I've kicked this thought around now and then for a year or so, and I'm hoping someone here might have some info. First a little background. I'm a winged NA in Jax for the P-3 FRS and will be headed to my squadron in Feb. I never got braces as a kid, my parents couldn't justify the cost with five of us. So, my teeth are crooked; fortunately nothing crazy, none turned sideways or that sort of thing. They may be getting a little worse though. Anyway, I'm considering a consultation with an orthodontist, especially since technology has made braces sans a tin grin possible. I'm guessing a flight surgeon has to sign off on it, it's cosmetic so I'll be paying out of pocket, and of course it'll have to be worked in around my being away from the orthodontist for months at a time. I suppose there's the possibility that they'll want surgery, which would make it a very different ball game, unless it's just removing my wisdom teeth. Regarding that, nobody said a word at my OCS physical, one Navy dentist in Corpus said he didn't see any reason to have them out, and another said he'd prefer to have them out. They're still there.
So, without drawing this out any more, does anyone know what kind of hurdles I'm likely to jump through for this? Anyone with actual experiences (first or secondhand)? I don't see any big reasons why I'd be turned down, although the world of Navy medicine doesn't always see things my way. Any insight is appreciated.
So, without drawing this out any more, does anyone know what kind of hurdles I'm likely to jump through for this? Anyone with actual experiences (first or secondhand)? I don't see any big reasons why I'd be turned down, although the world of Navy medicine doesn't always see things my way. Any insight is appreciated.