Ways to Pay for Braces on Teeth

When someone in the family needs braces to correct an orthodontic problem, family finances get stretched. Braces are expensive, with treatment sometimes costing thousands of dollars. Luckily, flexible payment options and financing make braces more affordable for families who have orthodontic needs.

Dental Insurance

• Not all dental insurance companies cover braces, but some do. To find out whether your plan will cover braces, call the customer service number and ask. If dental insurance does not cover braces, you may be able to find a new one through your employer or by shopping independently online.

  Another option is a discount plan. This is not like traditional insurance where you or the doctor are reimbursed for the costs of care. Rather, it reduces the overall cost for plan members. For instance, as a member of a discount plan you might pay only $1,500, while a non-member would pay $2,000 for the same care. To get the discount from the plan, you need to see a dentist or orthodontist that is listed in the plan's network. A list of providers is available from the plan's offices or online.

Cash Discount

• Pay for orthodontic services up front to get a cash discount. If you can pay the entire account balance in advance of the treatment, many doctors will discount the total amount as a "bookkeeping courtesy." This takes less administration and paperwork, saving the doctor money on staff and supply costs. Cash discounts are given when the patient pays by check or by cash, and sometimes when you are willing to put the entire balance on a personal credit card. Beware, however, that the discount you receive from the orthodontist may not offset the money you will end up paying on a high-interest rate over a long period of time.

In-Office Payment Plans

• Some offices have a treatment coordinator who will work with you to determine a down payment and affordable monthly payment. This type of payment plan usually requires a down payment of 25 to 30 percent of the total estimated cost, with smaller monthly payments during the treatment. Similar to a layaway plan, a doctor's office often doesn't charge interest on their in-house payment plans, and will generally forego a credit check, making this a good option for families who wouldn't otherwise qualify for financing. However, not all offices offer this type of program. Additionally, families who use this plan will lose a potential cash discount for paying up front, and will end up paying more for treatment in the long run.

Third-Party Credit Providers

• Applying for a medical loan from a third-party credit provider helps many families afford braces who would not have other options. Like a traditional loan or credit card, these companies run a credit check on applicants, and you must go through an approval process. Some companies work directly with the doctor's office, and the doctor may carry credit applications in the office. Occasionally the companies will have special offers like "twelve months same as cash" or a lower interest rate.