@Leigh22 My upbringing in the ‘hood/barrio must be showing.
Those of us, with very limited financial backgrounds would not put a $6000 loan on ourselves if we were struggling to pay our bills. When I grew up, neither my siblings, nor I, were able to get braces because money was always tight. We all needed them. My parents’ priorities were keeping a roof over our heads, keeping our bellies somewhat full, and being able to transport to work in a sometimes failing car.
Now I just live with the smile that I have, and appreciate that I can now pay for ortho bills and dental bills on my own.
I think it would’ve been very hard on my parents to take out a $6000 loan for braces.
My point was that there are ways to work with orthodontist, on payment schedules and other things, if you’re willing to go that extra mile, and admit that you need help financially. The problem is most people don’t admit that they need financial help until it’s too late.
I feel for this family but I really think that, given their situation, they could have asked more questions, and looked at the cost of the school before promising something to their child.