[myfirstbubba]

How much out of pocket are braces with or without private health? Does medicare cover any?


Thanks

[galba]

No PHI - $6400 for top and bottom

[zlca_mummy]

We have paid $1800 for DS2's braces and orthodontic work.

He's had top and bottom braces and now wears a retainer at night.

[soontobegran]

We paid out of pocket expenses of over $4k for each child 15 years ago and that was with top PHI. It doesn't sound as though it is too much more these days?

[lazycow]

We've been Quoted $6500...Our PI doesn't cover orthodontics and as far as I'm aware Medicare doesn't cover any of the cost?? May be someone can clarify regarding Medicare?

I'm in Perth if that makes any difference.

[Chelli]

We are in Tas and DD's braces were $6500. Most people pay them off monthly with about a $1300 deposit.

Praying the other two don't need them

[ambwrose]

DS's braces cost $6500 and the PH! paid $2800. There was also other incidental costs which added up but I couldn't tell you how much. Once his braces had done their job DS also had to get his wisdom teeth out which cost about $800 after PHI plus accomodation and travel expenses.
There might be a way to get cheaper or free braces through a hospital or dental clinic but there would be conditions involved.

Margaret

[picklesmum]

Palate expander $1200, Braces $6,400, Retainer $600 so over $8,000 for 5 years of orthodontics and my DD's teeth were not that bad! I didn't however go with the cheapest ortho, ours was highly recommended and believes in a slow and steady approach using natural growth spurts and early intervention. When you see the number of people whose teeth end up going back into the shape they were prior to braces I think it is worth shopping around for someone who really know what they are doing-there seems to be some cowboys out there.

[Old Grey Mare]

$8000 over 3 years including surgery to pull down an eye tooth that was growing across behind front teeth instead of downwards. Did not have PHI but if we had it only covers a small part of total cost of orthodontics. Medicare rebate for part of the oral surgeons fee only (approx $300).

[aprilrain]

In Qld, I took my son to the local Dental School(Uni) and it cost about $3500 all up. Quoted about $10k as had Overbite,underbite, teeth that had to have chains attached to be 'pulled' down.
The instructors supervise everything and they are dentists training to be orthodontists. They get to say they will take your child depending on tecniques they are teaching. No cost for initial consultations (and maybe free xrays and opinion - I can't remember). Appointments are set only for a couple of days a week as it is to fit in with Uni timetables.