Getting braces in a boarding school?

My parents and I are thinking of me getting braces. However, I don’t know how I would visit the orthodontist’s office every month or so. Since considerable amount of teens get braces, is it usual for boarding schools to provide the students with the orthodontist check ups in school? Or is it done privately? If so, should I get my braces near my boarding school or around where my guardian live? (I am an international. Plus, it would take about 2hr.30min drive from my guardian’s house to the school, and I think it will be a hassel). Thanks

I currently have only my bottom braces in and i’ll get my tops later this month. I will also be going to boarding school in the fall (about 5 hours away from my home although I’m not international). My parents and I kind of already discussed this same issue with my dentist but he was pretty understanding and said that he could periodically check my braces every few months or so when I return home from school for major breaks. Maybe your orthodontist could do the same? In that case, you should get braces near where your guardian lives.

My kids had appointments every 6 to 8 weeks when they had braces. If you look at your school’s schedule, you’ll probably find long weekends or breaks which you could use for checkups at an orthodontist near your guardian.

Our orthodontist gave a discount for payment for the whole treatment up front. Do ask your school for recommendations for orthodontists; there may be a good practice nearby.

I believe that this topic has come up before. I can’t remember exactly what parents have said before, but I believe that most schools have relationships with both dentists and orthodontists. My son fainted when he had the flu during his first year and one of his teeth was loosened. The school nurse said that he could meet with the dentist with whom they work. Fortunately, we live close enough to the school that it made more sense to just pick him up and have him see his regular dentist. I would expect that many kids need to see an orthodontist during their time on campus. I would recommend checking in with your particular school on how they handle this. I’m sure that they have some sort of plan for this as so many kids have braces.

Many, many times.

As am I. My orthodontist visits all occurred during visits home. It added a few months to the treatment, but in the long run it worked out. As noted above, every boarding school has the names of dentists and orthodontists who can help out in a pinch. I had the grand total of one visit to the local orthodontist to recement a bracket that became loose. The cost is out-of-pocket, but it wasn’t that much (in fact, IIRC, he didn’t charge me.)

I would suggest getting the braces with a dentist at home. Starting summer (now?!). Initial visits are frequent but later on the visits can be done during winter break, spring break and summer.
Also get a local dentist referral from your school for emergencies (such as broken wire or loosen bracket). I don’t think guardian’s location works out at all. You would lose a whole day for a weekday 30-min orthodontist visit. Too many missing school days for regular ortho visits.

Has anyone had experience with regular dentist visits at boarding school? I’m about half way done with my braces and I don’t think I’d be able to go home during thanksgiving, winter, nor spring. My local dentist gave me all of my dental records like castings and x-rays and he said I should find a dentist near school when I get there. I was thinking of getting my braces adjusted during long weekends or when I’m staying with my host family during the breaks.

You should be clear about whether you need a dentist (routine cleanings every 6 months or so, sometimes more frequently with braces) or an orthodontist (specialist for braces) or both. They are different. Your school might have a list of local providers. Most dental plans cover cleanings and something towards dental
work like fillings, crowns. Some people find it worth the cost but some don’t. Many plans that cover orthodontics have waiting periods.

Thanks, I guess I’ll have to work something out with the school, I can’t be the only one with that problem (I hope!)