Metal Mouth Message Board

I have only had my braces on since July 14th and today I went for my first adjustment. I have ceramics and regular metal. I'm not having any extractions or spacers or any of that fancy stuff. My teeth are widely spaced and I have an overbite, so as far as orthodontics are concerned, my problems are pretty simple.

So anyway, I got finished with my adjustment today and I began to wonder what it is about my orthodontia that costs $5000. I mean the little brackets and archwires can't possibly be that expensive and the ligs and chains are made of rubber. I know the doc's time is worth money, but he probably spent two minutes tops with me today!

I am not whining or complaining --- just wondering exactly what it is about orthodontia that makes it so expensive. Have any of you wondered that too after you began experiencing it?

Erin

Hate to say it, but I'd pay 2 or 3 times as much as that if it meant straight beautiful teeth. Worth every penny.

Oh, I agree completely and since I'm not even paying for my orthodontic treatment, I'm certainly not complaining. Just wondering what the big expense is -- maybe it's some part of the treatment that I haven't encountered yet.

Erin

As far as I know you spend a few thousand on just the materials used and the time, then the orthodontist adds extra to pay for there time with you and just go for getting the new convertable they wanted

SDFD TSchott

You're paying for their student loans. Here's what the American Assn of Orthodontics says:

"Orthodontists are qualified dentists, who after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time university-based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two to three academic years—sometimes more. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely educated experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws."

So that's 2-3 years on top of the 8 it takes to get a dental degree.

I am not whining or complaining --- just wondering exactly what it is about orthodontia that makes it so expensive. Have any of you wondered that too after you began experiencing it? Erin

I never really wondered about it, but I did think about it. Knowledge costs money, and so does the use of that knowledge. As with any profession, services are almost never free and usually tied to the amount of education one has. You want an expert? It's going to cost.

- Missing Tooth -

Yeah, but what if your orthodontist graduated last in his class?

Erin

oops, there's another thing to ask at that consult -- can I see your complete school transcripts? LOL

I dont think dentist is an eight year degree, almost certain.

In the UK it takes a total of 13 years to become a fully trained consultant orthodontist, so that's where your money goes. You're paying for his skills.

I dont think dentist is an eight year degree, almost certain.

Do get a DDS or DMD you need a 4 year college degree followed by 4 years of Dental School. Then any additional training that you may have (AEGD, GPR, etc). Then to become an Orthodontist you will spend another 2-3 years in school to specialize. And of course there are some people that get a masters or other training in there. So to be a Dr. you need a minimum of 8 years of schooling.

Regards,
Rory

I can second the "you're paying for their schooling" comments. Next fall is my 10 year high school reunion, and I know a bunch of my classmates are still in school because of their professional goals. My one friend just became a dentist last year, which would have been, yup, 8 years of full time school. If he was going to be an orthodontist he'd still be in school now.

Also, dentistry isn't exactly a glamourous field. You really couldn't pay me enough to have to go look into other people's mouths all day. Especially since many many many people out there completely neglect their teeth and have rotting gums, extreme decay, bad halitosis... Ugh!

But those people don't go to the dentist!

Actually, I think there are lots worse fields in medicine -- gynecologist, podiatrist and proctologist to name a few. When I used to ride the subway to work, I'd look around at some of the people and think, "Boy, I'd sure hate to be YOUR doctor and have to poke around all YOUR nooks and crannies!" I can only hope that most people shower and brush their teeth before heading off for an appointment.

Erin

They do go to the dentist though! When the pain of rotting teeth gets so bad that even THEY can't stand it. So the poor dentist gets the worst of it.

But I agree with you about gynaecologists and procologists having a worse deal. You wouldn't catch me poking about in somebody's nooks and crannies. If I'd had the brains to go to medical school I wouldn't have chosen any of those disciplines!