My $8,000 smile.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Worth it if you ask me.

And yes, I paid cash.

[aida2003]

Isn't it detrimental long term? That's what I heard

[ScrimpAndSave]

How so? I just got braces. Haha!

[MonkeyMama]

Nice!

I have no idea how much my smile cost (thank you parents) but I had braces like 8 years (& some surgeries) and they still couldn't get them that straight.

My poor kids...

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Very nice, S&S. How much time between the before and after? Did you consider this a want or need? Your teeth look bigger now, not just straighter. Did you have to get any teeth pulled to accomplish this? I did not know until my late thirties that sometimes teeth are removed and jaws cut and reset to "fix" teeth. I guess that would be in extreme cases only?

You know, I let my kid decide for himself whether to get the braces his dentist recommended. He decided not to. Actually the offer still stands, as he is still on our dental insurance (at age 20) and we do have some benefits for orthodontia. Also, I think his ability to choose was not as informed as it could be at the young age at which the issue came up. So I did not consider the rejection to be once and for all. I do think nice, orderly teeth are something that can transform a face in a way that makes a person seem healthier, somehow more appealing. I actually was sorry he chose against braces, but I accept his decision.

[rob62521]

Very nice, S & S! I'm currently in braces, not only because I was ashamed of my teeth, but because of my bite and the fact I was having jaw pain. The students at school can't get over that I have "bracelets on my teeth" at 47 -- their words, not mine.

So, how long did you wear them?

[ScrimpAndSave]

It took about 13 months. I had a little bonding and filing done. The teeth are rotated in the first pic, so they may look smaller.

I wore invisalign for a few months and then I wore regular braces for 6 months. No pulling - thank God.

I think it was a need. I was psychologically very bothered by it...and now that I am a teacher with a degree in administration, I want to feel really, really good about my smile.

My bite was also a little uncomfortable.

I'm very happy I did it...but I am a perfectionist so I am not always happy with the job done...I find things wrong that I want to fix more but I won't.

[rennigade]

If you paid $8,000 to get your teeth straightened, you got shafted big time. Shouldn't have cost anymore than $4,000 at most.

I had mine done recently and it only cost $3,000.

[tripods68]

You can also go visit other countries and get the same results for a lot less than $1000 plus fares and hotel

[ScrimpAndSave]

I'm sure you could. Wouldn't trust it though...and I couldn't make all the necessary weekly visits during the school year like I can hear. I am a teacher.

[ScrimpAndSave]

The price depends on where you live, what kind of braces you get and what other problems you have.


Believe me, I did my research.

[loulou]

Your teeth look amazing! I really want to get invisalign, but I dont' see it happening in the near future.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I don't recommend invisalign. I had it for a little while and switched to regular braces.

[m3racer]

Originally Posted by rennigade

If you paid $8,000 to get your teeth straightened, you got shafted big time. Shouldn't have cost anymore than $4,000 at most.

I had mine done recently and it only cost $3,000.

That's an ignorant comment. Just because you would only pay $3000 for braces does not mean it would be the same for someone else.

SS- I love your smile. It looks great.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Awh racer...thank you so much.

[aida2003]

Originally Posted by ScrimpAndSave

How so? I just got braces. Haha!

Oops...I just took a glance and I thought it was all about bleaching or something. Braces are helpful I'm sure.

[rob62521]

Originally Posted by rennigade

If you paid $8,000 to get your teeth straightened, you got shafted big time. Shouldn't have cost anymore than $4,000 at most.

I had mine done recently and it only cost $3,000.

I think it depends on what you had to have done, how bad your teeth were, where in the country you live, etc. My braces themselves cost $5,500 and I had to pay another $500 to get some of my teeth pulled. I could have paid less on the teeth pulling, but since I had to have more than one, the dentist recommended being put to sleep for my own comfort. My teeth were very crooked, some were actually crossed, and one bottom tooth was really far from the others. In about a year's time I've seen major progress so I figure what the orthodontist did was worth every penny and I don't feel I was shafted. Everyone's mouth is different. And I'm with you s & s, I wouldn't have been able to go out of the country due to the monthly appointments.


Years ago my mom decided she needed false teeth and could get them cheaper in a one day place in St. Louis. She had all her bottom teeth pulled and then when it healed, she went down and got her teeth. That worked fine, but when she decided to do her top teeth, she did the same thing. She gets down there and the dentist told her she should have talked to him beforehand because it caused some problems. She wound up having to have new dentures for both the top and bottom due to this -- it probably didn't save her much. My dad tried the same thing with his top teeth and his dentures never fit right. So, I don't think he saved any money because he would try to wear them and his mouth would hurt and then he wouldn't wear them and had problems eating. Sometimes saving money this way isn't saving money at all. I think you need to know all the facts before you make a major decision like this.

[myrdale]

I think they look wonderful. Your $8,000 price tag really hit me with sticker shock. That seems extremly high but you will have a beautiful smile for the rest of your life.

I am generaly against the idea of cosmetic surgery type stuff, but I think a smile is always worth it. Considering your teeth were in decient shape to start with, I would consider this to have been more of a luxary expense though. I've seen before and after photos of drug addicts, and dentist can do miracules.

Make sure you brush three times a day and stay out of fist fights!

[antiver]

I hate braces.. the last thing my orthodontist told me was that your teeth will ALWAYS shift back to their original, natural positions, no matter how long you have braces on. It will be a slow, subtle process, but it will happen.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I think that is an exaggeration. But it is a good CYA thing to tell patients ahead of time.