How To Budget For Braces: Afford the Smile of Your Dreams
An uneven or crooked smile can really take a blow to your self esteem. Especially in the professional world, where a firm handshake and a friendly smile, make the best impression.
Luckily, there is a solution—affordable braces.
Around 4 million Americans are currently wearing braces to enhance their smiles.
If you’ve been considering braces to align your smile, but the price has been holding you back, don’t be discouraged!
Continue reading and learn about affordable braces and also how to budget for the cost of braces.
Affordable Braces
The cost of braces can differ.
We can narrow this down to a few key factors like:
- where you live
- what orthodontist you go to
- whether you decide to get clear braces or traditional wire braces
- your insurance provider
- your age
- how long you’ll need the braces
Wearing the braces for one year can amount to about $2,000 dollars, while leaving them in to straighten your teeth for ten years can get a bit pricier. Around the $10,000 mark. This all just depends on the current state of your smile, and how much adjustment you’ll need.
But these are just ballpark figures. On average, an individual is likely to pay a little over $2,000 dollars.
Invisalign, on the other hand, though a popular option, can cost up to $5,000. However, if you’re suffering from jaw pain, tooth decay or another serious dental issue, your insurance may cover braces as a medically necessary procedure.
If paying for your consultation, procedure, and the aftercare of the braces still seems unrealistic, here are a few guidelines on budgeting your money over the next few months or year.
Budgeting For Your Affordable Braces
Set up an initial consultation with your orthodontist.
They can give you a more up to date quote based off of the factors listed above. Once you have an estimate of the cost, divide the number by the number of months from now you wish to start paying for your braces. Put aside some extra money every month for your braces.
Some other financial and money saving tips you can implement include:
- Asking your dentist about payment options
- Reducing your number of monthly subscriptions—Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime—to one or two
- Making your own coffee at home instead of buying a daily cup at the local coffee shop
- Bringing your own lunch to school or work—aim to spend no more than $15-$20 dollars on going out to eat each week
- Buying your groceries in bulk so they last longer and you won’t have to spend as much
- Working out at home instead of at the gym
- Saving 25% of each paycheck if you can
- Use a money saving app so it’s easier to visualize your savings goal every day
- Wait 30 days before making a big purchase—it may just be an impulse buy, and the money can go towards your braces fund instead
Conclusion
Having a brilliant smile can help you feel more comfortable and enhance your personal and professional relationships.
If you feel like crooked teeth have been causing you both physical and emotional stress, set up a consultation with your orthodontist.
The cost of braces doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you think. You can break the total cost into manageable payments. You can also implement a few of these money-saving tips, like reducing your monthly subscriptions or bringing your lunch from home. This way, you’ll have more than enough saved. You will reach your end goal in no time.