Do you think its appropriate for co-workers to ask me how much I paid for my braces?

[Bobbi7]

I decided to get braces as an adult, anyway, a few of my co-workers have asked me "how much I payed for them-like how much I payed out of pocket, or how much do they cost, are they expensive" etc, etc...they ask me those questions because either-they want to get braces as a adult or they are asking because they are wanting to get some information for their daughters, who needs braces. Well, we work at an health insurance company, they can easily "call" human resources to see what their plan pays or find orthodontists in the area and see what they can afford! Surely, they will get way better information from them than from me. Asking me how much I payed for them just rubs me the wrong way. I'm like...why not just call HR and ask them?

[amelia0607]

Personally, that wouldn't bother me one bit - I'd just give them a ball park because as you say, they can call around and find out the information anyway.

[Ms. Faust]

For something like that it would not bother me. I don't consider braces something you don't ask the cost about.

[GunslingerRoland]

That doesn't sound like too personal of a question. I mean, it's your right to refuse to answer. But I don't see why it would hurt, since they just want to know because they are considering it too.

[Mrin]

Sounds like no big deal. I'd have no qualms with blurting that question out either.

 

Edit: so... How much did they cost anyhow?

[Bobbi7]

It's probably not too personal of a question, but it's rather silly they are either too lazy or mindless to just "Google" the answer. It's right there. Have they not heard of Google?

[GravityMan]

A lot of people are just more comfortable with and/or accustomed to asking someone they know...instead of looking up the answer themselves on Google or Wikipedia. It's probably best to just take it in stride and not make a big deal out of it...especially in a workplace where people are expected to be at least somewhat social. Sometimes a simple question can lead to further conversation that's interesting and enjoyable for both of you.

 

That particular question wouldn't bother me at all. I'd simply answer it honestly and politely, perhaps give a range since it can vary depending on insurance and orthodontist.

[loverboy69]

I decided to get braces as an adult, anyway, a few of my co-workers have asked me "how much I payed for them-like how much I payed out of pocket, or how much do they cost, are they expensive" etc, etc...they ask me those questions because either-they want to get braces as a adult or they are asking because they are wanting to get some information for their daughters, who needs braces. Well, we work at an health insurance company, they can easily "call" human resources to see what their plan pays or find orthodontists in the area and see what they can afford! Surely, they will get way better information from them than from me. Asking me how much I payed for them just rubs me the wrong way. I'm like...why not just call HR and ask them?

 

I don't have an issue with being asked this. I'd look at it as someone trusting my opinion and information as valid.

 

Yes they can call. Yes they can Google it. But so many people nowadays do everything they can to avoid human interaction away from the computer or smartphone screen so a little human conversation to me is a plus. That's why there are so many online reviews and testimonies on pricing or services. People genuinely want to know others' experience before they buy. Your coworkers know you and perhaps they look up to you?

 

Besides insurance can be totally confusing between the copay, what's covered, types of orthodontia, pre and post services etc. Maybe the standard braces are covered but the colored or invisilign types are not covered?

 

It's totally within your right to decline answering but don't be surprised if you are later perceived as overly stiff. As an adult you be the judge between an acquaintance who really would appreciate your feedback vs. a nosy busy body.

[kilgore]

Why is the pride such a sensitive issue? Maybe someone wanted to get braces for him/herself and wanted an idea of costs

[acapelo_dp]

I just got braces at the age of 25 and I get asked it all the time by people when they notice them. I don't mind at all telling them... It's really not that personal.

[No_Go]

Why it bothers you? They are probably curious to find out about YOUR orthodontist, that's why they're asking you. Btw everybody knows braces are expensive, they won't learn anything shocking.

 

Having said that - I had braces in my late 20s and was self-conscious about them, i.e. I'd appreciate if people pretend that they do not notice them... Arghh, especially the questions - "Are these (elastics) uncomfortable??" Guess!

 

 

I decided to get braces as an adult, anyway, a few of my co-workers have asked me "how much I payed for them-like how much I payed out of pocket, or how much do they cost, are they expensive" etc, etc...they ask me those questions because either-they want to get braces as a adult or they are asking because they are wanting to get some information for their daughters, who needs braces. Well, we work at an health insurance company, they can easily "call" human resources to see what their plan pays or find orthodontists in the area and see what they can afford! Surely, they will get way better information from them than from me. Asking me how much I payed for them just rubs me the wrong way. I'm like...why not just call HR and ask them?

[Bobbi7]

A lot of people are just more comfortable with and/or accustomed to asking someone they know...instead of looking up the answer themselves on Google or Wikipedia. It's probably best to just take it in stride and not make a big deal out of it...especially in a workplace where people are expected to be at least somewhat social. Sometimes a simple question can lead to further conversation that's interesting and enjoyable for both of you.

 

That particular question wouldn't bother me at all. I'd simply answer it honestly and politely, perhaps give a range since it can vary depending on insurance and orthodontist.

 

Yeah, I guess it could be a conversation starter or it will "break the ice" on further conversation on a different topic.

[Tayla]

be polite and give a ball park figure.

 

unless you signed a non disclosure agreement.

[ufo8mycat]

What is it that rubs you the wrong way?

 

I got braces at 35 and I get lots of question - including the cost. I just think people are curious.

 

I also had a my new road bike frame delivered to work and everyone wanted to know.. much much it cost!

 

I actually like it when people Ask about things they don't know about rather than assume. I seriously doubt there is anything sinister behind it. Everyone knows orthodontic work is expensive. Maybe they are thinking of it themselves? Maybe they are wondering if it is different from kids having braces.

 

Maybe rather than taking questions as an affront, see them as people being interested.

[SpiralOut]

It would bother me if they asked me simply because they are curious. I'm a private person, especially when it comes to my finances. I would ask them why they want to know - are they wanting to get some too? If so then I won't really mind talking about it. I would not tell them how much MINE are, but I would give them the price range and then point out that the cost won't be the same for everyone. It really depends on what shape your teeth are in.

[acrosstheuniverse]

Wouldn't bother me, I can't imagine why it would. Is it because you think it would say something positive or negative about your financial situation? I can't work out why that would bother you.

[pink_sugar]

I haven't had anyone ask me directly for a figure when I got braces, but I got weird comments even from my bosses that I must have paid a lot of money and they hoped I had financial help (which I didn't). I never made a big issue about it as most people know braces are expensive. I got mine as an adult for the second time in 2012 and had them removed last year. I personally would not have the desire to ask someone unless I wanted to know because I was looking into getting it done for myself.

[Rejected Rosebud]

but it's rather silly they are either too lazy or mindless to just "Google" the answer. It's right there. Have they not heard of Google?

Lazy or mindless???? People asked each other questions for all of time before there was such a thing as Google and some of us still do!! Heck I would ask an acquaintance something like that and it would never of crossed my mind that I might be considered lazy or mindless because of it!! :eek: I learn alot of new concepts here everyday!!