How to Pay for Braces and Invisalign

Although orthodontic treatment may seem like a big investment, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to get that perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Milnor Orthodontics has several affordable payment plans to help with the cost of braces.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Usually, braces cost anywhere from $5,000 to $6,000, but there are programs and orthodontic insurance that can bring the price down substantially.

The cost of braces depends on what kind of treatment you choose and how long you need it. Classic silver braces are generally the least expensive option because they are so widely used.

Even though Invisalign is a newer type of treatment, it is still affordable. Slightly more expensive than silver braces, Invisalign offers much more freedom in terms of what you can eat and how you can take care of your teeth during treatment.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost 

The cost of Invisalign is similar to the cost of braces, and like the cost of braces, it can vary based on the type of Invisalign treatment. Invisalign Full handles the toughest orthodontic cases of all the Invisalign products, which means it can fix any issue metal braces can. Since this system  treats more difficult problems, it can take 9 to 20 months. Invisalign Full costs the same amount as braces treatment at Milnor.

Invisalign Teen is also the same cost as braces at Milnor. Invisalign Teen works the same as Invisalign Full except there is a bit more room for a younger patient’s final molars to come in. This treatment also includes replacement trays and color indicators that show how often your teen has been wearing their aligners. 

For smaller issues and faster treatment, Invisalign Express is a less expensive option. The process and materials are the same compared to other Invisalign treatments, the aligners are just worn for a shorter amount of time since there is less correction needed.

What Kind of Payment Plans Are There? 

Most orthodontists accept insurance plans of some sort. Orthodontic insurance is a great help to many who need braces or Invisalign. Some orthodontic offices will reach out to your insurance provider on your behalf to determine what they cover. Milnor Orthodontics works with all major dental insurance companies including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna PPO, and United Concordia.

 FSA and HSA 

Many insurance plans include additional funds to cover medical expenses, like orthodontic treatment. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used to pay for braces, Invisalign or other orthodontic work. You will want to check with your specific provider to see if these tax-free funds are a payment option for you.

OrthoFi

Just because your insurance doesn’t cover orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean that you can’t afford a great smile. Milnor offers affordable payment plans through OrthoFi.   This plan includes a $250 down payment with monthly payments as low as $145. Once a payment plan is established, automatic withdrawals can be scheduled, making your monthly payments even easier.

Care Credit

Another way to pay for treatment is through CareCredit, a credit card program designed specifically for healthcare costs not covered by insurance. Short-term financing options allow you to make monthly payments without paying interest as long as the balance is paid in full at the end.

Discounts

Family discounts are available as well for those who have more than one family member getting braces or orthodontic treatment at the same time. This can help families afford the cost of braces for more than one child or children and their parents.

Most orthodontists offer a complimentary primary consultation to examine your teeth and your need for treatment. It’s here that your orthodontist will form your treatment plan and let you know the investment cost.

See an Orthodontist Early to Save

Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child be seen for early orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7? While most patients at this age won’t yet have all their adult teeth, early intervention can stop orthodontic issues early before they become serious later on. With early intervention, you can determine what issues your child may have later on when full orthodontic treatment is needed. This can help you put aside money for future treatment.

What Do You Get for the Cost?

Braces can be a huge investment for some and many may be wary of paying that much money for them. Money is one of the biggest detractors for people when considering braces but it doesn’t have to be. With different kinds of payment plans and insurances, braces can be more affordable than ever.

The cost of braces is also worth the end results of your treatment. After braces, your teeth will be much healthier and you will be able to take much better care of them. Crooked teeth and poorly aligned bites can make it difficult to clean all of your teeth well. Straight teeth allow you to brush and floss every single one more effectively.

Braces can also boost your self-esteem. If you are self-conscious about your teeth and your smile, braces can help fix that. You will want to show off your straight teeth all the time after braces and not feel afraid to smile.

Braces can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself and how you feel around others. You should not let money keep you from finding that inner self-confidence that you have always wanted, especially when there are so many options for low payment plans.