Should I begin orthodontic treatment?

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#1 Post by **ssfw** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 3:07 pm

I went to my orthodontist (my original orthodontist retired) a few months ago to have him check on the fit of my orthodontic retainer (I still wear it a few evenings a week). I know a few people that have gone to this orthodontist and their outcome was great. I asked him his opinion of how my teeth were and if he felt I needed additional orthodontic treatment. He said I had a minor crossbite on my left side and had a 5 mm overjet. My initial orthodontic treatment about 12 years ago was to straighten my teeth - there was alot of crowding on the upper and lower.

Both my orthodontist and dentist said if I didn't get orthodontic treatment to correct the crossbite and overjet (the orthodontist told me he could probably decrease my 5 mm overjet to 3 mm) it should not have a big effect on my overall dental health.

I need to make a decision soon due to the flexible spending account and if I do proceed with the orthodontic treatment I will begin in January 2006. My thoughts are that I already spent about $3500.00 and 11 months in braces years ago. If I get braces again it will cost about $6700.00 (lower if I don't need the braces on the lower jaw) and 12-20 months in braces (depending if I needed to get the lower braces - he won't know until were about half-way through the expander and braces on the upper jaw). I thinK I will probably need braces on the upper and lower jaws. He will also correct some minor shifting that I had from my previous orthodontic treatment. I will need to wear the retainer forever after my braces are removed (all day for a few months then just in the evening after that).

I do know that if I don't begin orthodontic treatment in January I probably won't consider it again because I'm already in my mid 40's.

I have seen some pictures of the decrease in overjet (mine will be from 5mm to 3mm) and it seems it would make a difference in how my teeth will look.

What are your thoughts on this?

ssfw

#2 Post by **bub1958** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 3:45 pm

ssfw, It seems as though you have all the info that you need to make an educated choice. Not to mention experience from the past. It also seems as though you really want to get on with your treatment, because you are at this wonderfull site. I am 47 and have yet to regret my decision. Hopefully I won't over the next 20 months either. Take care and have confidence in your decision. Good Luck, Bret

#3 Post by **Wingnut** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 3:50 pm

I guess my first question is why weren't these issues corrected during your first ortho-go-round? You spent quite a fortune already for what should be perfect teeth and have been faithful about wearing your retainers. I'm so sorry you have to decide to do this again - what a tough choice to make. What are your personal pros and cons?

#4 Post by **weird_wired** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 3:51 pm

My thoughts are that it seems rather a higher cost than regular braces can be - do you have to have special treatment (eg surgery) as well? Or do the expanders cost extra?

You could even consider a fixed retainer as well, if shifting was a problem last time.

#5 Post by **jennielee81** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 3:58 pm

You should get another consult. Maybe you could use the treatment but that price is

I'm paying $5,000 for upper and lower for 18 months in the Washington, DC, area with a new type of clear bracket (Opals) on top front included in that price.

Get another consult and then make your decission...it sounds like you want them, but you're having a hard time justifying the cost.

#6 Post by **ssfw** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 4:00 pm

I'm not sure why these othodontic problems were not corrected the first time. I didn't know as much as I know now about othodontics from locating this website and just searching on the internet. My orthodontist did say my teeth are very well aligned. The cost I indicated includes the charge for clear brackets - $500/arch. The cost may be high due to need of the expander - not sure. I have read that orthodontic costs keep increasing. Does this fee seem high for the treatment and time I would need braces/expander?

ssfw

#7 Post by **ssfw** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 6:12 pm

Hi Bret,

Thanks for your words of encouragement! I am having a difficult time making a decision because it will be my second time in braces and the cost.

Good luck with your orthodontic treatment.

ssfw

bub1958 wrote:ssfw, It seems as though you have all the info that you need to make an educated choice. Not to mention experience from the past. It also seems as though you really want to get on with your treatment, because you are at this wonderfull site. I am 47 and have yet to regret my decision. Hopefully I won't over the next 20 months either. Take care and have confidence in your decision. Good Luck, Bret

#8 Post by **momof2grlz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:00 pm

ssfw wrote:The cost I indicated includes the charge for clear brackets - $500/arch. The cost may be high due to need of the expander - not sure. I have read that orthodontic costs keep increasing. Does this fee seem high for the treatment and time I would need braces/expander?
ssfw

Wow. I'm not sure where you're located, but the prices you are being quoted sure seem high. Especially if your case isn't that complicated. My upper and lower ceramics were $4,900 for 24 months estimated tx time. I'd ask the docs on the board about expansion. Some say it works in adults and others say it doesn't because the bones in the palate are fused.

Chris