Do you have to be 18 to set up a dentist appointment?

My mom refuses to take me to the dentist, so I can get braces that I've been wanting for almost 5 years now (but haven't gotten due to money issues). I was wondering if I can go by myself to the dentist if I take my insurance cards and such with me? I'm 17 years old, and I have a well-paying job that could pay the monthly installments for the braces. Can anyone help?