Six-year-old needs ORTHODONTIA, boo hoo

[ReneeW]

I took my DDs to the dentist today (ages 6 1/2 and 3 1/2) and I KNEW my six-year-old had teeth that would require orthodontia someday. BUT ... today our dentist recommended seeing an orthodontist now because she needs to have some work done before her jaw stops growing, which is around age 9 apparently.

So I'm trying to be 'zen' about it, but DH and I were really, REALLY not expecting to have to pay for thousands of dollars in orthodontia bills at this point. I mean, when my kids are 12, sure, we expect that'll be on the horizon. But at age SIX? Aurgh .... my bank account is crying as we speak.

So I'm trying not to stress too much about this added financial burden, but it is tough. At the same time, we kind of have to do it now (or at least in the next two years) because if we wait it'll be too late to fix these problems. Has anyone else had this happen?

[lilmermaid]

Don't worry.....YET!
This first appt is just to get a look at everything to see what may need to be done eventually.(Mine was a free consultation appt.) My DD1 who is now 8 had her's looked at last spring. We talked about a few things. Since she also has an extra tooth so we need to get that taken care of first. Then we can go back, that's when the back account starts suffering! I'm hopeful they have payment plans!!!!

We were just in yesterday for their 6 month appts and now DD2 needs to get a referral in a few years too!!!! ARGH!!!!! She is only 4.

My DH had braces but I have perfect teeth so I'm hoping DD3 will get my teeth, LOL!!!!

[bunsy]

2 of my kids had an expander and braces starting at 8 or 9. A crossbite is only fixable before the roof of the mouth is completely firm. They then required braces AGAIN at 12 or 13. Sigh.

The orthos I've checked with have payment plans. Good luck.

[bunsy]

Also remember their are worse things in life than crooked teeth. Don't feel bad if you can't swing it as soon as the orthodontist recommends. It isn't QUITE as serious and life-changing as they make it sound.

[ReneeW]

That's a good point, Bunsy. It's not life or death ... but I also know that we should do it now if possible. I'm hoping that if we have enough notice we can start saving for it or at least looking at budget revisions to work in the payment plan. (Big sigh.) That's exactly what it is, too -- a cross bite that needs to be corrected before the roof of the mouth is set.

[love]

Don't most people need ortho care? I would not be shocked if someone told me my son has to....I always thought most did. Or you must be lucky!!
MOST places will set up a payment plan with you. I think you pay a fee monthly. I remember the monthly braces visit and always handing them a check. To me oral care and straight teeth have always been a big deal.

[supermommy]

DS1 for sure is going to be in the same boat. He either is going to have a cross bite or an under-bite, too soon to tell which. I will do anything in my power to fix it, I went through hell as a child and teen because I had a cross-bite--mostly under-bite though. I NEVER smiled, I was so self conscious. I begged and begged my parents to fix it and they were to selfish and didn't pay for braces until I was 19, it was beyond awful. It IS a big deal and I feel terrible to have passed the gene on so I don't care what I have to do to fix it for my children I will do it and do it as soon as I possibly can. I have to kindly disagree with Bunsy on this issue and say it is serious and can be life altering if the teeth are bad enough. A few crooked ones no not so much, but in my case it was...it meant everything to me to look normal and to be able to smile with confidence.

[smalltowngirl5]

DD has been seeing an ortho since she was 3. She has a cross bite, so they are monitoring her growth and jaw movement as she is getting her adult teeth. Try not to worry, most sit down with you ahead of time and lay out all the financial aspects for you so you can work out a payment plan. I feel fortunate we haven't had to pay anything yet, but once they start the work, the payment plan kicks in. Good luck.

[ReneeW]

Wow, thanks Ladies! It's nice to know that my family isn't alone in this. We have a consult in a few weeks so we'll know more then. :/ Ah well. I realize that the vast majority of the population needs braces, I was just a bit shocked to be discussing it so early!! I thought we had until she was 12 or so, but it is what it is.

[elizac]

I don't agree that most need braces. I think our culture dictates a lot in this matter.