What to Know About an Orthodontist Payment Plan
A payment plan at your orthodontist is often comprised of a down payment followed by regular monthly payments for the next year or two. Most orthodontists will do this interest-free. Or, you may get a discount if you can pay in full when you begin treatment. There are also dental insurance plans that cover orthodontia.
Let’s face it, braces are not inexpensive. But, when you consider what all they can do for your smile and your overall oral health, not to mention your physical health, they are a small investment for a lifetime of benefits. Still, when you are looking at a bill that can run from $3,000 to as much as $10,000, depending on what kind of braces you choose, you may wonder how you are going to pay for braces in the short term. That’s where an orthodontist payment plan comes in.
If you can get your braces while you are younger, you will likely have an easier time warding off health issues throughout life. That said, no matter when you can get braces or Invisalign, you will be giving yourself the gift of properly aligned teeth that will wear correctly and be less likely to break or chip. Your orthodontist will craft treatment plans perfect for you – and perhaps your family – that will address any crooked teeth or bite issues you have. Then you can ask about ways to cover the cost of braces including an interest-free monthly payment plan.
What payment options are available for braces?
There are a lot of ways that you can pay for your orthodontic treatment. One of the best things you can do is talk to the office staff at your orthodontist office in Miami Shores FL 33138 to see what they accept and what is available to you there. Let’s look at a few of them.
- Payment plan options – A payment plan usually starts with a down payment at the first or second appointment. Then you will be making monthly payments for the length of time you have braces, but if you have a longer treatment plan, you may be able to pay off the braces in two years. Your orthodontist will typically not charge interest on this plan.
- Free consultation – Many orthodontists will do a free initial consultation, including an X-ray to see what your jaw bone looks like. This gives your orthodontist a good tool to help develop your treatment plan with before reviewing it with you.
- Cash discount – If you are able to pay for your treatment in full upfront with the cash you may be eligible for a discount.
- A lot of dental insurance plans consider orthodontia for kids and teens to be medically necessary, and an increasing number of dental plans for adults also provide orthodontics coverage. Military families have their own insurance plan called Tricare. Most Tricare plans offer braces coverage for teens, which is very helpful if you have several kids. Check with your insurance company for coverage options.
- Dental schools – Local dental schools often have programs allowing the public to get dental and orthodontic services at greatly reduced costs. The students at these schools are under the direct supervision of experienced instructors while learning the skills they need to graduate and open their own practices.
- There are a few instances where Medicaid programs will cover braces, especially for kids and teens who are deemed to have a medically necessary need for braces. Check with your case manager for details and to see if you have coverage to pay for braces.
- Medical credit programs – One of the new options available to help pay for medical care, including orthodontia, is a medical credit program. You may be able to apply for it through your orthodontist’s office. Once approved, you can make payments on your braces every month if your orthodontist’s office does not offer payment plans.
- Health care spending accounts – Many employers offer a health savings account or flexible spending account FSA. These plans allow you to set aside money each month from your paycheck and put it into a fund that you can use to get reimbursed for medical expenses you pay for out of pocket.
- Credit card – A lot of orthodontist offices accept payment via major credit cards, so you can charge your braces to the card and use it to make payments each month. Plus you have the added benefit of earning whatever rewards your card offers so you can treat yourself when you get your braces off.
Types of braces and costs
One other way to keep the cost of braces down is to consider the different types and choose a less expensive option. The good news is, every type of orthodontic appliance is a good and effective choice.
- Traditional metal braces This is the least expensive option, usually starting at $3,000, or about $125 a month for 24 months. They have the added benefit of being the strongest type of braces.
- Ceramic braces. While ceramic brackets are more visually attractive, they are also more expensive, costing between $4,000 and $8,000.
- Lingual braces. Unless you really need to have them because of your job, you should stay away from them if the cost is an important factor for you. They can cost as much as $10,000 because each bracket must be custom-made for you and it takes a technically skilled orthodontist to mount them correctly on the back of your teeth.
- Clear aligners. Clear aligners, also known as Invisalign, are another option for you. They are perfect for teens and adults who do not want to have visible braces and still want them to be affordable. They will cost about the same as traditional metal braces do.
Closing thoughts
You shouldn’t worry about how to pay for your braces when you learn you need to have them. Your health is too important. A great smile is a confidence boost, and who knows, that confidence may even lead to a better-paying job. There are a number of ways you can finance your braces, and it starts with asking your orthodontist near me what kind of orthodontist payment plan they have, and what insurance plan they accept. Alternatively, they can explain what other methods of payment they accept so you can get the braces you need and the smile you deserve.
Contact Us
IVANOV Orthodontic Experts, 12866 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=154326063970645489
Call us at (786) 540-1919 to schedule a free orthodontic exam.
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