In addition to the other reasons, there is also the worry of surprise charges. You’ll go in for a $100 checkup, only to find a bunch of other “standard” fees and services tacked on at the end. They’ll act like this is normal, and you’re weird for asking how much it costs up front.
This is twice as bad at the doctor than at the dentist.
Weak argument. You just ask them upfront for the cost or at least brackets. They can act however they want after adding to that cost. You asked upfront, were given the amount and that’s what you can pay. Otherwise all you are doing is letting peer pressure drive your actions. Also, a fear of surprise charges is about as much of an excuse as anything else. You are risking a lot by not doing a checkup in so many years, and “surprise charges” isn’t a reason to not do it.
Have you ever actually tried this? They often don’t even know the brackets up front.