Want braces but can’t afford them

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Comments

  • brook2jack
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    edited 6 December 2017 at 10:17PM
    The average length of time for fixed braces is 18 months and adjustments are needed every four to six weeks.
    Even aligner type braces will need 8 to 12 alligners plus retainers with associated visits.


    Braces are absolutely not suitable for Dental tourism because of the number of visits needed and that’s without any breakages , brackets coming off etc which happen with any brace treatment.

    No reputable dentist would do any type of treatment based on just an opg , they need to someone in person.

    Also due to radiography rules in the U.K. meant to keep exposure to a minimum , few , if any U.K. dentists would be happy to take an OPG without clinical justifications of their own.
  • the_gardener_2
    the_gardener_2 Posts: 84 Forumite
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    edited 6 December 2017 at 10:49PM
    brook2jack wrote: »
    No reputable dentist would do any type of treatment based on just an opg , they need to someone in person.

    Also due to radiography rules in the U.K. meant to keep exposure to a minimum , few , if any U.K. dentists would be happy to take an OPG without clinical justifications of their own.



    Not my experience, someone will need to do the OPG. Just looking at flights to warsaw in January 35 pounds return from STN,


    There are dentists who do assessments in London for foreign treatment.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,073 Forumite
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    Ok - but what if a bracket comes off your tooth tonight? What’s the cheapest flight to Poland in the next couple of days?

    Just what is your ‘experience’?

    Even the clinics themselves don’t advertise themselves as places to go for braces! They’re more qwik-fit implants & veneeriology bucket shops.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • brook2jack
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    Because,according to regulations, a dentist has to justify each and every x Ray they take , grade and report on it , it isn’t not enough that someone comes in asking for an x Ray for treatment that will be provided by another practitioner. Especially as an OPG is not sufficient to do a proper treatment plan and needs to be used in conjunction with seeing the patient and doing other tests. Dentists radiation protection training strongly advises against this.

    It is a different case if a practitioner gets a written referral for an x ray as often happens when eg an orthodontist is a bit worried about a tooth and will ask the dentist to x ray and treat , as necessary.

    Even at £35 a flight the costs for 12 or more visits that a brace may require will soon add up , plus extra appointments for brackets off, broken retainers etc.
  • peachyprice
    peachyprice Posts: 22,346 Forumite
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    edited 7 December 2017 at 9:10AM
    Just an idea ..........are you located anywhere near an airport where you can get cheapo flights to err Poland or somewhere similar.


    You might find it handy if you can get an OPG on an optical disk so that it can be emailed save a trip for the initial consultation

    Could work out just as expensive once you've been back every 4-6, sometimes 2, weeks for moulds, adjustments, repairs!

    Braces don't just get put on and left to work, not even in 'err Poland'
    Accept your past without regret, handle your present with confidence and face your future without fear
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