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Some people are born with a natural, Hollywood-worthy smile, but most have to deal with crooked, misaligned teeth. When it comes to correcting alignment, bite issues, and bringing back the confidence with your smile, braces or dental treatments are highly effective. But while it aims to bridge the gap between your teeth, the cost it takes can oftentimes burn holes in your wallet. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make braces more affordable so you can straighten your or your loved one’s teeth without having to take a hammer to your piggy bank:
Tip #1: Take Advantage of Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance plans typically don’t cover the full cost of braces and only support dental treatments, but many are known to cover a portion of the cost. This will be more than enough help to get you started on your goals to have a picture-perfect smile, so take the time to call your dental insurance company and inquire more about the specifics of your insurance policy.
Tip #2: Ask for a Payment Plan or Discount
The cost of having braces installed is typically stretched out over a few months or years. This may include an interest rate, but paying cash upfront can help get you a discount. If two or more members of your family are looking to undergo the same treatment plan offered by your family dentist, a family discount may also be offered. There are also a variety of nonprofit groups that offer assistance to families who can’t afford to cover the cost or braces, including Smiles Change Lives and Smile for a Lifetime.
Tip #3: Seek Out Local Dental Schools
Treatments at dental schools are generally performed by graduating students that are supervised by either a professional dentist, so you can rest easy and remain confident under their care. Because you are seeking treatment from someone who has not yet been licensed, the school will offer a good discount that can amount to as much as half of the cost you’d be charged by professional dentists. The downside to this is that your appointments and overall treatment period will be longer as you will have to adjust to the school’s availability.
Tip #4: 0% Interest House Financing
Search for a dentist who offers a 0% interest rate on house financing. This makes the typical monthly payments more manageable as there are no hidden fees or interests that stack up over the course of the entire treatment.
Tip #5: Choose the Right Braces
Modern treatments offer fancier and aesthetically pleasing options. An example is the increasingly popular Invisalign aligners, which are premium choices that are clear, removable and generally more eye-pleasing. This treatment option can cost you anywhere between $3,500 and $8,000. Keep in mind that your braces are not designed to make a fashion statement, so sticking to the traditional route and using metal braces will be the least expensive option as it will set you back between $2,500 and $6,000.
If you’re looking for a local dentist, get in touch today to see how we can help!
