https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 18 May 2026 10:42:39 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565652 Sun, 12 Jun 2016 01:27:40 +0000 lamariniere 2565652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In your case, I wouldn't. It sounds like I have similar teeth, very straight on top, one slightly crooked on the bottom. It doesn't show when I smile and doesn't bother me at all. I have never considered it to be enough of a problem for braces. I got (and am still getting) my wisdom teeth much later in life and I haven't noticed any shifting. If it doesn't bother you, don't do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565547 Sat, 11 Jun 2016 10:50:42 +0000 Umbreon 2565547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunny: that's interesting! I never thought to "shop around". My dentist mentions my teeth needing braces but there's an orthodontist in the office who does the braces. I will look into checking out some other places. </p> <p>@hellobeeboston: that's what I'm worried about. If I leave it, maybe it'll get worse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565545 Sat, 11 Jun 2016 10:32:00 +0000 hellobeeboston 2565545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces for 3 years in middle school and absolutely needed them, my teeth were a MESS. But of course, going into high school I never wore my retainers and now my teeth have shifted a lot. I'm probably going to get Invisalign next year. I want to get my teeth straightened back out before it gets worse, which might be something for you to consider, since it sounds pretty minor now, it shouldn't be as costly to fix whereas later it could be worse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565543 Sat, 11 Jun 2016 10:20:35 +0000 sunny 2565543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces as a kid and didn't wear my retainer and by my 20s they had started to shift. I did a consult with 2 orthodontists to discuss options (braces or a new retainer to stop shifting) and 1 orthodontist told me my only option was a full set of Invisalign at $7000 or metal braces at $5000 with a 2 year treatment time. </p> <p>The other orthodontist offered a smaller treatment plan that was $900 and was basically like Invisalign but only 3 trays and 9 weeks. </p> <p>My point is, I think the first orthodontist didn't offer that other treatment plan so she was tied to the plans she does offer. I would call a few orthodontists and go for a free consult to discuss options. I wasn't aware that dentists are even qualified to do teeth Straightening. </p> <p>There are a couple of systems available, I'd try to inquire about the various ones here to see if they would be suitable for your case:</p> <p><a href="http://www.animated-teeth.com/dental-braces/a2-simpli-red-white-blue.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.animated-teeth.com/dental-braces/a2-simpli-red-white-blue.htm</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565394 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 17:20:56 +0000 Alba4 2565394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In your case, I'd say nah. My bottom teeth have shifted and are a little crooked since having braces 20+ years ago. Since it is my bottom teeth, it doesn't bother me and I wouldn't waste the $.</p> <p>For kids in adolescence, yes!</p> <p>My SIL hated her front teeth as she had a slight overbite. She was very self conscious. I never noticed. She did Invisaline in her early 20s and she is very happy with the results. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565391 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 17:15:06 +0000 yellowbird 2565391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a bit biased but I think they are absolutely worth the cost. I also think, even if you would've gotten them when you were on your parents insurance there would've been a fee for them. Most insurances only cover 50% of the treatment fee. Even if you have an insurance that covers the full fee (eg. Medicaid) you have to have severe issues to qualify. </p> <p>That being said, Invisalign is usually more expensive than traditional braces, but it depends on treatment needs. Sometimes small irregularities can be fixed in 6 months for a limited fee, but again depends on treatment needs and diagnosis. </p> <p>I had braces as an adult. Treatment took about a year. I wear my retainer religiously and not one tooth has shifted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565387 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 16:59:38 +0000 Eko 2565387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think so. I had braces because my teeth were really messed up. I wore my retainer for like 6 months after and stopped using it. When I stopped some of my bottom front teeth went a little crooked. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565364 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 15:54:51 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2565364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces as an adult to fix a large gap. Braces are worth it if your teeth really bother you or improve your oral hygiene. I don't recall being told in the consult that the tooth root will be effected. In my case, all of my teeth were shifted and I have shorter roots. I can't do anymore cosmetic oral dentistry because my teeth are now more acceotable to breaking off entirely. I have a permanent retainer in two areas of my mouth and get my teeth cleaned four times a year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565355 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 15:23:21 +0000 erinpye 2565355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never had them because my top teeth are straight and my bottom teeth are just slightly crooked, and they don't show when I smile. When I was in college, the bottom teeth started to shift further, and my dentist had an orthodontist install one of those permanent bars people usually get after braces, behind my bottom teeth to hold them in place. He said that if my bottom teeth continued to shift, they would cause my top teeth to become crooked, because the bottom teeth give the top teeth stability. It's possible yours are shifting more and your dentist is trying to prevent your top teeth from moving too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2565041 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 08:56:29 +0000 josina 2565041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My bottom teeth are actually really not even, I'm surprised braces were never suggested as a teen (or maybe they were and my parent's just didn't want to pay for them!). But, my smile doesn't show my bottom teeth at all so it's not really an issue for me.