Our North York Orthodontist, Dr. Morrow, recognizes that the cost of orthodontic treatment can be a concern for some people. To help address this, we have developed some strategies to help you plan and manage the expenses associated with braces or other orthodontic treatment options. Our objective is to make sure that cost does not prevent you from getting the orthodontic care you need.

Paying for Orthodontic Treatment

Plan

To reduce financial stress, it is advisable to start planning and saving for the cost of orthodontic braces or other treatments a few years ahead of time. By considering orthodontic and dental expenses in the same way you would any other major costs, such as a new car or home renovation, you can better prepare and manage the financial aspect of your treatment.

Confirm Diagnosis & Prioritize Treatments

It is essential to ask questions and address any concerns you may have after the orthodontist has examined your or your child’s mouth and diagnosed the specific orthodontic issue. Some topics you may want to discuss with your orthodontist include:

• The specific orthodontic issue that needs to be treated
• The severity and extent of the issue
• Recommended treatment options
• The estimated duration of treatment
• When the issue should be treated
• Any critical or high-priority issues

It is also important to discuss a personalized treatment plan with your orthodontist, including any financial concerns you may have. Your orthodontist may be able to offer alternative treatment options and explain the reasons for prioritizing certain issues.

Check Your Insurance Plan

It is essential to check with your dental insurance provider to determine if your policy covers orthodontic treatment and, if so, to what extent. You may want to ask your provider the following questions to understand your coverage better:

• Who is covered under my plan?
• Which services are fully covered and which are partially covered?
• What treatments have I received so far this year?
• How can I receive discounts on dental care?

Keep in mind that some insurance policies may cover part of the cost of orthodontic treatment, while others may not cover it at all.

Look for Dental Savings Plans

If you have a basic insurance plan or no insurance at all, a dental savings plan may be a suitable option for you. With a dental savings plan, you pay an annual fee and receive discounted rates from orthodontists who accept the plan. However, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of these types of policies as they may vary from plan to plan. Make sure to confirm that your orthodontist is part of the network before enrolling in a dental savings plan.

Ask about payment plans or financing options

If you are struggling to pay for your orthodontic treatment in full, you may want to ask your orthodontist about the possibility of establishing a payment plan. Some orthodontist offices have relationships with financial companies that offer interest-free financing or payment plans. If this is an option, be sure to obtain a written contract and carefully review it before committing to a payment plan.

Keep in mind that while your orthodontist may not be able to lower the overall cost of treatment, they may be able to work with you to find a payment plan that meets your budget.

What About Cash Discounts & Payment Options?

If you can pay for your orthodontic treatment in full, it is worth asking your orthodontist’s office about the different payment options they accept. These may include credit cards, debit, cash, or check. If you can pay in cash upfront, it is also worth asking if this will affect the final price of treatment. Keep in mind that the availability of payment options may vary from orthodontist to orthodontist, so it is always a good idea to ask and see what options are available to you.

Look Into Loans

If you are considering financing options for your orthodontic treatment, it is worth checking with your bank or credit union to see if they offer loans for this purpose. It is important to carefully compare the costs of borrowing from these sources with other financing options to ensure that you are making the most financially viable choice.

Don’t Forget the Importance of Early Treatment

If you are concerned about the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatment, it is essential to remember that addressing problems sooner rather than later can benefit both your overall health and your financial situation. Ignoring significant orthodontic issues can lead to a decline in quality of life and increase expenses in the long run.

Are you interested in learning more about the options for financing orthodontic treatment? At York Mills Orthodontics we are here to help. Our financial coordinator can review your options in detail and personalize a plan that works for you! Nothing should hold you back from achieving a healthy, beautiful and aligned smile. Contact us today to learn more!