Worried About Paying for Orthodontics? Here's What You Can Do

At Sheppard Yorkland Dental, our dentists don't want cost to be a barrier to our patients for receiving orthodontic treatment. Here are some ideas to help you plan for and manage the cost of braces and other orthodontic treatment options.

Paying for Orthodontic Treatment

Plan

If possible, it's best to start planning your orthodontic treatment a few years ahead of time so that you are able to pay for it when you actually need to pay for it.

Just like planning for other significant expenses, such as a new car or kitchen renovation, planning ahead for orthodontic and dental treatments can help alleviate financial worries.

Confirm Diagnosis & Prioritize Treatments

After the orthodontist is able to examine you or your child’s mouth and diagnose the specific issue, you’ll be able to ask questions and address concerns such as:

When the issue(s) should be treated
Which issue(s) is/are critical or priority
Which specific treatment options are recommended
The specific orthodontic issue that needs to be treated
The duration of your or your child’s treatment
The severity and extent of the orthodontic issue

Speak with your dentist about a customized treatment plan and speak openly about financial concerns you might have. You may be able to get some advice or alternative treatment options to explain which issues are the highest priority to treat, as well as your dental professional's reasoning.

Check Your Insurance Plan

Dental insurance policies usually stipulate whether orthodontic treatment is covered specifically or at all. In some cases, the insurer may pay a significant portion of the cost. Questions you may want to ask your provider include:

Who is covered on my plan?
How can I receive discounts on dental care?
Which treatments have I received so far this year?
Which services will be completely covered, and which are partially covered?

Look for Dental Savings Plans

Do you have a bare-bones insurance plan? A dental savings plan might work for you. You will pay an annual fee to them get a break in the pricing from dentists and orthodontists who accept your plan.

Read the fine print on these types of policies as they can differ from plan to plan – and to confirm that your orthodontist is part of the network.

Ask about payment plans or financing options

Though your orthodontist may not be able to budge on the cost of the treatment, they may be able to come up with a payment plan that will work for you – such as a monthly payment plan.

Some orthodontist and dentist offices partner with companies to offer payment plans or interest-free financing. Ask your dental professional if this is the case for them. If you are exploring these payment options, make sure you get a written contract and review it carefully.

What About Cash Discounts & Payment Options?

Does your orthodontist accept a number of payment options? One or a combination of these may work for you:

Debit
Credit Card
Cheque
Cash

If you don’t require a payment plan and are able to pay cash upfront, does that affect the final price? Ask your orthodontist’s office.

Look Into Loans

Can your bank or credit union offer a loan for your orthodontic treatment? Compare the costs of borrowing vs. other options.

Don't Forget the Importance of Early Treatment

While you may have concerns about the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatment options, the earlier you resolve your health issue, the better for your patient's health (and your bank account) it will be. The longer your serious oral health issues go untreated, the more they may impact your quality of life and budget.