Yip both my boys need braces and we have been quoted about $12k for both. Seems ridic.

My youngest got his brace put in before Christmas.The difference already is amazing.His teeth were all over the place.It is a lot of money but so far it is worth it.I wish it was cheaper but its not but what can you do.The wire behind the teeth is very small.I had one in years ago in the Uk.I pulled it out because it was sticking out and wished I hadn't.Should have gone to a dentist here and had it sorted.

Can someone explain to me how they can cost $6000? Fortunately our kids teeth are all going where they should and braces dont seem necessary anymore.

Why does anything cost what it does? You're paying for the Orthodontist's expertise of using the right brace in the right way, you're paying for a minimum two/three years of regular checkups and alterations. It's a load of money but divide it down to the number of appointments you may have in that two plus years and it's not quite so bad. Most Orthodontists do a payment plan which lessens the pain.

The girls Ortho is brilliant, he found the greatest surgeon for their surgery, worked very closely with him in order to get the best outcome for them and has done amazing work on their mouths over the past few years. He's more than earned the money we've paid him imo. However we've probably had way more service from him than most people who just have braces to straighten out a few teeth.

First Born had her treatment started five or so years ago and still has six monthly check ups covered by that initial $5,500 and Tiddler will still be seeing him for the next three years or so. The fact they can both eat is priceless.

Exactly.

No, just dont see it myself. I guess it is why orthodonists drive Porsches

He can drive what he likes, not going to hold his lifestyle against him, he's highly qualified, he's got the skill to enable my daughters to eat so like I said, priceless. I'm guessing his hourly rate is a fraction of a solicitor.

I didnt say I held it against him. If he can get away with it then why not.

Good for him.

One of my daughters friends has had a brace in.The difference in her confidence is amazing.Her teeth look great and she looks beautiful.Well worth it.

Yes braces can make a huge difference not just on your appearance but your overall confidence.

Yep, you don't notice normal teeth but we all know somebody around our age that doesn't have a great teeth... unfortunately it is one of the first things you notice... my sons teeth are looking great now and his confidence has gone through the roof... well worth the money. The guy who looks after my sons teeth works a lot with the royal childrens hospital and does lots of cleft palates etc so he knows his stuff.. great guy. They do have a payment plan so it's not too bad, up at Redcliffe if anybody needs their number.

Unless teeth are shocking or unhygienic I think perfect teeth and confidence is a bit overkill. But I can understand a teenager playing the percentages worrying. My teeth aren't great but it has never been an incisive issue...

We both think our daughters teeth are fine, our daughter thinks her teeth are fine, but our dentist recommends braces. We are convinced that in this case it's just a way for him to get more income. Well he can bugger off and con someone else.

If a child needs braces, then fair enough they need braces - but as an extra source of income for the dentist, that's almost criminal.