Do you/have you "shopped" for medical/dental care?

Of course I would.

this is a lot of money.

Yes, I have and would do so again. In fact, I'm on the hunt for another dentist as we speak.

Just if anyone cares -- I finally got a second opinion. I brought my younger one to the orthodonist where my older daughter went. It is now a bit out of our way, but let them know my situation -- I thought the local one -- in my current town quoted us too high.

He quoted $500 less. So about $5,600 vs. $6,100 and I might be able to squeeze out a sibling discount even though my older daughter is out of braces, she is still coming in for retainer checks so in theory she is still an active patient. I get final quote next week. Hopefully the xrays confirm and since I have had previous experience with this orthodonist and his quote for my older daughter was pretty much what were we ultimately charged, I can have some confidence.

Damn kids are expensive.

Agree with Linkat. Just go for a second opinion. And though kids are expensive they only get a certain amount of permanent teeth, take care of them. If your dentist or her dental tech starts clucking over your teeth, get a second opinion or a third, or fourth.