Our kid is 12 and we're not rich. Braces?

With how judgemental America is, it is almost required these days to have braces. Straight teeth seem to be one of those things that seem to matter more now than they ever did before. My take on it is if her teeth are not that bad, (no gaps, not sideways, no major overbite etc) then if you're comfortable with them and she doesn't have low self esteem because of her teeth then it's okay not to get them. If they are turned funny ways, have holes in between them, some longer than others etc. I'd say you need to get them for her. Kids will find anything to make fun of someone about, but if they are not that bad, then I wouldn't worry about that being a problem.