Braces are an effective and popular way to straighten teeth and improve dental health, but they can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to get braces without breaking the bank.
Dental insurance usually covers most or all of the cost, and some employers offer flex or health spending accounts that allow you to use money for medical expenses tax-free.
1. Ask Your Dentist About Discounts
Orthodontic treatment is expensive and not always covered by dental insurance. Unless it's provided by your employer as part of your healthcare package, you will need to find other ways to pay for braces.
Many orthodontists offer a payment plan that allows patients to pay for their braces over a period of weeks or months. This helps to spread out the cost and make it more manageable.
If your office is located near a college or school, test the waters with student discounts. This is a great way to attract new clients and build brand recognition.
2. Ask About Financing
The upfront cost of braces can be a major shock to many patients. It’s important to ask your orthodontist about the costs and financing options available.
While some dental insurance policies do cover orthodontic treatment, the amount of coverage is often minimal. Generally, dental insurance only covers up to 50% of the total cost for orthodontics.
Personal loans can also be an option for paying for orthodontic treatments. These types of loans often have lower interest rates than credit cards and can provide you with a fixed monthly payment that you can budget for.
Orthodontics is a highly specialized field that requires extensive training and years of experience to ensure the best results for your smile. While the initial investment may be high, it’s an investment in your long-term health and can significantly improve your quality of life.
3. Explore Dental Assistance Programs
There are many different dental assistance programs that can help you pay for your braces. Some of these programs may require a bit of work on your part, but they can be well worth it.
Traditional braces use metal brackets that are connected to wire and help guide your teeth into their proper position. The result is a healthier set of teeth that are easier to brush and floss.
4. Ask Your Employer About Dental Coverage Benefits
If your employees are considering braces for cosmetic reasons, you should let them know that their dental insurance may cover the cost of orthodontic treatment. However, many dental insurance plans have copays and deductibles, so you’ll need to make sure your employees understand their coverage before they decide to use it.
You can also encourage your employees to consider using their tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for their dental and orthodontic expenses. You can also set up a Dental HRA, which allows employees to access funds without having to meet the deductible.
When choosing a dental insurance plan, you should consider the coverage rates, how far the network reaches and customer service. You should also verify that the insurance company offers rollover benefits for unused annual maximums.
5. Talk to Your Insurance Company
Braces can be expensive, but there are a few ways that you can save money on your orthodontic treatment. Talk to your orthodontist about payment plans and options, as well as insurance coverage that may be available.
Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of braces. However, not all insurances cover the same amounts, and the type of coverage varies by plan.
For example, some insurance plans only provide coverage for braces that are medically necessary, which typically means fixing a significant bite issue or relieving jaw pain caused by TMJ or sleep apnea. Other plans only cover a small percentage of the cost and have a lifetime maximum, which can make it difficult to get the care you need.