<br /> Do you notice those two teeth when you smile? If not I wouldn't want to spend the $5k. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564998 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 07:21:59 +0000 looch 2564998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces as a teen, and I hated them. But they were the old metal braces, with the elastics that had to be changed. I insisted they be removed before I started high school, which was probably too soon and I never wore my retainer.</p> <p>Given the fact that you can do invisalign now, I would do that instead. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564498 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:46:02 +0000 magnoliamama42 2564498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your dentist think your teeth could continue to change? </p> <p>Another note - my parents' insurance covered very little of my braces and retainers. They sacrificed a lot for me to have straight teeth. So, unless you've confirmed with your parents, you may not have gotten the "free ride" you think you could have!</p> <p>If they aren't bothering you a lot, I wouldn't do it. Here's why - braces are uncomfortable, costly, and they take time out of your schedule. The appointments for readjustments, the retainer that doesn't let you sleep as well at night, etc. For those who are motivated and REALLY want those straight teeth, it's well worth all of that. But if you're not fully emotionally invested in it, there's a chance you could quit halfway and that money/time is lost.</p> <p>Just be sure you're both financially AND emotionally invested before you begin. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564371 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 11:53:06 +0000 Boogs 2564371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have one of those pesky bottom teeth and wore a retainer to shift it. It helped some, but I should hbs just gotten lower braces like I did on the top. If my teeth were really bothering me I would consider looking into invisalign. We don't have dental insurance so it would really have to be a big bother. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564315 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:23:00 +0000 mrsjd 2564315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shizaz: I agree with @adira that as long as it is cosmetic and isn't bothering you, then you could definitely leave it. But, as someone who comes from a family of dentists, I would ask specifically to make sure there are jaw/bite issues as well that they're concerned about as well. My mom had braces for 18 months at age 44 and it sucked but changed her smile beautifully. However, she had some jaw alignment issues as well, I believe.</p> <p>I recently had some cosmetic dentistry work done and I love it! It was about $1000 out of pocket and worth every penny. It was minor (impacted three teeth) but totally changed my smile. I had some bonding done to correct stains/rough edges on those three teeth. I can't tell you how much of a difference it's made, but it was something that bothered me before so that's a big part of it. It's such a personal decision and again, if your bite is healthy and it doesn't bother you, I say you're fine leaving it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564312 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:17:14 +0000 Miss Ariel 2564312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces I high school and I've always thought they were a waste of money. The reason I got them was because my bite was off by half a tooth on one side, which sounds so silly to me. But my dad had ortho added to his dental plan that year so I got them.</p> <p>I haven't worn my top retainer since high school. Although they did put a permanent member one on my bottom teeth. I does keep them straight, but I have such tiny teeth it is the biggest pain to floss under. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564289 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:04:08 +0000 Umbreon 2564289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much for the replies everyone!</p> <p>@Adira: That sounds absolutely horrible!! I hope I wouldn't need anything like that. </p> <p>I've lived with my crooked bottom teeth for a long time, the one tooth that's out of line does annoy me a little bit, but it's easy to forget about. If my top teeth over time get worse, that will bother me though. </p> <p>I'm going to have to think about it. Now is probably a great time because we don't have kids yet so saving up the money won't be a big deal. </p> <p>If I could guarantee my other teeth won't get worse over time, I don't think I'd even consider it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564273 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:50:16 +0000 Mamaof2 2564273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They are worth the cost if they make you feel better!<br /> My mom just got invisalign at age 70! She said she always wished she had straight teeth and just did it - </p> <p>I had braces from age 13-16 at some point my bottom teeth started to shift (maybe 27?) and I went to the ortho and asked about a retainer - I was told I would need braces to correct them - since they are my bottom teeth I decided not to do it. I was told that once you have braces you are suppose to wear a retainer a few nights a week FOREVER otherwise your teeth can shift - like mine did </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564270 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:49:21 +0000 smocks 2564270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it's purely cosmetic and you don't care - not worth it at this point. If it's causing damage or discomfort - probably.