If you have children, you’ll need to get them dental care at some point in their childhood. Up to half of all children require orthodontic care. Braces aren’t cheap, so it’s important to find the best ways to save up for your child’s dental care and find the best financing options available. Below are some of the many tips you can use to finance braces for your children and help them fit into your budget.
Talk to your Orthodontist
Many orthodontists offer in-house financing plans that can make paying for braces more affordable. These plans typically have low down payment options and allow you to spread out the cost of braces over the course of treatment. If your orthodontist doesn’t offer in-house financing, they may be able to recommend other options, such as third-party lenders or care credit cards.
Save up in Advance
One way to budget for braces is to start setting aside money each month into a dedicated savings account. This can help you avoid paying for braces all at once and can make budgeting for the costs more manageable. You may also want to consider using a tax-advantaged account, such as a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), to save for braces.
Consider Government Assistance Programs
Depending on your income and family size, you may be eligible for government assistance programs that can help cover the cost of braces. For example, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offer dental coverage for low-income families. You can also check with your state’s dental association to see if there are any programs available to help cover the cost of braces.
Start Early
Starting orthodontic treatment at an early age can often help avoid the need for more extensive (and expensive) treatment later on. Many orthodontists recommend that children get an initial evaluation by seven years old. If your child does need braces, getting them as early as possible can often help save you money in the long run.
Ask about Saving
Many orthodontists offer special savings for new patients. This can often help offset the cost of braces and make them more affordable. Be sure to ask about any new patient specials when you are shopping around for an orthodontist. There are a number of ways you can save on the cost of braces. Many orthodontists offer discounts for multiple family members getting treatment at the same time. You can also check online for coupons and deals on braces.
Get Quotes
Orthodontic treatment can vary significantly in cost, depending on the type of braces and the length of treatment. It’s important to get quotes from multiple orthodontists to find the best price for your child’s braces. You can also ask each orthodontist if they offer any discounts or financing options that could make the cost of treatment more affordable.
Consider Budget-friendly Alternatives
If you’re looking for ways to save on the cost of braces, there are a few budget-friendly alternatives to traditional metal braces that you can consider. For example, clear or ceramic braces tend to be more affordable than metal braces. Invisalign is another popular alternative to traditional braces that can be more budget-friendly for some families. 47% of Invisalign Teen users surveyed also said they had a boost of self-esteem in the process of treatment, while only 22% of teens with metal braces said the same.
With a little bit of planning and research, you can find ways to finance braces for your children and help them get the orthodontic care they need. By taking advantage of financing options and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional braces, you can make orthodontic treatment more affordable for your family.