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

At Foothills Orthodontics, we don’t want to see patients turn down treatment due to the cost. Here our Okotoks orthodontists talk about paying for orthodontic treatment and how you can help plan for these costs.

Preparing For the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment

Start Planning Ahead of Time

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 actually need to pay for 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 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 a 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.

Some Insurance Plans Help To Cover The Cost of Orthodontics

Dental insurance policies usually stipulate whether orthodontic treatment is covered specifically or at all. In some cases, the insurer may pay a significant portion of the cost. Questions you may want to ask your provider include:

Who is covered with 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 Your Dental Office If They Offer Payment Plans

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 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.

A Loan May be Able to Help You Get the Treatment You Need

Can your bank or credit union offer a loan for your orthodontic treatment? Compare the costs of borrowing vs. other options.

Early Treatment Can Prevent the Need For More Intense Treatment Later On

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.