Medically-Necessary Braces
Donation protected
I was born to a father whose strength and kindness was so clear, I'll probably never stop hearing stories about what he taught one person or how he comforted another. I have a mother who I realize I'm more and more like all the time- and each time, it's an honor. I hope I've inherited much from both of them. I'm proud to be of them, from the inside out. There's one thing, however, I'm positive I've inherited from my dad: my teeth.
High school portraits of Doug Ewing show him- brushed out curls and big smile- in front of a cool background. His face is lovely and I see a lot of it in both my brother and me. And his teeth have lots of character.
While there's nothing wrong with teeth that are a bit scraggly, a few dentists have told me that I have more than just simple misalignment going on. They call what I need "medically-neccesary braces" or dental braces that are not for aesthetic issues. Basically, the way my teeth are positioned is unsustainable. If they don't get corrected, I will have gum recession, exposed roots, tooth rot and premature tooth loss... All of this would be painful and a lot more expensive than braces, the prescribed fix for this problem.
So, I need the braces, and soon, they said. I've looked for the cheapest option and found it at the Tufts Medical School's Orthodontic Clinic. There, students learn while they provide cheap care. I've had my first two appointments and the costs have been laid out. My 18-24 months of braces will cost at least $4,500. Over the course of the next two years, I'll travel to Boston every 4-6 weeks while I adjust my jaw with surgery and progress through the braces agenda. Fun. But I also feel lucky to have family and friends that can help me access these services.
If you are able to help with the cost, I would be so grateful. It's funny to ask for help, but this cost is a lot for me while I support myself, pay for student loans, etc. Being able to afford braces will dramatically help me address this important medical issue. While I'm honored to be my dad's daughter, I know this is one thing he would be alright with me changing. Thanks for reading and thanks so much for any help you can give. I love you.
-Vivian
High school portraits of Doug Ewing show him- brushed out curls and big smile- in front of a cool background. His face is lovely and I see a lot of it in both my brother and me. And his teeth have lots of character.
While there's nothing wrong with teeth that are a bit scraggly, a few dentists have told me that I have more than just simple misalignment going on. They call what I need "medically-neccesary braces" or dental braces that are not for aesthetic issues. Basically, the way my teeth are positioned is unsustainable. If they don't get corrected, I will have gum recession, exposed roots, tooth rot and premature tooth loss... All of this would be painful and a lot more expensive than braces, the prescribed fix for this problem.
So, I need the braces, and soon, they said. I've looked for the cheapest option and found it at the Tufts Medical School's Orthodontic Clinic. There, students learn while they provide cheap care. I've had my first two appointments and the costs have been laid out. My 18-24 months of braces will cost at least $4,500. Over the course of the next two years, I'll travel to Boston every 4-6 weeks while I adjust my jaw with surgery and progress through the braces agenda. Fun. But I also feel lucky to have family and friends that can help me access these services.
If you are able to help with the cost, I would be so grateful. It's funny to ask for help, but this cost is a lot for me while I support myself, pay for student loans, etc. Being able to afford braces will dramatically help me address this important medical issue. While I'm honored to be my dad's daughter, I know this is one thing he would be alright with me changing. Thanks for reading and thanks so much for any help you can give. I love you.
-Vivian
Organizer
Vivian Ewing
Organizer
Portland, ME