Are orthodontics a medical necessity

[mcs2011]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

I have already spent nearly $4,000 on orthodontics for my daughter. She has lost her retainer and her teeth have separated slightly. She is in no pain or discomfort, can eat fine, talk fine, etc. My ex is taking me back to court to pay an additional $1,450 for top braces and new retainers. This issue is not specifically addressed in our support order

The support magistrate scheduled a hearing to show medical necessity or not. I am trying to prove the "not". Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

I have already spent nearly $4,000 on orthodontics for my daughter. She has lost her retainer and her teeth have separated slightly. She is in no pain or discomfort, can eat fine, talk fine, etc. My ex is taking me back to court to pay an additional $1,450 for top braces and new retainers. This issue is not specifically addressed in our support order

The support magistrate scheduled a hearing to show medical necessity or not. I am trying to prove the "not". Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Really Get her orthodontist to say it is purely cosmetic.

 

[Silverplum]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

I have already spent nearly $4,000 on orthodontics for my daughter. She has lost her retainer and her teeth have separated slightly. She is in no pain or discomfort, can eat fine, talk fine, etc. My ex is taking me back to court to pay an additional $1,450 for top braces and new retainers. This issue is not specifically addressed in our support order

The support magistrate scheduled a hearing to show medical necessity or not. I am trying to prove the "not". Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

IMHO, once the orthodontic process is in progress, there's no arguing any more about "necessary."

 

[ecmst12]

This is negligence on the part of BOTH parents, allowing the child to lose the retainer. Ideally SHE would be paying for the extra stuff.

 

[mcs2011]

I should also add my daughter is 15y/o.

 

[CSO286]

I should also add my daughter is 15y/o.

Then she should be responsible enough not to lose a retainer. I've heard horror stories about kids ahving to dig through trash bins after lunch because he or she accidentally threw it away after they ate......

Parent can/should pay for it and make the child reimburse both of them their shares.

 

[mistoffolees]

This is negligence on the part of BOTH parents, allowing the child to lose the retainer. Ideally SHE would be paying for the extra stuff.

I should also add my daughter is 15y/o.

Negligence on the part of the parents? I don't think so. A 15 year old should be able to keep track of her own retainer.

I'd find a way for the child to pay it back. She's old enough to have odd jobs - and will soon be old enough (if she isn't already) to have a 'regular' job.

 

[Antigone*]

Then she should be responsible enough not to lose a retainer. I've heard horror stories about kids ahving to dig through trash bins after lunch because he or she accidentally threw it away after they ate......

Parent can/should pay for it and make the child reimburse both of them their shares.

Lil tigi got her braces off three months ago, and I've already shelled out for another set of retainers. It is just part of the being a kid thing.

I think it is very sad to see parents arguing over paying for this when it is a true benefit to the child.

Now, when lil tigi turns 18, or has a job those extra retainers are on her.

 

[tuffbrk]

She needs to have her top braces re-done? That retainer must have been lost for quite some time!