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Orthodontic treatment is often viewed as a costly investment. No matter what type of braces you choose, the process, materials, and severity of your case will be factored into the overall estimate you will receive from your orthodontist. How much should you budget for this type of treatment? What kind of payment options are available to help bring down out-of-pocket costs? Before you begin to panic or feel overwhelmed, read on to find out what you can expect when paying for a straighter smile.
What Factors Will Your Orthodontist Consider When Determining the Cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment will be determined once you meet with your orthodontist. This visit will not only provide a clear view of your oral and overall health, but also how much you can expect to pay.
Some of the factors your orthodontist will consider include:
- Severity of Dental Case: The type of dental problem that needs to be addressed is a considerable factor, as it is much easier to close a small gap between teeth than to shift a significant overbite.
- Type of Orthodontic Treatment: Based on your case, your orthodontist will decide whether you need traditional braces (metal or ceramic) or if you can achieve the desired results with Invisalign clear aligners.
- Preliminary Services: After a thorough examination of your smile and oral health, your orthodontist will determine if you need preliminary treatment before moving forward with orthodontics. One example might be tooth extraction to create space for overcrowded teeth to move.
How Can You Save Money While Pursuing Orthodontic Treatment?
No matter what kind of cost estimate you receive from your orthodontist, do not be deterred or automatically decide it is unaffordable. Remember, you’re unlikely to pay the same amount as another patient because your case is different.
Many professionals offer multiple payment options to help patients lower their out-of-pocket costs, so it’s worth inquiring about what is available. Some possibilities include:
- Dental Insurance: Although each dental insurance plan has a different policy regarding orthodontic coverage, many provide partial savings of up to 50%. There may be stipulations associated with these plans, including the patient’s age or an available lifetime maximum, but you can ask your team to review the details and explain what is and is not covered.
- Flexible Financing: Whether your dental insurance agrees to help pay a portion of your treatment, you can also inquire about additional support. Some practices may provide zero-interest financing and affordable payment plans to reduce the burden of high, upfront, out-of-pocket expenses.
If attaining a straighter set of teeth hinges on your ability to afford treatment, don’t let it hold you back anymore. With help from your orthodontic team and a clear plan of action, you can worry less about the cost and instead focus on achieving your smile goals.
About the Author
Providing superior orthodontic treatment to Round Rock residents since 2007, Dr. Saba Asrar has more than 15 years of experience and is equipped to provide all types of orthodontic treatment. At Big Smile Orthodontics, she leads a team that delivers patient-focused care in a comfortable environment. Part of this involves making sure you are aware of available payment options designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs and help you save. Whether it’s dental insurance or flexible financing you have questions about, we invite you to visit our website or call (512) 828-7900 to speak to a team member.
