In today’s blog, our All Kids Dental Pediatrics and Orthodontics team is excited to share four effective strategies to help make orthodontic treatment in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Eagle, and Aspen, Colorado, more budget-friendly for you and your family.
Four Strategies for Your Orthodontic Treatment
1-Explore Flexible Financing Options
Orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment, but you have options to make it more manageable. Most orthodontic offices offer multiple payment choices. You can choose to pay for your treatment in full and receive a percentage discount. Alternatively, you can opt for a down payment and divide the remaining balance into monthly payments over 1-2 years. Another option is to select an extended financing plan but be cautious of hidden fees or surprise charges for missed payments. Ideally, your extended payment plan should have an annual percentage rate (APR) of no more than 10%, and shorter payment plans may offer 0% APR. Companies like OrthoFi are revolutionizing orthodontic affordability by providing various customizable payment options for patients.
2-Leverage Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
FSAs are a powerful tool to make orthodontic treatment more affordable. You can use pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare expenses, including orthodontics. Many FSAs allow contributions of up to $2,500 per year toward these expenses. With Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), you may even be able to cover the entire treatment cost with pre-tax funds. This not only provides a tax advantage but can significantly reduce your orthodontic expenses. Keep in mind that your company may have specific enrollment periods for FSAs, typically in November or June. Missing these deadlines could result in higher out-of-pocket costs. Most orthodontists offer free consultations, so consider scheduling one before your FSA enrollment deadline.
3-Maximize Orthodontic Insurance Benefits
If you’re fortunate enough to have orthodontic insurance, it’s a valuable asset. Roughly half of individuals seeking orthodontic treatment lack insurance coverage. Check with your employer to understand the insurance options available to you. Many insurance plans offer various levels of orthodontic coverage, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Some plans may require a one-year waiting period, so plan accordingly if you anticipate needing orthodontic treatment in the future. It’s important to note that you don’t necessarily need to see an in-network orthodontist to receive the same insurance benefits. Most orthodontic insurance plans provide the same benefits regardless of whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider. When you visit an orthodontist, they should offer a complimentary insurance benefits check to help you maximize your coverage.
4-Be Wary of Hidden Costs
When comparing orthodontic prices, it’s crucial to scrutinize the details. Some offices may advertise lower upfront costs but tack on additional fees later in the treatment process, significantly increasing the total expense. Watch out for charges like broken bracket fees, missed appointment fees, cancellation fees, or the cost of retainers, as they can substantially inflate your overall costs. Additionally, be cautious of offices that impose extra monthly fees if your treatment extends beyond a certain duration. This can create an incentive for them to prolong your treatment unnecessarily. Cheaper orthodontic offices may use lower-quality materials, potentially resulting in longer treatment times and more frequent office visits. Before making your decision, consider whether paying a bit more for quality care, shorter treatment, and fewer office visits is worth the investment in your time, comfort, and overall experience. At All Kids Dental, we provide the highest quality of care knowing that the results will speak for themselves! Please call our office at 970-928-9500 to schedule an appointment with our orthodontists, Dr. Allen and associates.