Can a parent of the patient make the orthodontist take the patients braces off?

Question

So if there is a teenager that has braces, can her parent make the orthodontist take them off?

Answer 1

In theory, yes. The parent of a child is the person who determines what treatment is to be given to a child and consents to that treatment. If for whatever reason, a parent were to decide to instruct an orthodontist to remove braces, the orthodontist would really have no other option but to comply with the request. The only exception to this rule is when a treatment involves matters of life or death. A parent may opt not to agree to a treatment, but the physicians can request the courts to intervene on behalf of the child. Since braces are not matters of life or death, in this case it would not apply. The dentist might not agree, and the child may not agree, but it is the parent's right to make the call.

Answer 2

The parent is paying, the parent decides whether treatment CONTINUES or not. If the parent stops paying, and the orthodontist STOPS treatment. But physically, the orthodontist cannot touch the teenager without consent of the teenager.
How do you get around this stalemate? I cannot see there is any forceful method. I would suggest some form of counselling or mediation at the least before escalating the matter with some form of punishment. Approach the matter fairly and in an adult manner, allow the teenager to have the opportunity to act responsibly, but don't behave childlishly yourself.
What's the worse that will happen?
1. Either the teenager will be stuck with non-functioning braces for an indefinite period? No problem.
2. Or the teeth will rot because they're not keeping them clean? This would probably happen no matter whether they have braces or not.
I have no idea why you want the braces off, and would be interested to know. Is is for financial reasons, as a punishment for the teenager, compliance problems...?

Answer 3

Well, it is recommended that the patient keep her braces on as long as necessary, to receive the best treatment and results with her teeth. So, I don't know why the parent would want to have them off before the orthodontist says it's a good time. If there's a special occasion or such, I know people who have had their braces off for a week or so, for the occasion, and then have them put back on, but I imagine that would be pricy.

Answer 4

Yes, sometimes they won't want to but there is a very easy fix to that situation: go to a different dentist.

I had an orthodontist who wanted my braces on for 2 years and ruined my teeth, don't always listen to the dentist.

A lab coat and a degree doesn't make anyone right.

Answer 5

I suppose that the parents could insist that the orthodonitst take off their child's braces.

However, if the treatment is not finished, the teeth will not be in their final positions and may relapse.

And if the child does not wear their retainers, their teeth will become crooked again and the parents will have wasted their money and everybody's time.

Answer 6

Tell the doctor you forgot which teeth to put the rubberbands on and ask him to tell you again. If you don't it will only mean you have to wear the braces longer because what he's trying to fix, isn't getting fixed. Ask him how much longer you have to wear the braces. I'm not sure why you're afraid to ask.........

Answer 7

I'm a dentist.

Generally, yes, unless there is a distinct health issue for which orthodontic therapy is being performed that, if left untreated, amounts to neglect. In such a case, the answer would be no.

Answer 8

Only if the child is under 18, and it is
medically reasonable
If its an emancipated minor = no

Answer 9

Probably, especially if the parent paid for them.

Answer 10

3 pickled peppers! ~ oh I mean, yes.