Are you considering braces for your child but are worried about the cost? Paying for braces in the U.S. could easily be $3,000 to $7,000 per child. Fortunately, various financing options are available to give your children the smile they deserve.
We want to give you a quick look at the typical payment options for braces, ranging from insurance coverage to flexible payment plans. We’ll also delve into why you shouldn’t delay getting braces and how financing could affect your credit score.
What Are the Financing Options?
Depending on the clinic you choose for your family’s orthodontic care, you may have access to financing options for your child’s braces. At Bay Area Orthodontics, we provide a number of options. Here’s what we offer.
Insurance
One of the first questions is always, “Does insurance cover braces?” While not all dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment, some do. Typically, orthodontic coverage is separate from regular dental coverage and may have its own deductible and coverage limits. It’s essential to review your insurance policy carefully and consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage.
Payment Plans
Many orthodontic practices offer in-house financing plans to help patients manage the cost of braces. These payment plans typically allow you to divide the total cost of treatment into monthly installments, making it more affordable. The advantage of in-house payment plans is that they often have lower interest rates or are interest-free.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) as part of your benefits package, you can use it to cover eligible medical expenses, including orthodontic treatment. FSAs allow you to set aside a portion of your pre-tax income to pay for qualified medical expenses, which can result in significant tax savings. Orthodontic treatment is typically considered an eligible expense under FSAs, but your FSA plan may impose limits or restrictions.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Like FSAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a valuable resource for financing orthodontic treatment. HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts that cover qualified medical expenses, including dental braces. To utilize your HSA for orthodontic treatment, ask your administrator if your child’s braces qualify as a medical expense under IRS regulations.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Getting Braces?
Delaying orthodontic treatment can lead to a host of dental and health issues. Including:
Teeth Overcrowding or Moving Too Far Apart
If your child has overcrowded or widely spaced teeth, delaying braces can exacerbate the problem. Over time, misaligned teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even speech problems. Braces can help align your child’s teeth correctly, improving oral health and overall well-being.
Prolonged Pain and Swelling
Misaligned teeth can cause pain and discomfort. Overcrowded or crooked teeth may rub against each other, leading to soreness, swelling, and even mouth ulcers. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate this pain and improve your child’s oral comfort.
Bite Problems Could Progress
Untreated bite problems, such as overbites or underbites, can get worse over time. These issues can lead to jaw pain, difficulty speaking, and even tooth damage. Early intervention with braces can prevent these problems from escalating.
What a Payment Plan Might Do to Your Credit Score
Dental payment plans could affect your credit score like other “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) plans. Ultimately, these plans won’t hurt your credit score if you pay on time. At the same time, you can get a small boost in your credit score if your BNPL provider sends reports of your account activity to the credit bureaus.
Consequently, failure to pay on schedule could pull your credit score down. Late payments could also prompt additional late fees and interest.
Get Your Braces with a Flexible Payment Plan at Bay Area Orthodontics
At Bay Area Orthodontics, we understand that the cost of braces can be a concern for many parents. We offer a flexible payment plan to make orthodontic treatment accessible to everyone.
With our payment plan, you can break down the cost of your child’s braces into manageable monthly installments, ensuring that you can comfortably fit orthodontic treatment into your budget. Don’t let financial worries keep your child from having the perfect smile. Contact Bay Area Orthodontics today to learn more about available payment options and start your journey toward straighter teeth and improved oral health.