Paying for othodontic treatment

[ToothlessFairy]

My (private, fee-per-item) dentist has referred me for orthodontic treatment, which I've been deferring for a while due to cashflow issues and depression. Having finally got round to getting on with it, I looked at the orthodontic practice's website and saw that they were quoting indicative prices of £1800-£2500. I can probably just about afford this if it's spread over the period of treatment, but I'm wondering if there's any way of getting help with this sort of cost? It's rather depressing to have to take that sort of cost on just when I thought I was finally going to be able to start saving after years of living hand-to-mouth.

I'll pay it if I have to, as it's something that could have serious repercussions later if it's not dealt with. I was just wondering whether there was something obvious I was missing...


(The worst thing is the prospect of giving up biscuits and other sweet things for the duration - so not even any comfort food while I'm watching the pennies. Still, thatshould help with the MoneySaving! :) )

[Savvy_Sue]

My only thought is that if you live anywhere near a teaching dental hospital and you are prepared to let students practise on you - under supervision of course! - you may be able to get the work done for a very good price. I'd have thought this would be possible even if what you want done isn't normal NHS work: they've got to learn to do more than just what's available on the NHS somewhere, haven't they?

I knew someone who thought very highly of the work she'd had done at such a hospital, but this was a long long time ago and I fear I have NO idea where dentistry is taught!

[Toothsmith]

You would need to be refered by your dentist to the dental hospital, and the waiting list could easily be measured in decades. It would be free though.

Why was this not done when you were a child?

PM me if you want.

Keep Smiling!