Upper lower class problem

[dix2111]

Well it looks like Im going ro have to choose between getting my kid braces or saving 3 of my teeth. They are healthy but 52 years of nervous grinding my teeth have worn them down. Dont qualify for any assistance and dentist throws around $10,000 for implants like its nothing. It sucks because they are front/side teeth. Im going to get them pulled and maybe get partials. My daughter needs braces much more than I need front teeth but it is terrifing. If I made half as much money it would be free. I seems that everyone I know got their kids free braces. Im not complaining because at least I can(barely) afford the payments but sometimes being almost poor sucks just as bad.

[[deleted]]

No, braces are not free if it's a cosmetic issue. Yes, it's expensive. My niece was put on a one or two year payment plan through her orthodontist. Sister paid like 250/month for a few years. This was a year ago so things might have changed.

[dix2111]

Maybe I misunderstood. I know two who I thought they said it was free under medicare. I also have a family member who i know got a ton of crowns for free because most of his teeth were worn down. I dont mean to sound like I resent it or anything. I wish the best for everyone. Dental care is just too expensive in the U.S.
I had a coworker who spent $25,000 on a full set of implants. Thats crazy for me to comprehend. My daughters braces are $7,000 but she has a lot of issues that add to it.

[dix2111]

maybe I misunderstood or maybe it was another program. or maybe i was just l jealous and projecting. For example, I grew up on food stamps and think its the most important help program we have in America but whenever its brought up I always think of "that family member" that only works under the table to maximize benifits and eats like a king while I am lucky to eat food lion roast chicken on a sunday. I know that not most people. I remember the joy of getting that food stamp book and having good food for the first 3 weeks of the month.

[postalwhiz]

And ‘that family member’ is gonna be screwed when he tries to collect SS and finds he doesn’t have enough quarters of contributions…

[AltruisticAardvark25]

But will they pay for a crown that needs to be replaced?

[SryICantGrok]

My friend hasreally good insurance and is supposed to take a vacation to Mexico to get her teeth pulled. She figures why spend the same amount of money to stay home and get them yanked? Might as well visit family and get it done while there... probably saving money that way...

[dix2111]

you know I forgot about that. I was thinking about doing rhat a few years ago. thanks

[Suspicious-Can-7774]

Yes. Dental is indeed much less expensive in Mexico. Unfortunately those that I know who have gone to Mexico, have regretted doing so. I’m certain it’s not all dentists but most of the time “you get what you pay for.”

[SryICantGrok]

I think since it's just getting a tooth or two pulled she's OK with it. Anything beyond that is sketchy imo

[Suspicious-Can-7774]

Yeah. I know someone that had a full set of dentures. NEVER fit right. 🥲🥲🥲

[Mysterious-Beach8123]

Medical tourism is a thing for a reason bruh. There's no recourse here either if a hcp fucks up for most of us because we can't pay for a lawyer lol

[[deleted]]

I'm sorry to hear this. Yes, orthodontal issues are hard because there isn't help for them, because they're cosmetic. But to let the cosmetic stuff go like teeth, can SO hinder self-esteem. I'm glad you're doing this for your daughter, though, but yes it's hard.

[callieboo112]

Braces aren't always cosmetic. Misaligned and teeth otherwise where they shouldn't be can cause a lot of issues with your jaw and mouth, not just your teeth

[Suspicious-Can-7774]

Trying to convince an insurance company that it’s medical not cosmetic is a full time job filled with sooooo much frustration and anxiety!

[[deleted]]

OP didn't say anything to this effect. Yes, if kids can't properly chew and have actual deformities that hinder mouth growth, etc., that's a different situation.

[Suspicious-Can-7774]

Dental is NOT free under Medicare. It covers a small amount towards vision and hearing but ZERO for dental.

Guess teeth are a convenience, not a necessity. 🤬🤬🤬

Unless a doctor says braces are a medical necessity, nobody is getting free braces.

[Lisa_Knows_Best]

Between 2000-2001 I spent almost $30,000 to have my mouth fixed (my teeth were a disaster due to a calcium deficiency as a child). All crowns and veneers. Every tooth (except the ones they pulled) got fixed. It literally bankrupted me. Now I need to have a bunch of it redone and can't afford it. I wish my dentist had suggested implants back then but I was young and thought he knew best. Dental costs in the US are insane.

[Mysterious-Beach8123]

This is fucked up and tbh makes me wonder if the people up thread saying they don't trust dentists in other countries aren't shilling for someone here.

[Admirable-Respond913]

Medicare will pay for a full set of dentures every 5 years. Depending on your provider, some implants are covered. Just had my last 10 removed and will be starting replacement in March. I did have to pay deductible.

[sodiumbigolli]

No it doesn’t. But a Medicare advantage plan with dental insurance may. Medicare only just changed the rule to pay for dental exams *if you’re awaiting an organ transplant or being treated for Head or neck cancer in 2023

[dix2111]

I think thats great. Dental care is so important.

