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Long story short, got back from the dentist. Either I spend a bunch of money getting braces now, or I spend even more money in the long run, fixing my front teeth every few years.

my PPO dental covers exactly ZERO percent of "cosmetic ortho" (doesn't matter that without it, i'd have to continue fixing my teeth every few years).

since I'm going to have to flip 100% of my bill, I'm really hoping to find someone that's able to work with me on getting the braces done..

ideas/suggestions?

Whereabouts do you want the orthodontist to be? Local to your area?

I've got safety wire and epoxy in the garage and I'm not afraid to use it. Want to save money?

well.. "socal" is a must, but aside from that, given how expensive braces are, travel distance is something i'd willingly overlook.

i'd probably have to reasonably cut the distance to South OC though. wouldn't make much sense driving to SD every month for adjustment. I just can't imagine the savings being that much.

Steve Ekstrand wrote:I've got safety wire and epoxy in the garage and I'm not afraid to use it. Want to save money?

as tempting as that sounds, my goal is not to look like this guy

Jeff Shyu wrote:well.. "socal" is a must, but aside from that, given how expensive braces are, travel distance is something i'd willingly overlook.

i'd probably have to reasonably cut the distance to South OC though. wouldn't make much sense driving to SD every month for adjustment. I just can't imagine the savings being that much.

You're right.........dental insurance is an f-ing joke. It covers just cleanings and even that it's only twice a year and only partial payment. Anyway, Jeff, I highly recommend going to an orthodontist, then if needed (like me) a periodontist. Makes a WORLD of a difference. I had braces/implants and the total time from start to finish was 3+ yrs at a total cost of $10k.

My orthodontist and periodontist are in Brentwood (between Santa Monica and West LA).

My dentist is in Long Beach; periodontist is in Seal Beach.

When you say "work with you" Jeff, that is precisely how most orthodontists work. Most will put you on a monthly payment plan that will end just about the time the braces are to come off.

George Schilling wrote:When you say "work with you" Jeff, that is precisely how most orthodontists work. Most will put you on a monthly payment plan that will end just about the time the braces are to come off.

Exactly. Mine did.

well.. that helps.. still, according to the websites i saw, national average is 5k, and i imagine socal tags a premium on top of that..

not really something i had planned on spending the savings on..

Jeff Shyu wrote:well.. that helps.. still, according to the websites i saw, national average is 5k, and i imagine socal tags a premium on top of that..

not really something i had planned on spending the savings on..

You get what you pay for, and in this case, I believe it's worth it Jeff.

My wife and I have paid for two sets todate, number three is a few years in the future. Is it any wounder my old BMW needs paint.

David Barrish

Even with our great motion picture health/dental plan, just paid $180 for a new retainer for my boy yesterday ... to continue to protect his aligned teeth. Third time he's lost his retainer?!?!? They did pay for his original one plus something like $2,000 towards his braces. Keep going to the movies everyone!

Milton Chan
in pasadena
Beth goes there.
PPO coverage I believe. We probably have the same Motion picture insurance.