What happens if you can't pay your braces?

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If you’re worried that you can’t afford the cost of braces for yourself or your children, then don’t panic. The good news is that there are a variety of ways you can pay for these orthodontic devices. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the different ways you can pay for your braces while saving money.

1. Organize a Payment Plan

Most people don’t pay for their braces in one lump payment. Instead, they’ll put money down for a down payment. The cost of this down payment can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. After the down payment is in place they’ll spread the remainder out over a few weeks or months. In this way, paying for braces can be a lot like making car payments.

It allows you to make affordable payments that you can handle from month to month. If you’re having trouble with a payment plan, then discuss it with your orthodontist. One clear sign of a good orthodontist is that they’re willing to work with you to make a payment plan work.

They can do this by providing financing in the form of little to no interest. Typically, as long as the orthodontist is receiving at least a minimum amount of payment, then they’re happy. Some orthodontists also offer a discount if you pay for the braces in one lump sum payment. However, we urge caution with this option, since there’s a chance that the office may close.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have health insurance, then contact your company and find out what’s covered under your plan. Many providers offer additional insurance that covers both dental and orthodontist work.

Unfortunately, most of the time orthodontist insurance doesn’t cover braces if you are over the age of eighteen years old. However, if you have children, then this can save you a lot of money. So, contact your benefits administrator and see if there’s anything in your plan that can help you pay for the braces.

3. Join a Dental Plan

There’s an important distinction between dental plans and insurance plans. Insurance covers some or all of the cost, while dental plans provide discounts. Here’s how it works; you pay a monthly fee. In exchange for that, a network of dentists and orthodontists offer you a discount on their services.

This can save you thousands of dollars in costs. However, you must do research first. Most dental plans require you to be a member for a certain period before you can take advantage of orthodontist work. So, find out what dental plans are in your area. Then, calculate whether or not it’s worth it to pay the fees to receive a discount. In some cases, it might not be worth it.

4. Investigate Government Programs

If you fall into the low-income bracket, then you might be able to take advantage of the treatment offered under the Medicaid program. However, there are some stipulations.

First, you need to check with your specific state’s Medicaid office and see whether or not they offer it. Second, you need to meet the financial guidelines that are laid out in the program. Finally, orthodontic treatment needs to be deemed medically necessary.

5. Dental Charities

If you’re struggling financially, then you can also consider going through a dental charity. These are organizations like Smiles Change Lives and Smiles For A Lifetime Foundation that helps underprivileged families afford dental and orthodontic work. If you’re accepted by the program, then these organizations can help pay for all or most of the cost of braces for you or your child.