Paying for Orthodontic Treatment – What You Need to Know

Long Beach, CA – People of all ages turn to orthodontic treatment to improve their oral health and their confidence. But like any health issue, orthodontics comes with a cost. While the cost of braces has remained relatively stable over the years, especially when taking inflation into account, the total cost can still seem intimidating for many of us. 

When you weigh the benefits treatment can provide against the cost, it seems like receiving treatment should be an easy answer. Treatment can:

• Drastically improve oral health – crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth are difficult to properly clean, which can lead to a host of oral health issues.
• Improve the functionality of your bite – misaligned teeth lead to a bad bite, which can cause chipping, cracking, or breaking of the teeth.
• Relieve jaw pain – a misaligned bite can cause TMJ issues, headaches, and other issues.
• Improve speech and eating issues – severe malocclusions can impact everyday life, including how you speak, chew, and even breathe.
• Increase self-confidence – a straighter, properly aligned smile can help you feel more confident. 

According to U.S. News and World Report, the average cost of metal braces in the United States is between $3,000 and $7,000. Invisalign clear aligners can cost between $4,000 and $7,400. These costs can seem scary when you first see them. Your orthodontist wants you to receive the treatment you need, so there are many ways you can pay for treatment without having to cover the entire cost at once. 

Dental insurance can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Not all dental insurance plans are the same, though. Be sure your dental plan includes orthodontic treatment. If you do have orthodontic coverage, it is important to understand what that coverage includes. Some plans only cover traditional braces, while others are more comprehensive. Other things to look at are whether there are any age limitations or if the insurance plan requires treatment to be “medically necessary”. It’s also important to ensure the orthodontist you want to see accepts your insurance. HD Orthodontics accepts most major insurance plans, including all PPO insurance plans. 

Most orthodontic offices have a financial coordinator to help you with your insurance plan. This person can help determine what your benefits cover, and ensure claims are filed properly.

Discounts may be available for those patients and families who can cover the entire cost of treatment up front. Ask your orthodontist if there are any benefits to paying for treatment in full. 

No family should have to choose between a healthier smile and their budget. HD Orthodontics works hard to offer exceptional orthodontic treatment at reasonable costs. We will work with you to find a payment plan that can fit comfortably into your budget. Your smile is your investment in your future, so we want to help make it easy to receive the treatment you need.

Flexible Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are pre-taxed savings plans that can be used toward the cost of healthcare. These accounts can cover the cost of treatment that isn’t covered by insurance. 

Patients who do not have FSA or HSA accounts and need additional ways to help cover the cost of treatment can also look for financing options. Care Credit is a healthcare credit card that can cover the cost of your downpayment or pay for treatments or procedures that insurance doesn’t cover. 

If you have any questions about the cost of orthodontic treatment or how to pay for your treatment, the team at HD Orthodontics is here to help. We want to help you discover the power of your smile, so call us today at 562-280-2021 to begin your smile journey.