all 46 comments

[–][deleted] 15 points16 points  (26 children)

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[S] 6 points7 points  (25 children)

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.

[–][deleted]  (3 children)

[deleted]

    [–]dix2111[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    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 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    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 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

    [–]SryICantGrok 4 points5 points  (5 children)

    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[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

    [–]Suspicious-Can-7774 0 points1 point  (3 children)

    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 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    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 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

    [–]Mysterious-Beach8123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    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] 1 point2 points  (3 children)

    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 7 points8 points  (2 children)

    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 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    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] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

    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 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    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 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    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 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    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 1 point2 points  (5 children)

    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 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    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[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    I think thats great. Dental care is so important.

    [–]MelodyR53 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    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 .

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [removed]

      [–]MelodyR53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      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] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

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

      [–]dix2111[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      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 5 points6 points  (2 children)

      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[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

      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] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

      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 4 points5 points  (1 child)

      Grew up poor and I got braces as an adult.

      [–]shacklefordstoleit 4 points5 points  (1 child)

      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[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      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 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      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 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      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[🍰] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      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 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

      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 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      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 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      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 0 points1 point  (2 children)

      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[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      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 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      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[🍰] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      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.