Orthodontics?

Tyler

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2011
Messages
21
Hello,
I was recently advised to consider orthodontics by my dentist, however, I recently discovered that the USNA does not allow braces. I need the orthodontics, and I am wondering if Invisalign is permitted? My assumption? No. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Hope this information helps!

My son is currently in his first class year at the United States Coast Guard Academy. I must say that the dental care was exceptional. Because of a slight receding gum line, he was sent for periodontal surgery at a private clinic with all costs covered by the Coast Guard.

He was bothered by the fact that his teeth were cramped with two of his teeth on the top and two on the bottom having been pushed backwards. He spoke with the Academy dentist and the periodontal dentist and both felt that braces would benefit him in the distant future. There was no pressing need presently for braces. The Academy dentist submitted paperwork requesting authorization for the Academy to make arrangements for braces at government expense. The authorization was rejected further up the chain of command based on a determination that the braces were not required and were cosmetic. He was advised that if he wanted braces, he would have to bear the entire cost.

He submitted paperwork at the end of his third class year for permission to pay for the braces himself. It took about 7 to 8 months for the paperwork to go through about four or five reviews and finally around Thanksgiving of his second-class year he was granted the permission. The Academy dentist suggested several qualified local orthodontists with the choice being up to him. After meeting and discussing what was involved with two highly qualified orthodontists my son made the arrangements and had the braces installed. I believe the cost to him was around $5500. Braces were installed in January of 2011 and we are all very pleased with the improvement. He is in the final adjustment stages and is due to have the braces removed in March of 2012.

He was able to pay all costs at a money which he saved from his government pay and allowances and still has money available to him saved. During his time at the Academy he has gone out to dinner and movies and even pay for a trip to Peru during his leave last summer.

According to the permissions he got, the braces must be completely removed prior to his graduation next May. His orthodontists set up a schedule to accelerate the completion date to accomplish this goal.

What he was told was that the Academy would have paid for the braces had they been a dental necessity but since it was for cosmetic purposes only that he would have to pay the cost. He was also told that transportation to and from the orthodontists would also be his expense so we has also had a few hundred dollars in taxi expenses. He was also told that he was the first Cadet at the Coast Guard Academy to ever pay for dental expenses. I personally think that the budgetary cutbacks influenced his having to pay but then that is only my opinion.

If you're considering this, with plenty of time to allow for the typical bureaucratic paperwork.

Hope this is helpful
 
Tyler, are you currently a Mid or high school student? If a current Mid, just as TwinsDad mentioned, the dental department will run you through what needs to be done. Will come down to medical vs. cosmetic requirements. If you are currently a high school student, I would cruise around DoDMERB site for information. I am sure there is tons of info on there as so many kids have braces. I can't remember the requirement, but something along the lines that braces must be removed before reporting for I-Day rings a bell.
 
You cannot show up on I-Day with braces on your teeth.

Both my sons had braces at the time of their DoDMERB medical, but their braces were scheduled to be removed in June, well before I-Day. They brought a signed letter from their orthodontist regarding the treatment and verification when the braces would be removed.
 
You cannot show up on I-Day with braces on your teeth.

Both my sons had braces at the time of their DoDMERB medical, but their braces were scheduled to be removed in June, well before I-Day. They brought a signed letter from their orthodontist regarding the treatment and verification when the braces would be removed.

Given what you have said, does that mean braces are permitted after I-Day?
 
Given what you have said, does that mean braces are permitted after I-Day?

From my understanding, unless it's a fairly serious condition that occurs early in their Naval Academy career, any medical (or dental) issue that comes up will be handled by Brigade Medical.

If it's discovered that they need braces - they'll get braces.

I've seen midshipmen with braces before - although it's rare.

Somebody else can probably correct or elaborate on this.

But I do know you can't be wearing braces on I-Day. That I'm 100% sure of.
 
Then I will have to get braces ASAP, as I have found through research that the maximum they are applied is 2 1/2 years. Thanks (again)!
 
Be sure to discuss your time requirements with the orthodontist

If you are going to have braces before going to the Academy, be sure to tell your orthodontist of your goals and time schedules. Required completion times will most likely play a part in how your orthodontist approaches the corrections and the methods used. Because of US Coast Guard Academy time restraints, my son's orthodontist chose a specific type of brace and charted out a detailed time schedule for the work. It would appear that from installation of braces to removal will be one year and two months. Again, discuss your time requirements with your orthodontist prior to beginning actual work.
 
Okay, I appreciate everything that everyone has said! (Can I request that my thread be closed? If so, then please do so.)
 
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