is there an orthodontist or special service for this?

[fluffysaggitarius]

Hello,

I am an accepted class of 2027 candidate. I was wondering if there was an orthodontist at West point/near west point so I could possibly get invisalign to straighten my teeth? Or an alternative method to straighten my teeth? I know they don't allow braces going in there but do people ever do cosmetic teeth services?

 

[NavyHoops]

I would be surprised if cosmetic items like this are covered. They weren’t when I served. You can always ask when arrive and get a check by the dentist and they can review any options that could be available.

 

[fluffysaggitarius]

I would be surprised if cosmetic items like this are covered. They weren’t when I served. You can always ask when arrive and get a check by the dentist and they can review any options that could be available.

i don’t really mind if it’s not covered. i will pay, i just want to know if they offer those services

 

[justdoit19]

I think the first hurdle you would have would be off campus appointments as a new plebe. Including having liberty when a dentist is open, and transportation,

 

[Candd82026]

I believe there are/is because there's an actual town(s) just outside the USMA gates. There's children and teens of families who live inside the post. There's car services too (uber, etc).

The question is when you, as plebe, will be able to get an appointment that matches your schedule. I've heard that some of the upperclassmen wear braces.

Note that ortho braces (or teeth straightening) are not necessarily cosmetic. It can be needed to correct jaw alignment/bite and other non-cosmetic reasons. Getting checked is the first step to know what you actually need, then want for cosmetic reasons.

 

[Usnavy2019]

If they have an orthodontist there they'll treat you. If not, they'll refer you to out in town. You would most likely be able to leave during non-liberty hours for referral appointments. I saw plenty of people at USNA wearing braces. You are correct that active orthodontic treatment is DQ to enter, but once you are a cadet, most things that were DQ for DoDMERB just become something that gets treated.

That said, if you are going through the military, you are probably going to get braces over Invisalign.

 

[Academician]

I'm unsure about USMA, but as an AFA cadet, I received braces on my teeth as a sophomore. The stipulation was that I would have to have them removed by the time I graduated. In fact, they were removed in my junior year. One likely and key factor is the presence of the
'right kind' of staff in the cadet dental clinic to support the work for your teeth. It was a while ago, but I agree with Candd82026, that it may very well be a normal requirement for the staff to have this competency.