw so this is being corrected too.

I see an Orthodontist has always commented- but I echo the sentiments. It takes ages AND then they have to keep wearing the mouthguard at night. Mine was getting a bit lax about it and it is surprising how quickly they start to move back.

I think it would also be useful to talk her through the realities of it. At the start, a wire pinged off the back of my DD brace and cut all of her cheek/mouth up. It can hurt. You can't eat certain foods for a long time. You have to brush carefully every night and clean with a little pointed brush to clean everything properly. Then at least she can make an informed decision.

Spending all this money because she has worked out that if she constantly keeps going on at you, you will eventually give in, isn't the way to make such a big decision.

Yes pay, if you can afford it and if you have a sensible DD who will look after her teeth.

I had NHS funded braces and jaw correction through my teen years. I didn't wear the retainers. Beautiful teeth for 2 years, then wisdom teeth came through and they're crooked again. I avoided the dentist because I was ashamed for years.

Im now paying £3.5k for Invisalign as gingivitis from being unable to properly clean between the gaps is painful and costing me a fortune in hygienist fees. And the wonky teeth are a constant reminder of my inability to follow instruction!!

The after care is the most important bit. It went over my head as a teen.
If she's not sensible, let her pay when she's older. She might value them more.

I would. Don’t underestimate the benefit both for her confidence and the state of her teeth as an elderly person. The Ortho says if bite is not ideal you get excessive wear on certain teeth when elderly. The price you have been quoted is reasonably or my tip to get cheaper is to go to a nearby village with cheaper real estate or an Ortho who is renting a room from a dentist rather than one who has their own building.