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Straighter Teeth by Mail

well.blogs.nytimes.com

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Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#21

Post by radiorental »

pkaye wrote: post #15
natosaichek wrote: post #8

The thing that bothers me is things like this: "the American Association of Orthodontists, a trade group, warned consumers against moving teeth without an initial exam and continuing supervision by an orthodontist. “Our concern is that patients who don’t see an orthodontist for regular checkups and/or for a complete diagnosis are more likely to be harmed,” said Dr. Rolf Behrents, a spokesman for the association" Ever…

I don't think many dental coverage plans cover orthodontics for adults and the cost can be significant.

I don't disagree with you. The downside, as so often is the case with the US healthcare system, is that this would prevent problems the insurance agencies will end up paying for when I need the tooth removed.

Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#22

Post by wldcordeiro »

Magi604 wrote: post #4

I had braces for six years, and if I had to get my teeth straightened today, I would probably go this route. Don't forget, braces mean: - More cost - Monthly trips to the orthodontist The physical act of having to go to the orthodontist every month for years costs you time and money in terms of gas, parking, etc, not to mention the time cost. Think of your schedule today. Can you fit in another 2-3 hour monthly appoi…

It astounds me that in all the years of braces being in use they haven't found a way to make them less ugly. It's like they're frozen in time.

Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#23

Post by radiorental »

jonah wrote: post #18
radiorental wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have better than average dental coverage and a pretty good dentist. The crowding in my lower front is starting to cause problems. Even with coverage, Invisalign would be 4-5K out of pocket. Faced with that or putting the money in my 401 or 529 - cheerio offending tooth when the time comes, it's been a pleasure chewing with you. I didn't know about the mail order option. Definitely going to look in to it. As an asid…

I'd probably add cleanliness of food. A little sand in your lettuce and gravel in your bread will wear on your teeth.

At the molar end of things, maybe.

I think the argument is that the bottom teeth were constantly being pulled forward and worn on the top.

Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#26

Post by dcre »

jostmey wrote: post #20

I would try this product for one simple reason: I care about my health more than anyone else possibly could. Frankly, I don't trust that a dentist would do a better job at casting the mold than me.

How much do you think the robots at the Toyota factory care about your safety?

Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#27

Post by robotcookies »

Would rather that society stop obsessing over having perfectly straight teeth. If they are otherwise healthy, why spend that money and go through the painful experience of straightening your teeth. It's entirely cultural (learned) to expect them to be perfect. Some cultures don't care (though in this globalized world, every culture is gradually expecting it).

Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#28

Post by Sir_Substance »

natosaichek wrote: post #8

The thing that bothers me is things like this: "the American Association of Orthodontists, a trade group, warned consumers against moving teeth without an initial exam and continuing supervision by an orthodontist. “Our concern is that patients who don’t see an orthodontist for regular checkups and/or for a complete diagnosis are more likely to be harmed,” said Dr. Rolf Behrents, a spokesman for the association" Ever…

The other reason people don't see these professionals is time, and under the Australian medicare system at least, there's a problematic time/cost tradeoff system.

My last visit to a doctor went like something like this (it's been a while, excuse any slight irregularities):

1. Take a day off at your own expense to see the doctor

2. Submit a claim to medicare

3. Get called into medicare office because my medicare card has expired (???). Medicare is only open 9:30-4:30 weekdays

4. Take a day off to see Medicare and get issued a new card with exactly the same number on it.

5. Resubmit claim

6. Receive a cheque in the mail several weeks later addressed to the doctor, along with instructions to give it to the doctor before tomorrow

7. Have to take a day off to get it to the doctor because the post won't be that fast.

Three days of lost time and money, it would have been cheaper not to claim the value of the consult.

I don't see doctors often.

Re: Straighter Teeth by Mail

#30

Post by nilkn »

wldcordeiro wrote: post #22
Magi604 wrote: post #4

I had braces for six years, and if I had to get my teeth straightened today, I would probably go this route. Don't forget, braces mean: - More cost - Monthly trips to the orthodontist The physical act of having to go to the orthodontist every month for years costs you time and money in terms of gas, parking, etc, not to mention the time cost. Think of your schedule today. Can you fit in another 2-3 hour monthly appoi…

It astounds me that in all the years of braces being in use they haven't found a way to make them less ugly. It's like they're frozen in time.

There's Invisalign, but it can easily cost twice as much as braces.
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