La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – According to Angie’s List, the average cost of braces in the United States for patients without dental insurances is $4,937. Even with dental insurance, the average cost is $3,407. And if you’re a parent who has more than one child who will need braces, those costs can seem overwhelming. But family orthodontist, Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics urges parents not to be discouraged by the initial costs quoted.

“First, it is important that parents and patients consider what orthodontic treatment will provide, besides just straight teeth,” says Dr. Gire, who treats patients throughout the La Habra/Chino Hills areas. “Patients will gain self-confidence with a newly straight smile, but the benefits go much further than just cosmetics. A misaligned bite can lead to costly dental issues that can last a lifetime.”

Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, helping fend off decay and gum disease. A properly aligned bite will also function better. When a bite isn’t aligned correctly, it places uneven pressure, which can lead to chipping, breakage, and grinding in some cases. And a bad bite can also cause headaches, facial pain, jaw pain, and even referred ear and neck pain.

So, what are your options when it comes to paying for orthodontic treatment?

First, it can help to plan early. For children, we recommend they see an orthodontist around their seventh birthday. While your child most likely won’t require treatment that early, the orthodontist will be able to monitor your child to determine when treatment should begin. Together, you and your orthodontist can plan the right time for treatment to have the most impact on your child’s smile, and to accommodate your budget. For adults, it’s good to have an idea of what treatment will entail, both treatment and budget wise. That’s one of the reasons why we have complimentary consultations.

Next, if you have dental insurance, you should look closely at the plan’s orthodontic coverage. Not all plans cover orthodontics, so if you think braces may be in your future, allow yourself time to research plans available to you to find the one that will offer the best coverage. Some dental plans may cover as much as 50% of your treatment.

A flexible spending account can also be helpful when it comes to paying for you or your children’s orthodontic treatment. If your employer has FSA plans available, take advantage of one and use these funds to pay for costs not covered by your insurance. Most families will take advantage of both their insurance and FSA plans to minimize the out-of-pocket expense as much as possible.

Gire Orthodontics offices have the most flexible payment options compared to the majority of offices in the area. “We have the ability to allow the patient/parent to pick their own down payment and their own monthly payment. We started doing this to make orthodontic treatment affordable to EVERYONE. Gone are the days when orthodontic treatment was out of reach due to finances and family budgets. And we still have generous paid-in-full discounts, family discounts, and extended payment plans,” says Dr. Gire. “We also accept most major credit cards, checks, and most insurance plans.”

Orthodontic treatment offers a lifetime of benefits, but Dr. Gire knows that for many, the cost can seem troublesome. At Gire Orthodontics, it doesn’t have to be that way. A straighter, properly functioning smile can improve you or your child’s dental health, self-confidence, and be affordable for all.

To learn more about the cost of orthodontic treatment and how Gire Orthodontics can help you, call 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills) today.