Several years ago at a routine checkup, our regular NHS dentist observed that DD might be developing a slight overbite and referred her for orthodontic assessment. We've had plenty of subsequent dental checkups and nothing more was said about this possible overbite. Recently (I'd practically forgotten about it) we suddenly got a phone call from orthodontist clinic saying we had finally reached the top of the waiting list, offering us an appointment.
At the appointment it didn't feel much like an assessment but more like "this will be happening" IYSWIM. We were told that there would be several appointments even before the braces are fitted (records, extractions, etc) and then regular appointments for the next 2 years. I had braces myself as a teen so I wasn't surprised, just nodded along and made notes.
But after we came out of the clinic, DD said that she doesn't want the braces. She says she is perfectly happy with her teeth and doesn't think she has a significant overbite (I argued the point that she's not the dentist, which she conceded). But her main objection is that she's now into GCSE years and doesn't want to miss so many lessons - apparently all her friends who have/had braces had them in lower years. She is absolutely adamant.
For context, the orthodontic clinic is not near school and would require huge chunks of travel time/disruption (no direct public transport links, would always require one of us to drive her). I did suggest we could mitigate it a bit by choosing very early or late appointments and trying to grab holiday appointments where possible.
DH and I are torn. On the one hand, clearly essential healthcare is the most important thing. On the other hand, how can we be sure that this is essential healthcare, and thus whether it overrides GCSE education? And finally, neither of us would want to make DD have this treatment unless it really is essential.