My ex-wife is pressing for our son to get braces, but the fact is... he doesn't need braces. He has a nice smile with two teeth slightly crooked.
I was told that braces are considered cosmetic and "personal preference" and I dont have to split the cost if I dont want to. That if she wants to get them, she is responsible for the cost. Any truth to this?
2007-09-24 02:53:21 · 17 answers · asked by redwing_nutso 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Are you a dentist ?
If your child needs braces then help pay for them, cheapo !!
2007-09-24 02:59:00 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
If your son is younger than 13 years old, I would say to wait. Our daughter's orthodontist told us that parents who put braces on their children's teeth any earlier than that run a higher risk of the teeth moving back into the original position they were in after the braces are removed. There may be another underlying condition you may not be aware of. I would make an appointment and go talk to the orthodontist myself to get the full story as to why braces are recommended. If this doesn't sound right, contact your attorney to dispute paying for splitting the cost.
And I am divorced by the way and not bitter.
2007-09-24 10:03:11 · answer #2 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braces are not always just cosmetic. If there is an alignment problem, it can cause a lot of problems. Sometimes a child requires braces even if their teeth look perfectly straight. Talk to your sons orthodontist to find out what the problem is. If he/she says it's necessary, you will have to share financial responsibility. Also, talk to your son about how he feels about it. If he's very self-conscious about it, it might be worth it to go ahead and get it taken care of. Your son's well being should be you main concern.
2007-09-24 10:07:26 · answer #3 · answered by tokyoroze 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends entirely on how your custody order is worded.
That aside, as a father AND an attorney, I would suggest you have a 'come-to-jesus' with yourself about the motivation behind not allowing your child to receive the treatment.
Is it because it was the ex's idea or do you honestly feel it is unnecessary?
If you finally realize this is a quality of life issue for your son and decide to participate, then you have the right to require copies of bills from the dentist and to verify that they are legitimate before paying for them. I would also insure that you pay the dentist directly and not the ex.
ALSO:
Make sure that you have full credit for tax purposes for the contribution to his medical treatments. Just because it is 'cosmetic' doesn't mean it's not deductible.
2007-09-24 10:28:50 · answer #4 · answered by hexeliebe 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If i were you I would just get a perfessional opinion, even if you dont think he needs them, and if the orthodontist says he could do with out then, tell your ex that she needs to pay for them, but you should help if you are able, braces make a big difference in self esteem issues later on.
2007-09-24 10:18:58 · answer #5 · answered by James 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the right thing by your son! Take him to YOUR dentist and have the dentist evaluate his teeth and bite. If your dentist recommends braces, pay for them!
I see so many adults that have horribly crooked teeth. The first thing I always wonder is why the parents never took care of the problem for the child.
2007-09-24 09:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by kja63 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The impt thing here is what does your son want? is he really wanting these braces b/c he wants to feel better about himself, or is your ex just trying to get some unnecessary cash out of you? if it's what your son really wants though, i would pitch in...he'll appreciate it even if it's not right away
2007-09-24 10:05:30 · answer #7 · answered by bishop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check what you divorce papers say about paying medical and dental costs. Have him checked by a dentist and if he needs them be a man and pay your share. He's your kid don't treat him like a piece of dirt because you and your ex don't see eye to eye, unless you want him to hate you for a good reason!
2007-09-24 10:03:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are other ways to get your teeth straight without braces and are cheaper. You are both responsible for the care of the child. But, I would check with his dentist and see if he really needs them or if there is a different way to go if she really pushes for them.....
2007-09-24 09:59:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
these days, there are "conditions" of the mouth for which insurance pays for braces.
sometimes, yes, it's not needed... other times it's recommended because certain conditions or crookedness of teeth can cause dental problems later in life.
2007-09-24 10:07:41 · answer #10 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way she is responsible solely is if you pay child support that means the money she get from Child support goes toward the braces combined with her money.So if you pay child support no you are not obligated but you could ask your son if braces is something he feels he needs or wants and you can be kind and help pay for them if you decide to do so simply keep the receipt send a copy to the child support center so that can be deducted from your support payments.
2007-09-24 10:02:50 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