Lisa, first, ask your dentist if he can arrange easy payments, and possibly reduce his fees. If not, consider a new dentist, but one with a lot of recommendations from people you know. Also, consider getting work done at a teaching facility, if there is one near you, they may do it free or at reduced charges. Don't neglect your teeth or gums, you can't get them back when they are gone. Also, you don't need to suffer. I hate getting my teeth fixed, but I have always been glad when I didn't wait until the last minute, it has saved a few teeth. Good luck! Ken B