Braces

Firefly

OMG! Thousands of pounds is a lot of money. I guess we need to go to the assessment which I guess is as moj1966 described. Fizog I've read lots on previous threads about the measurement being 7mm and not 4mm.

Isn't it frustrating when they've delayed referring him, meanwhile criteria changes?!! Grrrr.

Toothsmith

The delay in referring him would most likely be because your son wasn't at the right stage at the last check-up, and if he's referred at the wrong time, it just wastes the orthodontist's time, and leads to longer waiting times for everybody.

The change in criteria means that kids are now assessed on a scale called the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). The hospital orthodontic service has been working to this criteria for a few years now - only seeing the more severe cases.

Now, specialist practices have to comply to the same criteria.(This is probably what you have been referred to - there are very few purely private orthodontic practices, as most orthodontics is still done on the NHS).

In truth, most people who still NEED orthodontic treatment will get it on the NHS.

What is being filtered out are the more cosmetic cases.

If the teeth are as you described them above, then it will probably qualify, but all your dentist was doing was warning you that it might not.

Firefly

Thank you for that explanation Toothsmith; it all makes sense. I'm sure I'm suffering from those parental anxieties that make you want to do the best for your child whilst at the same time worrying about not appearing on the moneysavingexpert DFW board.

We'll wait for the assessment appointment and go from there.

black-saturn

Hope it all goes OK. I had braces from about age 11 to 15 and it was the most painful time of my life. Almost as painful as childbirth :eek:

crystalmemo

nish wrote: »

I recently got a free consultation by a private dentist

The Invisilign would cost me £2-2.5K

Whitening £510.

He said he wouldnt even recommend getting braces for the gap but a filler thing instead?

I need lots of money!

Hi!

Can I ask where is your doctor and who?
I had been quoted 3.5K for Invisilign:(

Toothsmith

The treatment price is based on the length of time it's likely to take, rather than the system.

Yours might be a more complex case than nish's.

There can be local variations due to high cost/low cost areas, but remember you will have to see the orthodontist every 3-4 weeks for a couple of years, so a saving on the treatment price may well be ofset by travel costs and extra time off work.

Lifeisbutadream

Hello - just found this, as I was thinking about braces (as I am getting mine out on Tuesday!!! hurrah!)

I am 33 and got my fixed braces on NHS because of a 6mm overbite and overcrowding at the top.

My orthodontic is also currently treating 3 other adults - one of whom is 56!!

So I think there are quite a few....

Horasio

I wanted to get orthodontic treatment privately at aged 30 and they said I was too old. I had veneers put on my teeth afterwards.

Looking at this it looks like I could have done but it's too late now I have veneers:(

Lifeisbutadream

CCStar wrote: »

I wanted to get orthodontic treatment privately at aged 30 and they said I was too old. I had veneers put on my teeth afterwards.

Looking at this it looks like I could have done but it's too late now I have veneers:(

I was 27 when I was referred, but had to go to 2 dentists. The first one said to me, 'why do you want your teeth doing at your age?' which I would have found offensive if she hadnt been about 50 with wonky teeth herself!

Second dentist referred me straight way and although I had to wait a few years to start my treatment at the hospital and it has been very painful and annoying, it has been completely worth it.

I think I was lucky though - I dont think many people manage to get treatment on NHS. I will be making a donation to the hospital though when the treatment is completed.

Cluh_duck

i had my braces on the NHS. i was told when i was 10 that i would need them and i was referred to an orthodintics, and i herd nothing from them, then i was referred again to the orthodintics when i was 13 and i finally had an appointment a year later....and after another 3 years and various appointments i finally had them on. I've just had them taken off last month and i'm nearly 19! I'm now wearing a retainer for a year and then all my treatment should be over just before i turn 20 lol.

It is worth it though, i love my teeth the way they are though.