Orthodontist bills while unemployed

EssentialParadox

I had braces fitted with the NHS when I was under 18, but now I'm over 18 I need to pay for any further treatment privately. But I'm also unemployed right now. I can get my dentist bills paid, but what about orthodontist bills? Does anyone know?

dmg24

Is the orthodontist NHS or private? If NHS, you will be covered whilst you are on income based benefits. If private, you will need to pay.

cifpower

http://www.dentalhealth.org.uk/faqs/leafletdetail.php?LeafletID=29

How much does it cost?

You can have orthodontic treatment under the National Health Service or as a private patient. National Health treatment is free for children up to the age of 18 and students up to the age of 19 based as long as there is a clinical need. Other people entitled to free treatment are patients on a low income, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Everyone else has to pay the NHS charges. There is no charge for treatment in hospital departments.

You will only be entitled to treatment under the NHS if your condition is serious. Minor problems may be classed as cosmetic and would therefore be charged privately.

If you decide to have treatment privately, the orthodontist will be able to estimate the cost of your treatment and give you details. It is always a good idea to discuss the cost fully before treatment and, if necessary, have the cost confirmed in writing to avoid any confusion.

Toothsmith

If it's still the same course of orthodontic treatment for the same problem, then the only thing that matters is when you started the treatment. If that was before you were 18, then it won't matter what has happened since, it will be free.

I can't think of a situation where you'd need 'another' course of orthodontic treatment that would count as a seperate problem? But I might be missing something!

littlerat

Hmmm I had braces on when under 18, and was told that as I started before 18 they were free - even it they took 5 years to finish, it's the starting age that counts. And nobody has asked me to pay anything yet!

EssentialParadox

Toothsmith wrote: »

If it's still the same course of orthodontic treatment for the same problem, then the only thing that matters is when you started the treatment. If that was before you were 18, then it won't matter what has happened since, it will be free.

I can't think of a situation where you'd need 'another' course of orthodontic treatment that would count as a seperate problem? But I might be missing something!

Oh, I didn't expect there to be any dentistry experts on here. I'll go into more detail…

I assume it's a pretty regular occurrence: I had my braces under the NHS and afterwards I was given a retainer to use every other night, but it's been a few years now and the retainer is starting to fall apart so I need a new one. I called my orthodontist and asked if I could simply have a new copy of the retainer made but they've said I've got to go in for a couple of appointments to have brand new casts taken etc. And it's all going to add up to £150. I guess I can stretch to that if I need to, but it's a thin line between necessity and what I can afford. But I'm even more afraid of my teeth moving back and paying out £4000 to have braces again. *worried*

Thanks a lot cifpower for the info. If nobody is able to give any more detailed info, I may just try inquiring further when I go in.

Toothsmith

I see.

If it's just a new retainer, your simplest way would just be to pay.

Your teeth should be well 'retained' by now, but it depends what you've been advised by the orthodontist. The only way to absolutely guarentee the teeth won't move is to wear retainers forever. Thy're very very unlikely to go right back to where they began though.

EssentialParadox

Toothsmith wrote: »

I see.

If it's just a new retainer, your simplest way would just be to pay.

Your teeth should be well 'retained' by now, but it depends what you've been advised by the orthodontist. The only way to absolutely guarentee the teeth won't move is to wear retainers forever. Thy're very very unlikely to go right back to where they began though.

Thanks Toothsmith. I'll ask my orthodontist what they think about my teeth when I go in.