Is there anyone that can help me with this one? My 7 y/o was evaluated today because her dentist told her she may need braces do to an extra tooth that is growing. They determined that she does need them, but because she has many missing teeth that fell and also some were extracted, and because of her not having all "adult" teeth yet, she is going to not need braces this minute but later on. So, they are doing what is called a "phase 1" treatment, which is to take care of the problems before she needs the braces. This treatment alone is $2,000 plus. But, they didnt fully explain to me what exactly will be done. It's a dental school because i have no dental insurance. They told me she needs this treatment before they can put on the braces. Does anyone know what this treatment consists of??
2007-09-19 06:22:32 · 5 answers · asked by Mari 1 in Health ➔ Dental
You should talk to one of the professors at the dental school who is a dentist who can better answer your questions. May be possible to have a second opinion. Or wait until the child is 12 years and see what needs to be done then.
If the child has any present decay it is best to take care of that now.
2007-09-19 06:30:03 · answer #1 · answered by onlymscris_2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say why your daughter has "many missing teeth..." (what does "fell" refer to, exactly? baby teeth? poor gums?) nor why "some were extracted". Given that, alone, it might be worth getting a second opinion from an outside-the-school orthodontist, if only to ensure that the dental school isn't running a "butcher shop" or money laundering scheme on the side (I'm joking, but, just a little!). The links, below, may offer some educational background on the procedures.
As for the lack of insurance, some dentists (and schools) offer insurance at very reasonable prices (mine costs $300 for the year; all basic care is 80-100% off, with special care at 35-75% off, but it's only good at their office). External dental insurance may not be covered by your dentist, but it doesn't hurt to ask which ones they accept. FWIW, I added a couple of dental insurance links, too; some let you search by city, state, and even by dentist; just make absolutely certain that the plan you choose (if any) covers braces/orthotics; and do NOT enter any personal information unless you decide to purchase the insurance (pay only by the month, unless you get a significantly cheaper rate for semi-annual or yearly payments).
Good luck!
2007-09-19 07:20:47 · answer #2 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Holly what your friends think shouldn't matter if you need braces and don't get them it could cause some horrible pain to the overlapping teeth as you get older. Your roots start bumping together and boy do I remember that pain!!!!!! Don't neglect your teeth. Here's my advise: Do not do the clear!! Why? The clear is clear and basically invisible but they are very bulky and can be seen baring on your lips when you mouth is close. I have the regular metal braces with silver bands, they blend with the metal and they barely bulge! Good luck!
2016-05-18 06:50:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you should find out exactly what it consists of from the doctors who want to do it. You have a right to know what they are talking about. Period. They have a duty to explain it to you. My guess is they are considering doing things like having her get a palate expander or giving her a retainer to sleep in or something like that, but they should explain it all to you.
It does make sense that they wouldn't want to put her in braces now because she is very young and it is her adult teeth they need to worry about being straight and in order. I had a lot of orthodontic work done before I actually got braces. That's normal.
If she has cavities (or "caries"), make sure they take care of those!
2007-09-19 06:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by Ella 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be afraid to ask questions to the dentist..that's what they're there for.
2007-09-19 06:31:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