Need is a STRONG word. Need as in need straight nope - that is a WANT. Need as in not to have all teeth fall out. Yes that’s a need. Sometimes a greater priority occurs. Maybe you need a gum procedure or root canal and/or crown and can’t afford braces
I have never been able to afford orthodontics. There was always a greater priority. Someone else who needed dental work more than me. If braces were important enough I would have had them but I didn’t see spacing as a legitimate need for braces
Any chance they could have paid by credit card?