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My estimated length of treatment was 30 months with July 2013 as my end date. My bite is still not right and I just can't see it magically straightening out in the next 4 months. I asked my ortho if I was close and he only said yes but offered no details. Does anyone know what happens with your payments when you exceed your estimated date? Do you have to pay more and start a new payment plan?
I'm driving a 12-year-old car. I planned to get a new one after my brace payments were done. I don't know what to think now. Not to mention I haven't been able to chew right since I first got the braces. I've been avoiding social events that involve eating. I feel like my life has been in a holding pattern these last two years. I guess it's just getting to me today.
Class II moderately deep overbite, mild crowding.
Braced on January 19, 2011. Debraced on December 16, 2013.
2 years, 11 months in braces.
With mine I have been charged for the complete treatment from start to finish so even if the treatment takes longer I won't get charged any more. I expect yours is the same. I can understand it must be really frustrating when you've been braced for so long and your deadline is extended but don't get disheartened. You've come this far and can't be far from finishing now! I would ask your orthodontist to give you an estimate so you have a date to work towards. I'm sure it will make it easier if you have some idea of when you'll be finished. Good luck, although I'm sure you'll be fine!
It depends on your financing and contract. With both my daughter's and mine at 2 different orthos, we have a set contract price that includes the treatment, all visits, and retainers. Mine also includes 2 years of follow up retention appointments at 6 month intervals. My daughter's does not include this as hers in on the dental insurance with strict rules and pricing in the treatment, whereas I paid out of pocket for mine.
Are you on a set contract like mine? Or does your office charge by the number of visits, or did they put some kind of clause in your contract about number of visits, non compliance, etc? You might want to check whether retainers are included, and also if you get retention visits as well. You don't want to skimp on those after all this, especially if your retainers are not fitting correctly, or get broken or something.
Now I would have to pay for new retainers if I lost or broke one. (actually, I'm getting Vivera retainers that I paid extra for, and they come in a set of 4. So if I lose/break one, I have backups!)
Most orthodontists (in the US anyway; don't know about elsewhere) use a fixed-price contract, for as many visits, and for however long, as it takes. Some charge by the appt., but that is the exception.
Thanks everyone for the replies. In looking through my records it does look like I was quoted a fixed price. I assume this includes the retainer (?) I have an adjustment in a few weeks so I'll ask them about it.
Class II moderately deep overbite, mild crowding.
Braced on January 19, 2011. Debraced on December 16, 2013.
2 years, 11 months in braces.
Marigold wrote:Thanks everyone for the replies. In looking through my records it does look like I was quoted a fixed price. I assume this includes the retainer (?) I have an adjustment in a few weeks so I'll ask them about it.
Yes, it includes the retainer. No ortho wants to have a patient go through all that money and hard work, only to have it rapidly relapse because the patient is short a few hundred for a retainer.
They will, of course, charge if you break the retainer, and mine charges if patient compliance issues during treatment necessitate a bonded retainer instead of the removable one originally planned for.
My orthodontist is charging me $6,500 but he said that was his "total" fee and it included all my treatment and my retainers plus follow-up visits. I get the impression that's the way most of them work but if you're concerned about it, ask the people who work at the front desk. They should be able to tell you. Good luck!
My ortho has a set price. So if they come off early or late, its still the same. Don't assume that the retainer is included. One of the places I went for a consultation did not include the retainer in their fee. It was extra and price depended on what kind I wanted.
My orthodontist also has a set fee and said it was the same regardless of how long treatment took. I am pretty sure that my retainer is included in the price, though. I guess I'd better check with him next time I see him!
See, here I was thinking it should be the other way around...if it goes past their estimated treatment date, they should give YOU some money back!! Guess it doesn't work like that. Oh well! I'll have mine like 1 week past the estimated "off date." I want some money back... Just kidding, I'll just be so happy to have them off after 2 years and 1 week!
My cost was around $5,500 for everything, retainers included, for as long as it takes.
Well that's exciting that you're getting them off soon. I have another two years to go. His original estimate was for two years but when I saw him last week he said STILL another two years. Grrrr! So it looks like I'll be getting my money's worth if nothing else!
Guess it doesn't work like that. Oh well! I'll have mine like 1 week past the estimated "off date." I want some money back... Just kidding, I'll just be so happy to have them off after 2 years and 1 week!