Orthodontic treatment provides people of all ages the opportunity to improve their smile. Whether you’re a parent at a consultation with your pre-teen, or an adult hoping to achieve a long-desired straighter smile, the cost of treatment could be a determining factor for you.
There are many ways to make braces affordable, and the long-term benefits of a straighter smile should be taken into consideration when deciding if the investment will be worthwhile.
Benefits of Braces
There are more benefits to orthodontic treatment than just a straighter smile. Braces can correct severe dental issues, including overcrowded teeth and overbites before they begin to affect your long-term oral health. On the surface, it may appear that the main benefit to braces may be a beautiful smile, but braces are also able to go beyond straightening to improve the overall health of the teeth, gums, and jaw structure.
The key benefits of braces include:
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- An improved appearance. Straight teeth improve your overall smile in addition to the appearance of your facial structure.
- Better oral health. Braces straighten the structure of your teeth making them easier to clean both at home and professionally. Correcting bite issues reduces the likelihood of fractures and gum recession.
- Improved function. Correcting bite issues also reduces oral health issues, including teeth grinding and clenching. The ability to chew and bite correctly also reduces jaw pain.
Braces on a Budget
There are many excellent options to help make braces affordable regardless of your budget. From installment plans to flexible spending accounts, Thomas Orthodontics will help you to find a payment solution that is right for you.
Insurance
Whether your dental insurance will cover braces and other orthodontic treatments depends on your policy. While many insurance plans do not cover braces if you’re over the age of 18, many plans do offer orthodontic coverage for kids and teens. Insurance, on average, can cover around half of the overall treatment cost. If dental insurance isn’t an option, dental discount programs can offer savings of up to 20% on braces.
Our practice is in-network with all major PPO insurance plans in addition to most dental insurance policies. Our front desk staff is always available and will be happy to help you with filing your insurance claims. For us to better serve you, we ask that you come prepared with the proper insurance information and your insurance benefit amount before your consultation appointment.
Flexible Spending Accounts
If your employer offers an option for a flexible spending account, you may be able to save a significant amount of money on the overall cost of orthodontic treatment. The money you put into the account is not taxed, which allows for your dollar to go further. Flexible spending accounts are a great way to cover the out-of-pocket costs that dental insurance does not cover, including the cost of braces, deductibles, and copays.
Credit Cards and Payment Plans
Interest-free financing is available for qualified individuals to spread your overall cost over several months instead of being due upfront all at once. Utilize a credit card to pay for your orthodontic treatment to earn points towards a goal or for additional perks. Our practice accepts all major credit cards and most insurance plans.
Estimating Your Out-of-pocket Costs
Your child may be one of the lucky few who have naturally perfect smiles by the time they reach adulthood. However, if they don’t end up being part of the minority, then Thomas Orthodontics is here to help! The best course of action is to assume that your child will have to get braces of some kind and to begin budgeting early.
Our practice offers free consultation appointments and free treatment planning for all future patients. We recommend a preliminary orthodontic consultation appointment by the age of seven. Planning ahead provides parents the time to formulate a financial plan for treatment without missing the ideal window for treatment.
Call Thomas Orthodontics today to find an affordable solution for a straighter smile.
