Need braces (I think), what do?

[mr_norris]

Before you read further, don't stress - this isn't graphic

Early last year I went to the dentist to get a filling put in. He moaned about my teeth, said that the teeth on my jaw are folding in. While they're OK now, down the line I was heading for trouble.

I sort of brushed it off.

I was then fortunate enough to get my teeth cleaned by another dentist (I didn't have to pay, yay!). He mentioned the same thing to me.

I figured that two different dentists having the same concern was something that I probably should be worried about as well - and for the last few months, it's been on my mind.

It's quite clear that I need braces (sigh, I wish I had when I was younger...). The problem is how to fund it. My idea was to go to an Orthodontist to get a breakdown of exactly was needed and take it from there, but I just have a feeling that the costs involved are next to impossible to cover at this stage in my life.

I've been assured that most Orthodontists who do all this can assist with payment plans. But I fear even that will be a mission to handle.

I'm open to suggestions here, completely at a loss at what to do or where to go. If the starting point is seeing an orthodontist, can anyone recommend someone in the Durban area?

 

[EMAM]

Our son has just got braces. You are looking at about R18000 if there is no other work to be done. All the orthodontists in cape town that I know of offer a payment plan. Ours worked out to R770 a month or a 5% discount for upfront payment. Hope this gives you an idea.

 

[mr_norris]

Aah thanks.

I think I'll need extra work done. The last dentist I saw said I've been grinding my teeth.

I forget exactly what he said I needed done, but braces was a definite start.

18k is a lot of money

 

[frailwings]

Worth mentioning. If you are worried about having braces for a long time as an adult there is a new method where each tooth is targeted individually. So basically instead of a single straight wire, the wire is bent for each individual tooth. The result is 2 years of braces down to 6 months.

It may be worth looking into any SA arthos using the tech, maybe they need a guinea pig.

 

[mr_norris]

Worth mentioning. If you are worried about having braces for a long time as an adult there is a new method where each tooth is targeted individually. So basically instead of a single straight wire, the wire is bent for each individual tooth. The result is 2 years of braces down to 6 months.

It may be worth looking into any SA arthos using the tech, maybe they need a guinea pig.

I'm not too worried about having braces for a long time. I'm more concerned about the financial implications :/

But thanks for the advice. I'll have to look around before doing anything, so perhaps I'll come across someone doing this

 

[Xiphan]

Braces are damn expensive and 10 years ago they cost my parents around 10k, well cost our medical aid 10k. I had mine done at an orthodontist in Musgrave Park so you can maybe go there if you're even in the area. I would also suggest finding out if your medical aid would be able to foot the bill or at least upgrade to one that can.

 

[mr_norris]

When I spoke to my dentist, he said that medical aids don't cover things like braces after a certain age, and I've passed that age :/