<prompt> Human: Hi everyone,I am a twenty-nine year old professional living in the Washington D.C. area and need to fix my teeth before they get any worse. To summarize, my parents did not have the means or resources to take me to a dentist when I was younger, and had me on a sodasugar diet consisting of acidic beverages, cookies, candy, and cake - my oldest brother committed suicide when I was eleven years old, and they simply stopped caring. My father also stole 80,000 from my family as a whole, which has made matters so much worse.As soon as I moved out on my own, I did a complete 180 and brush three times a day, floss, use mouthwash, and refrain from all the junk food. I recently lost 70 lbs from my once 210 pound frame and physically feel wonderful.My teeth, however, are another story. They are thin, brittle, and crooked. I am missing five teeth, and think I have periodontal disease - I also need crowns and possibly have cavities that need to be filled. To get everything fixed will be in the 20,000 - 30,000 category. I am very depressed and cry a lot. People think I am a drug addict. I get bullied, even at work. In the end, however, am trying to remain optimistic.My stats:Income - 40,000 plus a few hundred a year in dogwalking servicesRent: 459.00monthCar payment: 214.56monthCareCredit Which I used to start my dental treatment: 250.00monthPhone Bill: 87.00monthCredit Card: 119.00monthFood: 250.00monthGasMetro: 100week though am reimbursed every week.I also have 15,000 in my Checking account, but this is all I have.Do you feel it is worth going in to debt to get my smile back? Any help would be greatly appreciated - thank you  <response>: Be sure to inquire at dental colleges. They usually can do the work at a massive 50 discount. Heres a list, but it looks like Howard University is the best bet for DC: 