Help!

[Aviol]

I have got myself in a bit of a state about financing this journey. I have no idea how Ive got to this point but now I have I feel unable to stop it.

Basically, I've already paid for xrays, models and whitening which have cost approx £800. I've said Ill go ahead with treatment, brackets upper and lower, extraction of 2 teeth and bonding of 3 teeth and have a date for uppers going on in July. My problem is that they want me to pay half upfront when each appliance is fitted (£1000 each which my mum has very kindly offered to lend me) then 10 payments of £200 each time I visit for a wire change. Then pay for extractions, bonding and any other treatment as I go.

I feel as though, in the cold hard light of day, I just can't manage that. I'm seriously considering contacting them and saying that I only want to proceed with my uppers, as although my lowers are wonky, they don't really bother me and I feel I can cope financially with that. I could even proceed with lowers at a later date?

Do you think it's acceptable to do this? I haven't yet signed anything so I should be within my rights do change my mind? It's really eating away at me and I don't know what to do. I feel like such a fool, like a kid who's got totally carried away!

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[MrsCharisma]

I think if you think you can't afford it you probably shouldn't go through with it :/

It may not be an option to do uppers only...I know for me we had to move my lowers back some to make room for the uppers to come down into place. Also, it might not even decrease the cost that much.

Maybe find out how long your quote and the things you've already spent money will hold. And then take like a few months to save 200/mo to see if that's manageable for you.

[Aviol]

Thanks. I did think of holding off a little while and attempting to save, it's a good idea. I think I can manage the 10 payments but when the other stuff gets thrown in there I'll be stuffed.

I was sure I'd thought this all through properly and was comfortable, but It's just hit me like a tonne of bricks. I think if I'm entirely honest Im also feeling guilty about spending all that money on myself when I have young kids and a house that could do with a new bathroom

[ljms]

Have you tried to renegotiate the down payment amount and payment schedule? Compared to the options that I was given, your payment plan seems really tough.

Most orthodontists really want to help their patients and understand that the cost of treatment is often a financial stress. If they aren't interested in trying to work things out for you, maybe seeing someone else is a solution, even though it's late SPAM SPAM SPAMMING.

[Aviol]

I haven't negotiated at all, I know I need to speak to them honestly and see if we can work something out, it's only been the last couple of days that I've started to feel this way. I'm unsure how to go about it?

I'd rather not go elsewhere if possible as the thought of spending £500 on the models and not going ahead is upsetting and it's not money I can afford to loose, however, I do have concerns re the cost and the repayments.

I've thought this through for so long and have been for a few consultations over the last few years so how I've ended up entering into an agreement feeling like I'm paying too much with an unreasonable payment plan I'm not too sure?! It's almost like I took my time doing lots of groundwork then suddenly got swept away in the moment. I'm actually quite upset with myself for making such a knee jerk decision so far down the line. Now I feel trapped by the blasted £500 I've spent.

[Ciara]

Try to talk to them and see if there is another way to handle the payments. It does seem like pretty rough repayment schedule.

It may not be possible to have only the uppers done if you have bite issues. I really suggest you sit down and talk to your orthodontist. Also, is this a typical repayment schedule for your area? Is there any way you can find out how other people paid?

[djspeece]

I haven't negotiated at all, I know I need to speak to them honestly and see if we can work something out, it's only been the last couple of days that I've started to feel this way. I'm unsure how to go about it?

I'd rather not go elsewhere if possible as the thought of spending £500 on the models and not going ahead is upsetting and it's not money I can afford to loose, however, I do have concerns re the cost and the repayments.

I've thought this through for so long and have been for a few consultations over the last few years so how I've ended up entering into an agreement feeling like I'm paying too much with an unreasonable payment plan I'm not too sure?! It's almost like I took my time doing lots of groundwork then suddenly got swept away in the moment. I'm actually quite upset with myself for making such a knee jerk decision so far down the line. Now I feel trapped by the blasted £500 I've spent.

I think you have your answer: talk to them and candidly explain the whole thing, especially the last sentence. Your frankness is refreshing. It may be that your ortho will make some arrangements, perhaps even a price reduction just to keep your business. Best of luck to you.

[KMC]

Hi Aviol - i really sympathize with you, I went through many inner discussions with myself on whether or not I should financially be doing this.
Like other people have said, speak to your Ortho, there may be a way to work it out. I was at one point only thinking of getting my uppers done - and they said that would have worked for me.
Another option would maybe to consider metal brackets? I have read from your other posts that you are having ceramics - I know in my area this is an extra £1000.
Anyway, I wish you all the very best in whatever you decide to do

[Featheryy1221]

Definitely talk to them and see what can be done. Usually orthodontists don't like losing business and I'd think they'd try to work something out with you. There might be ways of getting the cost down (metal instead of ceramic) as well. If they don't try to work something out, I personally would just wait and save up the money to do it in the near future. Like others have mentioned, it might not be possible to just to upper braces due to bite reasons, plus maybe later on you'd be disappointed you didn't just go all in and get the bottoms done as well.
Good luck! I hope things work out for you!

[Aviol]

Thanks so much everyone, I have done an awful lot of thinking and am going to speak to them ASAP., which will be next week now. I really hope we can work things out. Another option would be to drop the composite bonding which would help bring the cost down a little. I'll let you know how I get on.

Your advice and support is very much appreciated.

[Aviol]

Forgot to mention, I'm not keen on having metal as I have a nickel allergy, and I can arrange payment over a longer period with them but I would have to pay interest which I'm not prepared to do.

Will take a big, deep breath and speak to them honestly on Monday. Thanks again everyone.

[Aviol]

Ok, so I've contacted the dental nurse who has been dealing with me and she has been great.

She's speaking to the ortho re tweaking my treatment to cut the cost and about the possibility of just correcting my top arch for the time being. She's also getting info for me re spreading out my payments more and has been very supportive and kind about my major wobble, telling me not to rush my decision as it's an awful lot of money to spend.

I feel hopeful that we can sort something out, I may even just delay treatment a few months to save a little cash.

I'm so glad I've been open and honest, even if it has made me feel a little foolish!

[UnevenJAG]

Hi Aviol,

Glad to see you spoke to ortho and they are trying to help you work something out.

I completely understand where you coming from, the financial side to fixing your teeth can be very daunting and you think you have it covered and can manage it then you realise you forgot to factor in something somewhere.

Hope it all work out and you can continue with your treatment.

All the best :)