5 Ways to Find Affordable Braces for Your Child
Everyone would love to have a straight and beautiful smile. However, only a few Americans are lucky to be born with a naturally straight smile. As with many parents, the news that your kid might require orthodontic treatment and how much the braces cost may have brought anxiety and stress.
Orthodontic care can take a huge bite into your budget. A 2018 survey by the American Dental Association estimates that the average braces cost is $4,500 to 6,000. However, the price isn’t standardized as the orthodontic treatment is highly personalized. You might need to consider several cost factors, including your orthodontist, their office location, type, and period of treatment, among many others. Here are five tips that you can use to make the braces for kids more affordable.
1. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Health insurance and dental plans might not cover brace treatment for cosmetic reasons. However, some may cover fully or partially for medically-related corrective procedures. You can consult your insurance agent to inquire if your policy can cover the cost of braces.
After confirmation, you will need to find an orthodontic practice that will accept your insurance. If unsure, you can request a list of in-network orthodontists from your insurance company. A dental insurance plan can go a long way in shaving off part of the total braces cost.
2. Look Out for Flexible Payment Plans or Discounts
Most Orthodontists in Orlando, Fl, provide flexible payment programs that allow residents to afford expensive braces. You can stretch out the cost of the treatment through monthly credit card payments. Additionally, most orthodontic offices provide 0% interest financing to their patients. You will also need to watch out for cash discounts that can shelve the final braces cost by up to 10% with an upfront payment.
3. Shop Around
Braces cost may vary with location, treatment technology, and orthodontist expertise. All these factors will differ from one practice to the next. Since abnormal bites often become noticeable between ages 6 and 12, orthodontic treatment typically begins between ages 8 and 14. You can use this period to shop around for Central Florida braces, finding an affordable orthodontist for your child. However, you should avoid taking your child to a general dentist as they may not have the requisite skills and equipment for proper treatment. You might end up having to repeat the process, adding to your cost.
4. Open an HSA or FSA account
You can also open a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for your child. The HSA allows you to set aside untaxed money on co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles to lower the overall braces cost. Your employer can submit your FSA account to cover the untaxed cost of the treatment.
5. Avoid Getting Fancy
Some braces types, such as clear aligners and Damon braces attract a higher price tag. You can keep the treatment simple by getting the traditional metal braces. While your child might not relish the wires and brackets, the braces are still effective and much more affordable.
Your child may require orthodontic services to achieve a straight smile. If you are experiencing financial difficulty making you shy off from treatment, reach out to Smiley Face Braces. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss the flexible payment options available.