Comments on: Do Parents Have A Responsibilty To Get Orthodontics For Their Kids If They Need It?

By: kp

kp — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:38 +0000

I have lots of problems with my teeth (which equates to big bucks on a yearly basis) resulting from the complete lack of *basic* dental care as a child, but never once have I even consider suing my parents.
I’m sure you can file a lawsuit, because you can file a lawsuit against anybody for anything, but you will lose. Then you will be out the legal fees/court costs and will alienate your family, so if that’s your goal…
Parents are only required to provide *essential* medical care for their children, and that is medical care that is essential *at the current time* (not…if you don’t do this, years from now when the child is an adult, they might have problems).
EDITED:
Sorry! After rereading the question, you didn’t ask if you could sue them, you only asked if you could ask them for the money. Of course you can–and they can say ‘no’, and I promise you that if you approach it with a ‘you’re to blame/you’re at fault’ attitude, they will say no.

By: Cappy

Cappy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:38 +0000

Your parents can’t or won’t volunteer to pay. As an adult you are now responsible for you. Most orthodontists give you a payment book. You make monthly payments just as if you took out a vehicle loan. You can do it, you are worth the end results..

By: M&M

M&M — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

yeah it kinda would be their responsibility, but they way you describe them, I doubt they will care. If I were you buddy, I’d go on about my life, just remember, they will be old one day and will be looking around for you. Then you can take your pride and messed up teeth to someone who cares. Every dog has their day…..

By: MISSLOVE

MISSLOVE — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

If your parents didn’t take care of this for you this is called neglect. I know in my state you can report this to child services. Child services either gives the parent an option of taking care of the child’s needs or taking the child away.

By: MJ

MJ — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

I think its the parents responsibility yes but unfortunately your now an adult and they don’t have to pay now. Talk to them, maybe they will help you out.

By: Bilinda G

Bilinda G — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

I would talk to them about it. Ask them if they remember what the dentist told them back then. Let them know b/c they didn’t get it and that now that your jaw is messed up it will cost triple the amount. Ask if they would like to contribute to the fund. Nothing wrong with asking but don’t expect them to do anything. Chances are they will not b/c if they didn’t care when you were in their care they will not since you are not in their care now.

By: hyabusaw

hyabusaw — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

This is unfortunate for you. Some people view orthodontic as a cosmetic concern rather than a neccessity. I happen to diagree with that. I really dont think that you have any recourse in the matter though. If your dad has money, maybe you can approach him on the issue. If he wont help, maybe the dentist would be willing to set up a payment plan for you.

By: Dallas

Dallas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

if u r like 12 or 14 then yes it is their responsibility especially if u dont have ne jobs or money flying at ya!my foks bought braces for me when i wuz 14 then i got um off when i wuz 17 and they paid for everything…the braces,the visits etc..plus if ur on their insurance then ur coverd wit them and yea they should pay…..but if u have a job n money flying at u!then it would be ur responsibility……

By: larsgirl

larsgirl — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:37 +0000

If you’re an adult now then no, your parents don’t have a legal responsibility to have your dental work done.
I was in the same position as you when I was a kid. I didn’t get the orthodontic care that I should have. Fortunately when I got married I had excellent dental insurance, but as an adult the process of straightening is a lot longer and much more painful (adult teeth have memory). so what should have taken 3 years as a kid took almost 8 years as an adult.
You could always approach your father and explain your financial concerns to him, and have a list from your orthodontist of what is going to have to be done and the cost(s) involved so he can see things in black and white. If he wasn’t responsible as a parent when you were a child make sure he has hard facts this time.
Good luck, and when the process starts, make sure you have the makings for Smoothies around and protein powder to put in them… I always had a hard time chewing for the first few days after a check-up.