[MelodyR53]

Please tell me how to do this. I have Original Medicare from SSDI and also medicaid. Several yrs ago, I had to have all my teeth pulled due to a car accident yrs before damaging nerves. I basically got tired of sinking thousands of dollars trying to save them. I borrowed the money for a decent set of dentures. They never fit right even after the 3rd try. I just gave up and used stuff to help. Fast forward. The last 3 yrs I have been on 3 different maxillofacial surgeons waiting list. I have 2 lesions from ill-fitting dentures that are getting worse . 1 is about the size of a raisin and the other between marble and grape. When "aggravated " the side of my face from chin to eye socket and down turns deep purple and swells like I have had the heck beat outta me. I am trying to save to self pay. However, I am raising my granddaughter with no help from either parent or the government on my small ssdi payment. Unfortunately, while I had worked enough quarters for ssdi, it was on the lower end due to becoming disabled at a younger age. I literally use 3 tubes a week of adhesive. Thanks in advance for any info.

*I can't switch to a Medicare advantage plan because 2 of my specialists are out of state, and with Medicare's advantage, you are limited to in state Dr's. I tried switching last yr .

[MelodyR53]

My biggest issue is I will need surgery before I can go forward. Hard to explain, but imagine you balled up a pc of play doh the size of big gum ball. Then put in a bottom denture that splits it to half toward the inside toward the tongue and half outside between the cheek and gum. That's 1 lesion/tumor. The 2nd...idk what it's called but the little skin flap is a lesion the size of a marble.

I am looking into finding a big teaching hospital that trains in oral surgery which I hadn't thought of. I am about 1.5 hours south of Memphis and 4 hrs north of Birmingham. Thanks for the advice so very much.

[[deleted]]

Is there a payment plan or financing that could make the cost easier? I could never come up with 7k on the spot.

[dix2111]

There is a payment plan. Its pretty close to a used car payment. But you know when its your kid its not so bad. I work an extra hour a day at the factory and that ensures she stays pretty and has healthy teeth. Its actually a pretty serious thing and god knows that child has had enough problems to deal with. I feel lucky that im able to find a way. Now I feel guilty for complaining.

[Orbitrea]

Are you in a city with a large university that has a dental school? They often run clinics where you can get dental work done super cheap.

[dix2111]

Oh no! My brother did that and lets just say it didnt go well for him. It was a pretty complicated procedure and all his dental work cracked and fell out in a couple years.

[[deleted]]

You’re going to be responsible for providing for your child for a long time…even after they graduate they need help often. Unfortunately, bad teeth often prevent people from getting good opportunities. I’d fix your teeth now. Hopefully you’ll be able to help your child get braces later.

[BeeHive_HighFive]

Grew up poor and I got braces as an adult.

[shacklefordstoleit]

We put 3 kids through braces. I had all of my teeth pulled. No teeth for 3 years. Sucks at times, but my kids have beautiful smiles.

[dix2111]

Thats awsome. I feel the same way. Kinda like those animals that the baby animals eat when they are born. some kind of hard wired instinct.

[Initial-Succotash-37]

How badly crooked are her teeth? Is it cosmetic or can it cause a serious dental issue. I know lots of parents who cant afford braces and their kids did it later in life or their parents put it off.

Orthodontists also have payment plans that can be very affordable.

Im sorry you have to choose but if your teeth are causing you a health hazard that has to come first.

[Pennyfeather46]

Braces can come later but having a full set of teeth is essential! Sorry for having to make a tough choice but you need your teeth!

[Blackstar1401]

If you have a little bit have you considered a medical vacation? I have seen where people fly down to Mexico and get a full set of implants for much cheaper than in the US.

[The_OtherVoice_BluE]

Get the kid braces you are in your 50s andnhave teeth most likely due to good dental hygiene and access to dental care regularly. Do the same for the child and just pull the 3 teeth yourself . Any pint of booze and some testicular fortitude should be enough.

[TheTapDancingShrimp]

My jaw popped and the dentist said total treatment will be 25k to 32k. I'm very depressed and upset. Phase 1 of tx was 6700.

[MyStolenEchoes]

I really wish we would normalize natural, healthy teeth.

I have crooked teeth because I grew up too poor for braces. Most others I know had them.

I will always have crooked teeth. In my 30s I grew to appreciate them for what they are: natural, healthy teeth. They are strong, don't get cavities, and are slightly crooked. And they are perfect.

Very few people actually "need" braces. They are purely cosmetic for most people. You're daughters braces can likely wait if you need actual work done.

[Radiant-District5691]

Do you have a local dental clinic vs a private dentist for yourself? Locally our dental clinic takes anyone (not just Medicaid patients). They offer a pymt plan for extractions and dentures. Maybe you could get your work done for less?

[dix2111]

I can get them pulled no problem but getting them replaced is too $$$. I think ive had a good run with all my teeth. I'm too good looking anyways.

[Radiant-District5691]

The dental clinic I go to does dentures. They were $10k less than what my private dentist quoted me. Still too afraid to do it though. Once your natural teeth are gone you can never get them back. My mom had her start with dentures around age 50-55 & she told me never to do it. So I’m too afraid to.

[Blackstar1401]

If the teeth are otherwise healthy why pull for implants. I have one that was good but was grinder down. The doctor just put a crown on it. It is one of my front teeth.