Braces

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Alan99

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2017
Messages
38
Hello all,
I was wondering if accepted to a service academy, I would be able to correct a misalignment in my top set of teeth. I don't really know about traditional braces, but would I be able to use something like Invisalign and would I be able to go to orthodontist appointments regularly? It would probably be a short time, considering my misalignment is due to me not ever wearing my retainer as a 12-year-old.
 
I had braces while at USAFA (3 degree and 2 degree year). Not a really good option during the first year, but there are options for braces after that. It wasn't super common, but several of us had braces at some point.
 
hornetguy said:
I had braces while at USAFA (3 degree and 2 degree year). Not a really good option during the first year, but there are options for braces after that. It wasn't super common, but several of us had braces at some point.
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Thanks for the response, is it something that you have to organize on your own? Did you receive financial help from your parents?
 
Alan99 said:
Thanks for the response, is it something that you have to organize on your own? Did you receive financial help from your parents?
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Sorry I took awhile to respond. I was a bit different - I had a second opinion done on my jaw since my particular issue was unique (I still had three baby teeth. On lower because the adult tooth was 90' rotated and couldn't push out the tooth, and my upper adult incisors were laying almost 90' rotated on top of my jaw...) Anyway, I had a civilian orthodontist from Houston (where I am from) who identified some major issues with what the AF wanted to do which resulted in him volunteering to do all my orthodontic work for free. He was a very generous man and in the process of retiring from his practice.

The shorter answer for most everyone else was the Air Force paid for and did the orthodontic work at USAFA. My situation was odd but everyone I knew had positive outcomes with AF ortho.
 
My DS currently has braces and had to get his Orthodontist fill out a remedial stating braces would be removed before reporting to USAFA for CBT. I read something that states braces are not allowed while attending USAFA, I wonder if they recently changed the rule?
 
From the most recent "Instructions to Appointees":

"The Academy staff expects that you will arrive at the Academy with no potentially disqualifying dental conditions. Examples of dental conditions that may prevent you from performing optimally include (1) the presence of impacted or erupted wisdom teeth that cannot be maintained in a state of health, (2) cavities that may become emergent problems if not restored immediately, or (3) active orthodontic appliances (braces). Active orthodontic appliances are a disqualifying condition for Academy admission. All orthodontic treatment must be completed, devices removed, and retainers (if indicated) in place prior to entering the Academy. Don’t forget to bring your retainers with you to the Academy!"

ref: https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/AppointeeInstructions_2021.pdf

So, you cannot arrive/start BCT with braces, but once there, I believe you can get them, if needed; just not sure if the military will cover the expense. I have seen several photos of cadets with braces.
 
Good to know! I know my DS would like to complete his orthodontic work and have the amazing smile he has always dreamed of :)
 
JRS92078 said:
Good to know! I know my DS would like to complete his orthodontic work and have the amazing smile he has always dreamed of :)
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When my son joined the NG, it was required that his braces be off. He had them for many years (7!) and was only too happy to get them ripped off. He had them removed a month before he went to MEPS
 
Does anybody know what the policy is for USMMA? I'm kinda curious and have been wanting to get work done for a long time.
 
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