<prompt> Human: Im a 17 year old female and have been nearly dirt poor my entire life. My family couldnt afford the 4000 dollars we were told it would take to get braces. Family on my fathers side offered to pay before we found out this was 3 years ago but we havent heard anything about it since. Ive been suicidal and depressed my entire life and I think that fixing my teeth will help. My teeth have always been a target for bullies. When I was younger, I tried to rot my teeth out of my head by never brushing. My logic was that Id get new, perfectly straight dentures. I grew up never taking a single picture of myself and trying to escape any that might be taken of me. Younger me doesnt even really exist because of it. I never smiled and I subconsciously began talking in a way that wouldnt expose my teeth. So much so that people are surprised when I tell them my teeth are screwed up. Sometimes eating things hurts because of the way a tooth comes in contact with something because of its position. This isnt strictly for aesthetic purposes, they hurt. I havent been to a dentist since god knows when. I have no insurance and getting any when I turn 18 in September doesnt make sense. I know that I need to build credit and I plan on saving the 4000 before even taking out the loan, Im just not sure how or if it is even a good idea. I know I want straight teeth. Bad enough that Im willing to make my first major purchase ever on straightening them. Everyone else is getting cars and going to college. Im getting braces. Neat. TL:DR Turning 18 soon. Wondering if taking out a loan for braces is a good idea. First ever post on Reddit, I tried, be nice. I have no idea whats going on with the format and text, Im on a mobile. EDIT: By Tried to rot my teeth out of my head I mean TRIED. It was for a short time, no actual damage occurred and my mother held me down to brush my teeth. The pain comes from my teeth being so crooked that it hurts when I bite.  <response>: Check out this program The braces wont be free, but if you qualify, itll be a lot cheaper than 4000 680. 