Braces Cost More Affordable Than You Think

Let this sink in. Braces cost more affordable than you think. When you live on a tight budget, it can be hard to find the money for something that seems more of an aesthetic issue than anything else. But that is just the thing. It is not just an aesthetic issue.

Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws will lead to tooth decay and gum disease when left unchecked and can also increase your chances for diseases like heart disease and diabetes. If you or your child needs braces, but you just don’t think you can afford it, don’t worry. There are ways to make braces cost more affordable.

A Variety of Options

First of all, there are so many more orthodontic treatment options than there used to be and their costs range a little differently. This means you can shop around and find the option that will give you the results you need at a price you can afford.

The metal braces tend to be the least expensive choice, but with the right payment plan all options are affordable. Here are the most popular orthodontic treatment options available today:

Metal Braces

• These are permanently adhered to your teeth and can only be taken off by the orthodontist at the end of treatment
• The orthodontist tightens the wires during treatment to help shift the teeth
• There are certain food and drink restrictions with this treatment
• May have to wear them for 3 or more years depending on how your treatment goes
• Most bite and alignment issues can be treated by metal braces
• Metal braces can run you between 3,000 and $7,000 and is the most economical choice.

Invisalign

• They are clear plastic aligners that can be easily removed
• Can be removed to eat and to brush and floss your teeth
• Treatment includes a new set of aligners every two weeks as your teeth shift into proper alignment
• Invisalign can also handle both simple and complicated alignment issues
• The cost of Invisalign rans between $3,500 and $8,000.

Lingual Braces

• Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front making them practically invisible to the people around you. They are made up of brackets and wires like traditional braces, but because of their positioning they are more discrete.
• Unfortunately there are some bite conditions that cannot be treated with lingual braces. Patients with a deep overbite are not good candidates for lingual braces because the overbite might put too much pressure on the brackets leading to the brackets falling off. During an evaluation, your orthodontist will be able to determine if lingual braces will work for you.
• Another concern is that not all orthodontists offer this type of treatment. It requires special training because the wiring work is more intricate than it is with traditional treatment. Another concern is that they can be more difficult to clean properly because it is on the back of your teeth which is harder to reach.
• They cost from between $8,000 and $10,000.

Remember that there are pros and cons to each option and the cost of each may differ as well so you need to weigh everything carefully. Also always be on the lookout for news about any new trends in orthodontic care.

Your orthodontist will help you create the best plan for your particular situation. Remember though, that while the orthodontist will evaluate your child’s particular situation and give you a recommendation of what treatment will be best, by coming in prepared, you will be able to ask the right questions and feel more confident in your final decision.

Plan & Saving

Planning and saving for the possibility of your kids needing braces can also help make their braces more affordable. In everything in life, when we plan ahead for something, we are usually better prepared and things go a whole lot smoother.

Of course saving years in advance is not doable for everyone. If you don’t have the extra money right now, then look at your budget and figure out how you can squirrel away the money you will. Set a goal and stick to it.

Get the Low Down on Payment Options

Dental insurance will often pay for some of the treatment and then you have to put up the difference. If you have money saved up, then you can simply pay upfront for whatever you need to. If you don’t have a cushiony savings account, then you will need to see if they offer any payment plans. Choose an orthodontist who has your best interest at heart and will truly work with you on finding options that fit your budget.

Choosing an Orthodontist

Finding the right orthodontist is a big part of the planning process as well. Your dentist will give a couple of recommendations, but you should have a short list of the best orthodontists in the area. At this point you don’t need to set up consultations just yet. Instead ask friends and family for their experiences and recommendations and use internet searches to find out basic information like education and specialties and pricing.

Once your dentist signals it is time, then go ahead and schedule a free consultations with some of the orthodontists on your short list. Remember that you don’t need to go with the first orthodontist you meet with you.

If you don’t like the treatment options they are offering or if you get a bad vibe from the condition of the office or from how the staff treats you, then keep on looking. If you have ever walked into a dentist’s office and felt like you walked back into the 70s, then you understand the importance of updated equipment and technology. It is hard to have confidence in an orthodontist who hasn’t stayed up-to-date on all the current technology and trends in orthodontics.

You also want to choose an orthodontist who really cares about your welfare and will offer you flexible options so you can get the work done you need even when cost is an issue.

You have every right to pick someone who will give you and your child the best experience possible. Consider Orthodontics Limited for all your orthodontic needs. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg offer all the latest technology in their offices and they always stay current on important trends in their field.

For more information about planning for your child’s orthodontic care, contact Orthodontics Limited today and set up your free initial consultation.

Remember, your dental health is important. Don’t let braces cost keep you from taking proper care of yourself and your family.