straightening Theeth

Man City 10

Would braces be ideal ??
And how much do braces cost approx. for a 15 year old 3rd year student
And does medical card offer any reduction or anything

looksee

You would be better to post this in the Dental Issues forum.

However, if you can establish that you have a medical need to have your teeth straightened, rather than just for appearance, it can be done through the school dental service (or it used to be the case, I am not sure what the current situation is). There would probably be a delay in organising it though so you need to make enquiries soon as you are in 3rd year.

Have you ever been to the school dentist? If you have and they did not suggest you need attention then it is unlikely there is a medical necessity.

If you just want it for appearance then it would not be covered and you would have to pay for it. It is expensive but you would have to go to a dentist to establish what kind of braces would be suitable.

Roisy7

A few years ago medical card would cover serious orthodontics, however cosmetic dentistry was not covered. Also they are very strict on what they call "cosmetic". If you can eat and aren't in pain, it's cosmetic, no matter how crooked your teeth are.

Also, I don't think braces are covered at all by medical card anymore. Regular check-ups aren't anymore.

The cost could be anything up to three grand and upwards, depending on what needs doing.

Ask your dentist but don't hope for much. You could wait until you're older and have the income for it (I'm 23 and that's what I'm going to do) or you could always go to Northern Ireland or abroad for it.

You have my sympathy, I have crooked teeth too and would love to be able to afford to get them fixed.

Ickle Magoo

Moved from PI

Think you'll get better advice here, OP. :cool:

helimachoptor

Roisy7 wrote: »

Ask your dentist but don't hope for much. You could wait until you're older and have the income for it (I'm 23 and that's what I'm going to do) or you could always go to Northern Ireland or abroad for it.

Going abroad or even to NI for braces is plain bonkers.

You will on average be going back every 4 weeks or more if you break a band etc (which will happen)

The savings you may make on the bottom line of Braces Vs Braces will very very quickly be eaten into with the price of petrol/tolls etc going up north.

Also if you're in school i doubt your parents will allow you a day off each month (the school wouldn't be too happy).

Because orthodontic work is generally long term (circa 18-34 or more months)
You can pay by instalment with most of them.

Roisy7

helimachoptor wrote: »

Going abroad or even to NI for braces is plain bonkers.

You will on average be going back every 4 weeks or more if you break a band etc (which will happen)

The savings you may make on the bottom line of Braces Vs Braces will very very quickly be eaten into with the price of petrol/tolls etc going up north.

Also if you're in school i doubt your parents will allow you a day off each month (the school wouldn't be too happy).

Because orthodontic work is generally long term (circa 18-34 or more months)
You can pay by instalment with most of them.

Sorry didn't think through the practicalities! What's this about paying in installments??

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Most orthodontist will allow payment over the course of treatment. Choose an orthodontist based on your comfort with them, their convenience to school or work and cost...in that order. Best go see a specialist orthodontist for a consultation. A proper consultation with X-rays and models will cost some money, a shorter consultation can be free sometimes but only gives you some general idea of treatment.

funkey_monkey

Sorry for the hijack, but what it the typical interest they charge on paying by installments?

helimachoptor

One of the dentists can correct me but if the price is 3k, you may get a discount if you pay upfront so you only pay 2500, where as if you pay instalments it's 3k but each ortho will be different

btkm8unsl0w5r4

generally dentists dont charge interest as they are not licenced to give credit agreements. A lot of people forget that you can go to a bank and get a loan to pay for dental treatment over longer periods of time.

funkey_monkey

helimachoptor wrote: »

One of the dentists can correct me but if the price is 3k, you may get a discount if you pay upfront so you only pay 2500, where as if you pay instalments it's 3k but each ortho will be different

What if you are not satisfied with the work done? You've paid all the cash - it would be more difficult to be reimbursed. Or does payment up front actually translate as 2 - 3 lump sums over the treatment period?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Dentist expect payment before treatment is finished, more patients "forget" to pay the balance and waltz away with completed work than are unhappy with treatment. Its no more an issue with upfront payment than with anything else you pay for before walking away with the item or service, like your grocery shopping, a car, holiday etc.....