Braces? Earrings?

Carleigh.W

5-Year Member
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Mar 8, 2011
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Hey guys! Does anybody know if you're allowed to have braces while you're at West Point? What about earrings?

Thanks!
Carleigh
 
In the instructions for candidates offered admission it states "all active orthodontics must be appropriatly completed prior to reporting to West Point, retainers are acceptable" I'm sure the braces you take out are still considered orthodontics, maybe someone else has an answer for you or contact DENTAC at WP.
 
The thinking seems to be will braces cause injury or distraction. Check with DENTAC, as Invisalign, not being permanently attached, should be OK by these standards. Also note that, once you're in the Army, i.e., when you sign on at USMA, you are under the care of their dentists. Many cadets get braces while they are there from Army orthodontists.
 
Oh, and one earring per ear, with specifics about what you can wear in uniform - basically small round pearls or gold balls.
 
Hey guys! Does anybody know if you're allowed to have braces while you're at West Point? What about earrings?

Thanks!
Carleigh

Yes, you are allowed to get braces after you get here. It's covered by tricare so you're better off just waiting.
 
Yes, you are allowed to get braces after you get here. It's covered by tricare so you're better off just waiting.

Although technically "covered" by military dentistry you must have an actual dental condition in order to get braces in the military. You won't get them just because you want your teeth straighter or for cosmetic reasons.
 
Although technically "covered" by military dentistry you must have an actual dental condition in order to get braces in the military. You won't get them just because you want your teeth straighter or for cosmetic reasons.

I guess this falls under cosmetic, but what if your teeth are really bad?

And is it possible to pay out of pocket for braces? If so, will one be able to do so during cadet life?
 
Oh, and one earring per ear, with specifics about what you can wear in uniform - basically small round pearls or gold balls.

Silver, diamond, or gold studs and they cannot be more than 6/10ths of a centimeter in diameter
 
Although technically "covered" by military dentistry you must have an actual dental condition in order to get braces in the military. You won't get them just because you want your teeth straighter or for cosmetic reasons.

That's strange seeing as a few of my friends (myself included) have gotten braces covered by the Army with no existing dental condition other than our teeth not being perfectly straight...
 
There is a frequently asked dental questions link on the bottom of the candidate portal. It say something along the lines of its worth applying to get braces for cosmetic reasons but it isn't 100% guaranteed, actual conditions have seniority of cosmetic.
 
That's strange seeing as a few of my friends (myself included) have gotten braces covered by the Army with no existing dental condition other than our teeth not being perfectly straight...

Some of it also has to do with the "boredom" level of the local military orthodontist. Not every base has one, sounds like WP has one on staff, so my guess is since I doubt he's overwhelmed with true needs for braces he is able to provide more "cosmetic" services.

This is similar to what happens with plastic/cosmetic surgery as well.

If they are offering then I'd definitely do it while at WP, as once out it's not as common.
 
Some of it also has to do with the "boredom" level of the local military orthodontist. Not every base has one, sounds like WP has one on staff, so my guess is since I doubt he's overwhelmed with true needs for braces he is able to provide more "cosmetic" services.

This is similar to what happens with plastic/cosmetic surgery as well.

If they are offering then I'd definitely do it while at WP, as once out it's not as common.

I did some checking and you are right. They are more linient on who gets them possibly due to the low demand. That being said, if you aren't remotely closed to "needing" them then likely won't be able to free of charge.
 
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