Please tell me if this is completely insane (estimate from orthodontist)

[Anonymous]

My child's orthodontist (NW DC) just recommended that my 11-year old get upper and lower lingual holding arches - at the jaw-dropping cost of $9600 - prior to getting braces in a year or so. This is my first child to see an orthodontist. Could someone please tell me if this is even a reasonable ballpark figure for this work? Just from Googling a bit, it seems wildly inflated. We will definitely get a second opinion, but I am still reeling at the concept of shelling out this much before DC even gets braces!

Also, please recommend your orthodontist. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Not normal, no way no how.

[Anonymous]

Not normal, no way no how.

[Anonymous]

My son's lingual holding arches cost 4000. By using them, he may not need braces, but even if he does, that is another 6-8k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son's lingual holding arches cost 4000. By using them, he may not need braces, but even if he does, that is another 6-8k.

Thank you - that is helpful. So they cost $4000 together? Is your orthodontist in DC? (I'm guessing DC may be a little more expensive than elsewhere, but it shouldn't be double).

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Two of my kids had palate expanders and then braces - between $4500 & $5000 per child.

[Anonymous]

In LA (where things cost a fortune) I was told that palate expanders should cost about $3000 tops

[Anonymous]

My son has a palate expander and my daughter has a lingual arch. The arch can be done through a dentist and might be cheaper that way. It just holds the current spacing so the back teeth don't shift forward. If you have dental insurance that would be the better route to go but yes $9000 is highway robbery. The palate expander is through an orthodontist and ours with some bracketing is $3000, half of which is covered by orthodontic insurance.

[Anonymous]

No, that is insane.

[Anonymous]

We spent a lot of money with an upper NW ortho. If you know your dc may need future work with another specialist, go spend the $175 consult fee and they may tell you the early ortho work is a waste of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We spent a lot of money with an upper NW ortho. If you know your dc may need future work with another specialist, go spend the $175 consult fee and they may tell you the early ortho work is a waste of money.

The early ortho work is NOT a waste of money. My ortho has given free consultations and advice (she doesn't charge until she puts something in their mouths) and the extractions my kids have had have been 100% preventative towards having braces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two of my kids had palate expanders and then braces - between $4500 & $5000 per child.

for both palate expanders and braces?

My kid has had a palate expander followed by a retainer, and I think it was $4k or so.

[Anonymous]

I like Gerlein (might not be the cheapest option though).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two of my kids had palate expanders and then braces - between $4500 & $5000 per child.

Mine too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Two of my kids had palate expanders and then braces - between $4500 & $5000 per child.

Mine too.

Mine three. This is the cost for phase I orthodonture work regardless of what is needed to get the bite lined up correctly. In our case that has included expander, face mask and upper and lower braces. This phase appears to be going on forever for one child in particular [4-6th grade]. I was told a phase II may be needed and that would involve additional costs.