</p> <p>As a middle/high schooler? ABSOLUTELY. Braces were one of the best gifts my parents ever got me. It did wonders for my confidence. I wore a retainer for about 4 years (only while sleeping) and then ditched it, my teeth are still almost as straight as they were when I got the braces off 12 years ago. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564267 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:47:48 +0000 Adira 2564267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would only do it if it was really bothering YOU and you wanted straight teeth.</p> <p>I had braces in high school and it sucked (especially not being able to floss well - needed to get a waterpik). And then I hated my retainer and didn't wear it, so my bottom teeth are crooked again. It drives me crazy, but it's my own fault, and it certainly isn't hurting anything, so I'm not doing anything about it.</p> <p>Part of getting my braces though was having to get my jaw expanded so I had more room for my teeth. That included wearing a medieval torture device in my mouth that I had to "crank" every day to slowly widen my jaw. LUCKILY, doing that fixed the one tooth I REALLY cared about, so my not wearing a retainer didn't affect that one tooth. But the whole process really sucked. Not sure if you would have to do something like that or not, but it's something to take into consideration.</p> <p>Unless you look in the mirror every day, see that crooked tooth, and it drives you crazy, I wouldn't bother! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564266 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:47:38 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2564266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces in HS. My wisdom teeth caused my bottom teeth to shift after I got them off so they aren't straight anymore. It doesn't bother me at all. I don't usually notice whether someone has perfectly straight teeth. If it's for health reasons I would get them, but not cosmetic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564265 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:45:10 +0000 avivoca 2564265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had braces in middle and high school. It was absolutely worth it for me. I had a 10mm overbite and actually could not close my lips over my teeth. I do not need to wear a retainer. I do have some teeth that have shifted, but it's nowhere near where it was and it's possible that my wisdom teeth are putting pressure on them.</p> <p>The think my dentist harps on about is staining. I have stains (from childhood) that could be gotten rid of with fancy products, but they don't bother me enough to get them. But they (the dentist/hygenists) always harp about it and how I could fix it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564263 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:44:26 +0000 youboots 2564263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You could look into Invisalign for something that minor. See if you can get it done in the same year and pay with a HSA. You should also look into it more during open enrollment you may be able to bump your plan.</p> <p>I had braces in HS- I have not worn my retainer in 5+ years and my teeth are still straight.</p> <p>DH got braces as an adult- his bite was causing teeth to crack and break off. He has a permenant retainer on the lowers. </p> <p>For minor cosmetic reasons I don't think it's a big deal unless YOU care. It's a cultural thing in the US. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564260 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:42:16 +0000 snowjewelz 2564260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you don't care and you're happy, don't listen to him! But if you do care, invisalign is the way to go! </p> <p>I had braces when I was in middle school/high school, but I wish I had wore my retainer after (or maybe it still wouldn't help), b/c as an adult my teeth shifted again, and I ended up paying OOP for invisalign. But that was the BEST decision; I obviously was not going to wear braces, and I was really self conscious and invisalign did a great job. At the end I had thin metal inserts put in behind my teeth to keep them from shifting again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-braces-worth-the-cost#post-2564253 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:37:45 +0000 Umbreon 2564253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a little annoyed with my dentist. My teeth are pretty straight, but there is one bottom tooth that is out of place. After I graduated High School (I waited until after grad photos), I asked my dentist if I should get braces on the bottom teeth. He told me there was no need to, and wasn't necessary.</p> <p>Now, every time I go for my cleaning, he mentions that one tooth that's out of place and asks me if I've considered getting braces. I did go for a consult a couple years ago, only to find out that my insurance company does not cover braces for me - they would only cover it for my future children. So if I remember correctly, I would have to pay around $5000 out of pocket for them - I can't remember if that price included what DH's health plan covered for me, which was a couple thousand only. (Also, I would go with Invisalign)</p> <p>Now he's saying there's one tooth out of place on my top teeth, and now that he's pointed it out, I do notice. It's right above the crooked bottom tooth, so it's possible my mouth has shifted to be even worse than it was right out of high school. But I'm so pissed! If I'd have gotten the braces then, I wouldn't have paid a cent under my parent's health plan.</p> <p>Anyway, do you think it's worth it to get them? People who have had braces, do you have to wear a retainer for the rest of your life? </p> <p>The cost isn't really a big deal - I would save up and take the plunge when I had the money. It's more so the principle. It's annoying that I have to pay for it when I could have had them for free. I wish I had pushed it more when I initially asked, but I trusted that he knew what he was talking about. Also, I'm a baby when it comes to teeth, and I know braces hurt, so I was happy that he said I didn't need them. </p>