Braces - Did or would you have your teen contribute to the costs? Does it teach responsibility?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:no. Medical is paid by parent.

This is cosmetic dental. You're the type of mommy who takes pride in how hot her teen daughter is aren't you? Ick.

NP. This is a really bizarre take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a single mom who financed my braces making sacrifices I did not know about back then. I did not wear my retainers and care for keeping my teeth straight. Flash forward - My overbite is back as an adult and gap re-widening.

DD 15 turning 16 would like to get braces for an overbite. The dentist explained if it makes her feel better about herself, then that’s great but he did not see it as something required for her dental health.

Will having her help pay a portion of the costs teach her responsibility for more expensive things like braces and retainers?

Pay for her braces.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thank you PPs! I’ll share that financially we are a paycheck to paycheck family so this would be a luxury for my child in our case.

[Anonymous]

This is cosmetic. So get her to contribute.

[Anonymous]

I feel so bad for your daughter. You had the “luxury” of orthodontia and weren’t responsible. And now you’re trying to punish your daughter for your mistakes because you’re cheap?

What’s next—have her go halfsies on an appendectomy?

[Anonymous]

OMG OP. The fact that our healthcare system in this country is messed up, causing this to be so expensive, does not make it a “luxury”. It is simply a necessary expense that is difficult for your family to afford.

[Anonymous]

Also OP an overbite is not merely cosmetic. It is simply a visible symptom of a bad bite which will lead to other problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thank you PPs! I’ll share that financially we are a paycheck to paycheck family so this would be a luxury for my child in our case.

Your single mother made sacrifices for your braces. Why are you even questioning what you should do for your own daughter?

[Anonymous]

And bad teeth is a hallmark sign of a working class upbringing.

-An adult in corporate America who has had Invisalign (and had a working class upbringing)

[Anonymous]

It’s 2025. It’s very odd that a dentist doesn’t suggest correcting all issues. We now see that they lead to much bigger issues as you age. Also it’s okay to fix some cosmetic things. It’s not a dirty word or the start of a slippery slope

[Anonymous]

No.

It’s interesting, OP, that you described your own lack of “responsibility “ rather than your teen’s. Is she irresponsible? More irresponsible than the average kid? More irresponsible than you yourself were?

I’m curious above your answers to questions like this. Still, I agree with the majority here. You, as her parent, should pay for the braces — unless the expenses put your family seriously at risk. If your daughter loses her retainer— if she gets one — I think you should pay for the 1st replacement, then discuss how you want to handle any subsequent losses.

Also, as others have said, the state of her teeth will be used as a class marker. This might impact her job opportunities and even relationships going forward.

[Anonymous]

An overbite is not merely cosmetic. Have you checked your insurance coverage?

If you can't afford it, then you can't afford it. Your 15 year old does not have enough money to make it affordable. If you can afford it, then you pay, just like any other medical care.

[Anonymous]

I would probably just make sure she knew that braces mean cutting back on pizza Friday, or clothes budget or however it will show up in the family spending. If doing some babysitting or dog walking would help...suggest it

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

Heck no!

Now I've heard everything.