Getting Braces

[Twinbird24]

I will probably be meeting with a dentist sometime soon, but I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions for me.

1) I would only need braces on my top row of teeth which aren't very crooked but could still look nicer, how much would this cost? (I've heard it can cost around $2000 or more for entire teeth - but I only need top row and probably wouldn't need to wear them for very long either)

2) For any of you who have gotten braces, how long did you wear them? Did you pay all at once or every month (i.e. $100/month)?

BTW I live in southern Ontario.

Thanks.

[amalgamgrillz]

1) cost - this varies from practice to practice..but you're generally looking at $2500, give or take $1500ish depending on the length and difficulty of the case..if cost is an issue, you could look into going to a GP who does ortho by study group rather than an orthodontist

 

2) i had braces for 2 years...parents paid in installments

[Twinbird24]

Thanks for the reply. I will probably be paying in installments as well because I don't have a couple thousand dollars lying around.

[Mare]

Thanks for the reply. I will probably be paying in installments as well because I don't have a couple thousand dollars lying around.

 

If you go to a dental school, you could prob get braces for significantly cheaper (~$850/arch).

[Twinbird24]

If you go to a dental school, you could prob get braces for significantly cheaper (~$850/arch).

 

Thanks for the reply, I will look into that, but because dental students would probably be doing it (it will probably take longer) will there be a loss in quality - would an actual dentist do it better or would the dental school still be good?

[magnesium]

Thanks for the reply, I will look into that, but because dental students would probably be doing it (it will probably take longer) will there be a loss in quality - would an actual dentist do it better or would the dental school still be good?

 

The students work under the direct supervision of registered dentists/specialists, so there shouldn't be any difference in quality.

 

I can't speak for ortho program specifically, but I had a cleaning done by a friend in hygiene and the quality of the treatment was exactly what I got at my regular dentist. The only thing was that it took longer because she had to get everything checked by the supervisors. For my basic hygiene cleaning the treatment was spread out over two appointments (in 2 to 3 hour sessions) rather than the 1-1.5 hours it would have normally taken. Dunno how the hygiene time inflation compares to an ortho appointment, but I'd expect the appointments to take longer than private practice. Can't comment on the treatment length, but I would hope it would be about the same

[Twinbird24]

The students work under the direct supervision of registered dentists/specialists, so there shouldn't be any difference in quality.

 

I can't speak for ortho program specifically, but I had a cleaning done by a friend in hygiene and the quality of the treatment was exactly what I got at my regular dentist. The only thing was that it took longer because she had to get everything checked by the supervisors. For my basic hygiene cleaning the treatment was spread out over two appointments (in 2 to 3 hour sessions) rather than the 1-1.5 hours it would have normally taken. Dunno how the hygiene time inflation compares to an ortho appointment, but I'd expect the appointments to take longer than private practice. Can't comment on the treatment length, but I would hope it would be about the same

 

I wouldn't mind waiting a little longer if it costs less, as long as I'm not losing quality which I don't think I will - I just have to find the nearest dental school and contact them, I don't think I have one in my city though

[Mare]

Thanks for the reply, I will look into that, but because dental students would probably be doing it (it will probably take longer) will there be a loss in quality - would an actual dentist do it better or would the dental school still be good?

 

Each appointment would take longer and each step is checked/approved by an Orthodontist for quality. The total length of treatment should be approx the same as in private practice - depending on how often the dental student(s) can book you in for ortho appointments. Ortho cases are selected for students that are pretty straight forward, so if you have a lot of complicated treatment to be done, they will likely refer you to private practice.

 

M

(Speaking from my experiences at Dal)

[Ostracized]

Just an FYI, the wait-list for ortho treatment at UofT can be up to 6 years depending on your age and complexity.

[Twinbird24]

Thanks for the info. My case isn't very complicated so I shouldn't have to worry about that - but a waiting list of 6 years Hopefully I can find something better.

[LivetoDance]

I am getting braces at the dental school that I attend. I was on the wait list for a year. The price is $3500, which is a flat rate in the graduate orthodontic clinic for any type of treatment (not arch dependent). In private practice the cost is $5000 to $6000. I think you are little off on your expectations in terms of price. There is no way you will get an arch done for $1000, not even if you go to a dental school. They have financing programs though, which make it a little easier financially. Good luck!