La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – If you’ve been told that you or your child need braces, chances are good you’re now wondering how to pay for them. Orthodontic treatment, while necessary for a properly functioning bite, isn’t always something we have planned for in the family budget. So what are the options for paying for orthodontic treatment?
“The average cost of braces in the United States is between $3,000 and $7,000,” says La Habra/Chino Hills orthodontic specialist, Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics. “I know that is a pretty big gap, but the exact cost depends on the area of the country you live, the complexity of the case, and how long you’ll need to be in treatment.”
For most of us, we may not have an extra $7,000 lying around to pay for treatment upfront. In that case, there are many ways orthodontic treatment can fit into the budget.
First, many dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of braces. Many plans that cover braces will cover as much as 50 percent of the cost. If you aren’t sure what your plan will cover, speak to one of the financial specialists at Gire Orthodontics. They will be able to help you determine what your insurance company should cover, and will help ensure that it happens.
“Not all dental plans will cover the cost of braces, so it’s important to carefully read the orthodontic benefits in your insurance package,” says Dr. Gire. “And we know that it can be hard dealing with insurance companies and ensuring that you’re getting the full benefits of your coverage. My office staff is always available to help you with your insurance claims and paperwork, or to answer your questions.”
Dr. Gire knows that a healthy smile is often the key to a healthy life, and never wants the cost of braces to prevent someone from being able to have a properly functioning smile. The staff at Gire Orthodontics works closely with each patient to create a payment plan that is affordable. You should never have to choose between the health of your smile and your budget.
Dr. Gire and many orthodontists also accept most major credit cards, and offer a discount for patients who are able to pay for all of their treatment upfront.
Dr. Gire’s office is also proud to offer his patients a partnership with CareCredit to make financing for braces as easy as possible. CareCredit can help patients pay for orthodontic treatment if they don’t have insurance, or if insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost of treatment. It’s quick and easy to apply, and can help make it easier to get a healthy smile.
You can also use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the cost of braces. If your employer offers FSA, pre-tax dollars go into your account and can be then be used for medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance.
“Braces not only improve the appearance of your smile, they improve the health of your mouth, too,” says Dr. Gire. “Putting off treatment because you are worried about the cost now can actually lead to spending even more money than would otherwise be needed on dental care. For most patients, they realize the benefits that come from braces far outweigh the cost.”
To schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can pay for braces, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra office) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills office).