Any dentists/orthodontists on? Kids braces

Any dentists/orthodontists on? Kids braces

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The OG Jester

Original Poster:

202 posts

19 months

Tuesday 25th June
quotequote all
My 14 y/o had a visit with the Orthodontist today after waiting 15 months for an appointment. I thought given our own family dentist had recommended a visit to the Ortho Clinic (and an obvious turn in of her front teeth) that braces would be an option.

Less than 30 seconds of a visual inspection I have the guy tell me she doesn't meet the criteria for NHS braces as her deviation isn't 4mm or greater.

Where would I stand on this as when I was a kid, I was referred and treated by an NHS dentist with braces. In this case I we were referred to a private clinic, refused NHS treatment and given a quote of £2,250 (minimum) to go private. I had the quote sent to me before I'd even left the building!

Why do I feel a little mugged off about this? Can I get a second opinion especially as our own dentist referred her? Surely he would have known the criteria before hand? Again feeling a bit mugged off, I pay to go private do they then get a referral fee?

Yes I can afford to do it, but what about other parents that can't?

ThingsBehindTheSun

897 posts

36 months

Tuesday 25th June
quotequote all
The OG Jester said:
Yes I can afford to do it, but what about other parents that can't?
I don't know, it is a horrible thought that children have to have crooked teeth because the do not meet the NHS requirements and their parents cannot afford it.

My daughter had braces when she was younger that we paid for, the weird thing is she really wanted them. When I was at school, having braces would have been a green light to be mercilessly bullied.

The braces were a complete success, but then she didn't bother to ever wear her retainer. They have pretty much gone back now so she will be looking at Invisaline next (another £4K) all because she wouldn't wear the retainer.

Teenagers, stupidest people on the planet who think they know better.