For many people considering orthodontic treatment, cost can be a concerning factor. Traditionally braces and Invisalign have had a bad reputation of putting a dent in one’s savings account. This is especially true during the holiday season when many of us are focused on our holiday shopping and purchases.
However, your or your child’s oral health is too important to not pursue proper orthodontic care when needed. Crooked teeth are a haven for plaque and leftover food particles because they are more difficult to brush properly, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, problems with your occlusion, or bite, can lead to a number or issues include improper wear of the teeth and tooth fracture.
If money is really an obstacle to receiving orthodontic care, don’t give up hope. There are options out there for you that can help make braces more affordable, and at Pinecrest Orthodontics we work hard to help make treatment it as budget-friendly as possible for our patients.
To book a consultation call 305-423-4130
Here are some tips for making orthodontic treatment more affordable:
1 - Choose a Skilled Orthodontist
This might seem like a no-brainer, but if you are worried about cost, you might be tempted to go with the cheapest orthodontist even if he/she is not the most skilled or experienced. But by cutting corners now you are putting yourself at risk for future complications. If you need to do treatment more than once due to improper care, you will end up paying more in the long run. Typically you get what you pay for, so always do your research!
2 - Set up a Health Savings Account or Flex Spending Plan
If you don’t already have one, talk to your employer or your bank about setting up a health savings account or flex spending plan. By using this money to pay for the braces, you won’t be taxed on the amount spent on the treatment, which will save you money. At Pinecrest Orthodontics we can help you schedule your treatments in way where you can take the best advantage of these accounts.
3 - Check on your Dental Insurance Coverage
Always check your dental insurance plan to find out if you have orthodontic benefits. If you do have orthodontic coverage it will typically cover a portion of the treatment, which means your out-of-pocket amount will be less.
4 - Research Payment Options
Orthodontists typically offer multiple financing options for their treatment. At Pinecrest Orthodontics we offer interest-free in-house financing, amongst other options. This way monthly payments are set up for the duration of treatment to make the cost more manageable for your budget.
5 - Ask about Special Discounts
Most orthodontist will offer special discounts on braces so don’t be afraid to ask. Sometimes a multiple family member discount is offered, or a discount is offered for paying for the treatment in full.
6 - Wear your RETAINERS
Teeth over time will start to naturally shift back to their original position and the best way to prevent that is to wear retainers after the braces come off. The best way to ensure that you won’t need braces again down the line is to do exactly as your orthodontist instructs in terms of retainer wear.
To book a consultation call 305-423-4130
In conclusion, always do your research when deciding on an orthodontist for your or your child’s orthodontic treatment. Choose an orthodontist who is decently priced but also one whom you feel comfortable with. While orthodontic care is definitely an investment, it is an important one. Our oral health is closely connected to our overall health and shouldn’t be ignored.
At Pinecrest Orthodontics we aim to work with each patient individually and ensure that their treatment is comfortably within their budget. The initial consultation visit is complimentary so do not hesitate to call for an evaluation and to get more information.
During this holiday season, our team at Pinecrest Orthodontics wants to wish everyone the happiest of holidays and a healthy and prosperous 2019 to come!
