How to Find the Best Affordable Metal Braces for Your Child
It is very satisfying to give your child a beautiful and healthy smile. Orthodontists estimate that approximately 45% of children need braces, and it’s not just for cosmetic reasons.
Usually, dental braces are recommended for teeth crowding or jaw misalignment/malocclusion. A malocclusion includes both an underbite and an overbite. Other reasons include overlapping and crookedness.
Abnormal bites tend to start getting noticed at ages 6 to 12. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child should get an orthodontist’s evaluation at age seven, when most problems can be diagnosed or predicted. Typically, a child’s permanent teeth will begin showing at age six, but an early evaluation will allow for early interceptive treatment if necessary.
Traditional metal braces are usually the cheapest dental braces available. They are durable and can fix even the toughest of issues. Here are some tips on how to get affordable metal braces.
1. Insurance
If you’re lucky enough to have orthodontic treatment covered by your insurance, you can offset half the cost. Dental braces go for $3000 to $7000, leaving you with quite the bill.
2. Shop Around for Different Quotations and Different Payment Plans
Take advantage of the free orthodontic consultations that many practices offer to get both a second opinion and a different quotation. Pricing will vary between practices, so you must be willing to shop around to get the best deal. You’ll also see different payment plans for affordable metal braces, which will ease the pain by spreading the cost over months or years.
3. Open a Tax-Exempt Savings Account
Money saved in a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) can be used tax-free for specified medical and dental procedures. In case you did not plan ahead, you can still open and use these accounts to avoid taxes
4. Dental School
Dental school can save you next to 50% on braces. And don’t worry, even though students will be performing the procedure, a qualified professional will supervise.
The last tip to getting affordable metal braces is to start early and not let any problems fester, which will become more expensive to fix. For a more comprehensive evaluation, get in touch with your local orthodontist.