Worried About Paying for Orthodontics? Here's What You Can Do

At Village Orthodontics, we don't want cost to be a deterrent to receiving orthodontic treatment. Here are some suggestions from our Village Orthodontics - Mississauga Square One team to help you budget for braces or other orthodontic treatment options.

Paying for Orthodontic Treatment

Here are some useful tips we think will help you pay for orthodontic treatment.

Plan

If at all possible, it’s ideal to start planning for the cost of orthodontic braces or other treatments a couple of years ahead of when you need to pay for them.

Just like planning for other significant expenses, such as a new car or kitchen renovation, planning for orthodontic and dental treatments can help alleviate financial worries.

Confirm Diagnosis & Prioritize Treatments

After the orthodontist can 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 specific orthodontic issue that needs to be treated
• The severity and extent of the orthodontic issue
• Which specific treatment options are recommended
• The duration of your or your child’s treatment
• When the issue(s) should be treated
• Which issue(s) is/are critical or priority

Talk to your orthodontist about a personalized treatment plan and openly discuss any financial concerns. Your orthodontist may be able to offer advice and suggest alternative treatment options, as well as explain which issues are critical or high-priority to address and why.

Check Your Insurance Plan

The majority of dental insurance policies specify whether or not orthodontic treatment is covered. In some cases, the insurer may cover a large portion of the expense. You might want to ask your provider the following questions:

• Who is covered in 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

Have a bare-bones insurance plan (or none at all)? A dental savings plan may work for you. 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 will work for you – such as a monthly payment plan.

Some orthodontist offices collaborate with companies that provide interest-free loans or payment plans. Check with your orthodontist to see if this is the case. Make sure you get a written contract that you can go over thoroughly.

What About Cash Discounts & Payment Options?

Does your orthodontist accept several 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 can 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 the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatment may be a concern, the sooner the problem is addressed, the better for the patient's health (and your bank account). The longer you wait to treat serious orthodontic issues, the more likely they will affect your quality of life – and your wallet.

Do you have questions about the financial aspects of orthodontic treatment? Contact our Village Orthodontics - Mississauga Square One team today for advice. Or find a Village Orthodontics location near you.