Braces - US or UK?

[hare]

I am a dual citizen of the USA and England, currently living in the latter. Considering all significant factors (results, cost, etc), which country would you recommend getting braces done in and why?

Based on my research, it seems that braces are slightly more expensive in England given the exchange rate, but I would think the results should be the same if the materials and methods are the same?

[tartanhabit]

I'm a dual citizen too and grew up in England, now living in California and just got braces at 47. When I was growing up, I honestly don't think orthodontia was a big thing in the UK - I'm guessing it's caught up a lot more now! When I was at school hardly anyone had braces and hence I slipped under the radar and had a lifetime of not so great teeth. Here in the US, everyone is sharing their teenage braces story with me, knows someone who has braces as an adult etc, it's absolutely commonplace and because of that, I feel less self conscious as an adult having braces. I don't know if that would be the same in the UK.

For an 18 month treatment in damon braces, my cost in the US is around $6500. I had several consultations and the price was consistent with all. I think much of your decision comes down to finding someone you want to work with, convenience of location for adjustments, regular visits, emergency visits etc. Personally, I feel comfortable with my choice of doing braces in the US just because just about everyone I know here has had braces at some point in their life so it's not such a big deal.

[lazarus]

Where do you plan on living for the duration of your treatment? Considering the monthly visits, not to mention potential problems (loose brackets, broken wires, etc) or concerns that can arise, I would much rather have my orthodontist close by for peace of mind. For me, that would really be the deciding factor, as a good orthodontist should be able to work with you to get the best results possible, regardless of location.

[hare]

I'm probably going to be living in the UK for the duration of the treatment. Planning to get lingual braces, which is almost £8k with an experienced orthodontist - around $12k. That seems expensive to move a few teeth around, but hey, gotta get that perfect smile.

[tartanhabit]

Makes sense to go with where you are living. I wouldn't want to be doing transatlantic flights for an appointment. Good luck.

[AldoF]

From what I've been reading.. treatment looks to be less expensive in the UK.

[teeebeee]

At least in the UK you don't have to have treatment with anyone else...let alone in a gang!

I think most of the Brits on this site find it a bit mindboggling that treatment in the US is done with several people in one space. Possibly why it might look a bit more expensive here.

Whichever you pick, good luck but, keep whoever does it nearby...you'll need them!

T xx

[Viconia]

Hi Hare,

I agree with the above comments about getting your treatment done in the country you plan to live in. Most ortho's include the price of all of the appointments (and some include the retainers also) in the initial quoted cost. I would imagine going to an ortho who did not fit your brace would be costly and depending on the type of brace used, perhaps not possible at all.

£12k for linguals is very expensive though by the way, lingual on top and bottom at my central London ortho is £7.5k and includes the retainers at the end also. Not sure where in the UK you are or if you need any other devices/work done though of course.

Good luck!

[irnjaw]

[quote="teeebeee"]At least in the UK you don't have to have treatment with anyone else...let alone in a gang! :wink:

I think most of the Brits on this site find it a bit mindboggling that treatment in the US is done with several people in one space. [/quote]

Hi

What do you mean by this? What goes on over in the US? A communal dental surgery?

[irnjaw]

[quote="Viconia"]£12k for linguals is very expensive though by the way, lingual on top and bottom at my central London ortho is £7.5k and includes the retainers at the end also. Not sure where in the UK you are or if you need any other devices/work done though of course. [/quote]

The UK price was £8k, the OP was suggesting a US equivalent price of $12k

[ItsFreyja]

What do you mean by this? What goes on over in the US? A communal dental surgery?

In most US orthodontic offices (and many general dental offices too), there is a big room with several dental-chair workstations where all the patients are seen. This is so the orthodontist can quickly go from chair to chair as he is needed. Keeps costs down, I'm sure -- chair time is money!

I've never thought it odd -- I understand that US orthos have to be competitive on pricing -- but I can see how it would seem strange!

[irnjaw]

Thanks.

Yes it does seem strange to me. But I guess we're just used to what we're used to

[hare]

[quote="ItsFreyja"][quote="irnjaw"]What do you mean by this? What goes on over in the US? A communal dental surgery?[/quote]

In most US orthodontic offices (and many general dental offices too), there is a big room with several dental-chair workstations where all the patients are seen. This is so the orthodontist can quickly go from chair to chair as he is needed. Keeps costs down, I'm sure -- chair time is money!

I've never thought it odd -- I understand that US orthos have to be competitive on pricing -- but I can see how it would seem strange![/quote]

Wow, didn't realize that was the case in the US. Haven't had my teeth checked there since I was a kid. Does seem strange, and this is coming from an American.

But maybe I've just been living in the UK too long. Seems the stereotype here is that Americans are nutjobs. :P

[Featheryy1221]

I'm from the US and all the dental offices I know of have separate rooms for patients. The only ones that don't possibly would be large 'chain' dentistry places, but even then I think they do. I have never heard of a general dental office that is set up like an orthodontic office and you can very, very easily find one that is not set up like that.

Honestly, having all patients in one room is no big deal. It's not awkward or weird, you get used to it. I didn't know how I'd like it either when I first saw the setup, but it's fine. It's actually nice because you see others that are in your same situation. Some offices in the US have private rooms as well, so if that's really a concern for you, you can find one.

Ultimately get your braces done where you are planning on living for a few years, because otherwise it wouldn't make any sense.

[hare]

Well I braced myself and did it. UK since it seems that's where I'll be for the forseeable future. Looking forward to having a straight set of teeth that should be easier to clean and not feel like a bunch of angry wrestlers in a crowded room.