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Paying for Braces

Peter, the patient
Dear Dr. S.,
We think our teenage daughter needs braces, but are worried about the cost. Will it harm her mouth if we wait a while for orthodontic treatment?
Sincerely,
Sam W.
Dr. Michael Stosich
Dear Sam,
The simple answer to your question is yes – it could in fact hurt your daughter if you wait too long for orthodontic treatment.As an orthodontist, it is our job to recommend the best treatment to provide the best outcome for each patient. And in our younger patients, this means recommended treatment at the time when it can have the most, and best, impact. Waiting too long for treatment can lead to the need to have permanent teeth removed or jaw surgery to correct jaw size, if your daughter has an issue with crowding. Not only that, but crooked, crowded and otherwise misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which can lead to decay and possible periodontal disease. A bad bite also puts uneven pressure on the teeth, which can lead to chipping, cracking and breaking. And that can mean bigger dental bills for you in the future.When choosing an orthodontist, it is important to choose one that not only is highly skilled, but who offers services at reasonable rates. You might be surprised to find out that braces are actually affordable. There are so many different options available today, there is sure to be a solution that fits into your budget.I work hard for each of my patients, and take pride in my ability to offer patients gorgeous new smiles at very affordable prices. My office prides itself on our generosity, offering very affordable and interest-free payment plans. I never want to see a patient think braces aren’t something they can fit in their budget, and my patients are pleasantly surprised to see how affordable my treatment actually is.

The investment you make in your daughter’s smile today can very much impact the rest of her life. Talk to your orthodontist about all of the options available to you, and I think you’ll find braces are well within your reach.

Sincerely,
Dr. S.


Sarah, the patient
Dear Dr. S.,
My son needs braces, and we want to move forward with orthodontic treatment so that he can have a smile that functions better. What are the options for paying for braces?
Sincerely,
Michelle O.
Dr. Michael Stosich
Dear Michelle,
It’s wonderful that you recognize the important role orthodontics can play in your son’s life. Not only will he have increased self-esteem with a straighter smile, his oral health will improve, too.This is a great question and one we get often from potential patients. When looking to pay for braces, the first thing to look at is your dental insurance. If you have insurance, check to see if your plan covers braces or other orthodontic work, then be sure it covers the orthodontist you would like to see.With some plans, only certain orthodontists are covered. When choosing a dental insurance package, look for a package that specifically says it covers orthodontists. While the coverage varies from insurance company to insurance company, a good package may save you close to 50 percent of the cost.If you don’t have dental insurance, or if you need additional help, check with your orthodontist about a payment plan. My office is proud to offer very generous, interest free payment plans to our patients. We never want anyone to feel they can’t have orthodontic treatment due to cost, so our payment plans offer a way to make braces and other treatment affordable for every family.

Some orthodontists also offer a cash discount. If you are able to pay the entire fee up front, you may be able to save several hundred dollars on your son’s treatment.

Speak with your orthodontist about all of the options available to you.

Sincerely,
Dr. S.

Author

  • Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

    Dr. Michael Stosich is a board-certified orthodontist and the director of orthodontics at the University of Chicago Medicine. He is known for his extensive experience in leading clinical enterprises, publishing, and lecturing both in the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Stosich has expertise in starting, growing, and maintaining successful orthodontic practices, including those in pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, and multi-specialty clinics. He serves on the editorial board of several publications and has been involved in innovating patient care and education, focusing on the future of dental and orthodontic healthcare.

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