At Dr. Kanani's office, we believe that cost should never be the factor that stops you from achieving your goal of a straighter smile. Here are some ideas to help you plan for and manage the cost of orthodontic treatment.
Paying for Orthodontic Treatment
Plan
Ideally, you should start planning for the cost of orthodontic braces or other treatments a couple of years ahead of when you or your child may actually require them.
Just like planning for other significant expenses, such as a new car or kitchen renovation, planning ahead for orthodontic and dental treatments can help alleviate financial worries.
Confirm Diagnosis & Prioritize Treatments
After the orthodontist is able to examine you or your child’s mouth and diagnose the specific issue, you’ll be able to ask questions and address concerns such as:
- The orthodontic issue that needs correcting
- The duration of your or your child’s treatment
- Which specific treatment options may work best
- The severity and extent of the issue
- When the issue(s) should be treated
- Which issue(s) is/are critical or priority
Discuss a customized treatment plan with your orthodontist and talk about any financial concerns openly. Your orthodontist may have some advice for you and be able to indicate alternative treatment options or explain which issues are critical or high-priority to treat, and why.
Check Your Insurance Plan
Dental insurance policies usually stipulate whether orthodontic treatment is covered. In some cases, the insurer may pay a significant amount of the cost. Questions you may want to ask your provider include:
- Who is covered on my plan?
- Which services will be completely covered, and which are partially covered?
- Which treatments have I received so far this year?
- How can I receive discounts on dental care?
Look for Dental Savings Plans
Do you have a minimal insurance plan (or none at all)? A dental savings plan may be an option. You pay an annual fee and you then receive a price break from orthodontists who accept the plan.
Read the fine print on these types of policies as they can differ from plan to plan – and confirm that your orthodontist is part of the network.
Ask about payment plans or financing options
Though your orthodontist may not be able to budge on the cost of the treatment, they may be able to come up with a payment plan that can alleviate the up front cost – such as a monthly payment plan.
Some orthodontists’ offices partner with companies that offer interest-free financing or payment plans. See if this is true for your orthodontist. Make sure to get a written contract to review carefully.
What About Cash Discounts & Payment Options?
Does your orthodontist accept a number of payment options? One or a combination of these may work for you:
- Credit Card
- Debit
- Cash
- Cheque
If you don’t require a payment plan and are able to pay cash upfront, does that affect the final price? Ask your orthodontist’s office.
Look Into Loans
Can your bank or credit union offer a loan for your orthodontic treatment? Compare the costs of borrowing vs. other options.
Don't Forget the Importance of Early Treatment
While you may have some concerns about the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatment, the earlier the issue can be treated, the better for the patient’s health (and your bank account). The longer serious orthodontic issues go untreated, the more they can impact your quality of life – and your budget.
