Can I demand my braces to be removed?

[DanUK]

Hi

Basically I'm 18 now and had braces for just over 2 years, so I'm getting a bit fed up with them.
The chances are I wont get them taken off at my next appointment in March either The reason is because my top and bottom teeth aren't meeting properly at the front.

I'm just wondering where I stand on getting them removed? My parents paid a fair amount for them as I wasn't covered by the NHS, so surely it's my decision now I'm an adult?

I've got my heart set on joining the British Army next year (RRW) and I'm not sure what their rules are for braces, I know they have to be removed before you start basic training but that will probably be late next year if I pass ADSC etc. So I really want them removed before I start the application process.

Having straight teeth isn't really a priority for me anymore, if I had known it was going to take this long I wouldn't have bothered. So I just want to know where I stand on getting them removed early before I speak to my othodonist next.

Thanks

[Stephanie]

You sure can.. however it would be a bad idea.. Ask your ortho how much longer it looks like you will have them on... You can always get back into treatment later on in your life if needed.

[Sunny]

Agreed ... you definitely can ask to have them removed Dan.

I think you have a lot to think about ... mostly around the point that your parents paid a lot of money for your treatment ... so do you really want to 'pull the pin' this close to the end. Your parents must have throught it was a priority, as I'm sure that money could have been used for many other things.

... but it's your decision. Talk to your ortho and remember that you then have to sort out what type of retainers you'll be wearing for life!

[Candymomof3]

My thoughts are to hang in there...you've already put 2 years in...why not see it through??? I'm 32, and have spent almost a year in braces and I am so grateful every day that I was able to to afford to finally do this for myself. My parents were not able to do that when I was a teenager and I thought about my teeth daily. I grew up in Wales, and moved over to the U.S. when I was 12. Thoughts on teeth are extremely different here than what I was used to there....having straight teeth here is a huge deal, it's more infrequent to see crooked teeth here than it is in the UK. So many parents put braces on their kids teeth ASAP, me included..I had my daughter in braces from age 8-10, resulting in an amazing smile and a big boost to her confidence. I knew what I went through, and I never want my kids to hide their smiles, or have to disguise their emotions because they don't want to smile BIG! My middle child will be getting them on next year, and if my youngest needs them at that point...her too!
I guess my point is, you were given an opportunity, and who knows if you'll have it again. I had to pay out of my own pocket, and it hurts...but well worth it in the long run.
Straight teeth are important, not only emotionally, but healthwise also....it's much easier to take care of teeth that are in the right place and for many other reasons!
The first thing I look at are teeth, and while I understand not all can be fixed...I like a set of really nice teeth...maybe it's because I was so self concious of my own and I can detect a fellow teeth hider in a flash....I did it for so long...tight smiles, hand in front of face during uncontrollable laughter....no more though...laugh and smile big--it's the only way!!!
good luck, whichever option you go with!