If you or your child is about to join the ranks of the millions of Americans who wear braces to correct their teeth, you’re looking forward to the results. Orthodontic treatments are custom designed for each patient, and there are a wide range of options.
You can expect braces to cost thousands of dollars, and the price can go up depending on the severity of the dental problem, whether it’s pediatric or adult, and what appliances the orthodontist recommends. That’s no small sum, especially if you have not anticipated or budgeted for it. There are many options to pay for them.
Flexible Spending Accounts
If you don’t have dental insurance but do have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) from your employer, this could help you pay for braces. Since the money deposited into an FSA is not subject to income tax, you will have more money to put towards orthodontia than if you were to pay for the procedure out of pocket after taxes.
Using FSA funds can be a particularly appealing option even if you do have dental insurance since it can be used for deductibles and co-pays. Check with your employer or benefits administrator about your options and coverage.
Discounts
Some orthodontists may offer discounts, like an incentive for patients who pay the entire bill upfront. If you haven’t budgeted or saved for braces, however, this may be a stretch. You might want to consider whether accessing the cash you need through a personal loan could save you money by allowing you to pay the dentist in full.
It may be possible that some procedures can be done at a dental school or dental society for a discounted rate. While it may seem unsettling to trust this procedure to a student, this work is generally done under the supervision of a licensed orthodontist.
Payment Plans
It is common to pay for braces through some kind of financing including payment plans. Dr. Giasi at Wildflower Orthodontics offers payment plans that allow you to pay off the cost in regular installments. Be sure to compare the interest rates of the orthodontist’s payment plans with the interest rate of your credit card or personal loan options to determine which is most advantageous.
Like the orthodontic work itself, how you pay for braces will be highly personalized and depends on your own financial circumstances and the details of your insurance coverage. Investigate all your options closely before making any decisions. You’re sure to find an option for paying for braces that’s best for you, and that should give you plenty of reasons to smile.
Call our office in Round Rock, TX, or Pflugerville, TX for more information today!
