The Cost Of An Extra Tooth

About a year and a half ago at one of the kids' dental check-ups, their dentist found an extra tooth on Rachel's x-ray. He had to pull another tooth that wasn't falling out, but when he went for the extra tooth he realized it is attached to a tooth next to it. They are both permanent teeth. Hannah also had lost two baby teeth that had been missing for almost two years and had not yet been replaced by permanent teeth. Here came the dreaded words, "I am going to refer the girls to an orthodontist."

I have loved our orthodontist. I was expecting him to give me a list of things the girls needed done right away, but at the first visit he said, "Let's wait and watch." He knew something would eventually have to be done about Rachel's extra tooth, but she had some loose teeth and he wanted to give them time to fall out and the permanent ones to grow in. Hannah had fallen several times as a toddler/preschooler and caught herself with her mouth. One fall chipped a tooth and one fall loosened a couple. Our dentist at the time did x-rays and said everything appeared to be alright. The teeth tightened back up and one turned slightly gray. The ortho thought that because of the "trauma" to her baby teeth they probably fell out prematurely so the permanent teeth were just taking longer to appear. There was no charge for the consultation. Really? You aren't going to recommend any treatment right now and you are telling me that for free? We made an appointment for six months later.

By the time we went back for the six month appointment, Hannah's permanent teeth had made an appearance, so she was good to go. The ortho was still a little unsure how to proceed with Rachel's extra tooth and wanted to wait a bit longer as she was still loosing teeth. Another free visit!

At her last appointment, the ortho decided it was time to move forward. He made a mold of Rachel's teeth and once again we walked out without paying a dime and with an appointment for today.

This is the mold of Rachel's teeth. It allows the ortho to see them out of the mouth and from different angles. It was kind of fun to see them.

Here's my girl.

The extra tooth still hasn't grown in all the way and Rachel doesn't have much space. She will have braces for about 12-14 months and then a retainer. After we make some space, our ortho will send us to and endodontist who specializes on root canals and working on the inside of the teeth. He will have to see if there is a nerve in the extra tooth. If not, he may be able to just file it down. The course of treatment will also depend on how far into the gums the extra tooth is connected to the permanent tooth.

Rachel had the spacers put in today. Those are the little blue things at the back of her mouth. She has a set on the top and bottom. We will go back in about a week and half to have the braces put on. At that point the freebies are over.

How much will all of this cost? Let's just say that after insurance pays their portion, I could still afford to take the entire family to Disney World for less than what we will be paying out of pocket.