How to Save Money on Braces

When you find out your child needs braces, it can be overwhelming. Orthodontic work isn't cheap, but you want to do what's best for your children. You can easily save some money on braces if you're prepared and you do your homework.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get dental insurance. Talk to your benefits specialist about enrolling in your company's dental plan. Most companies have one and while most dental plans don't cover cosmetic work, a lot of them cover necessary orthodontic work. While your insurance won't cover the entire cost of braces, most pay a significant percentage up to a lifetime maximum.

2. Buy into a dental discount plan if you don't have access to dental insurance. A dental discount plan allows you to pay into it, and when you go to a plan covered dentist or orthodontist, your services will be discounted a set amount. It's different than dental insurance in that you don't have to meet a deductible. You simply pay the dentist or orthodontist directly instead of having them bill the insurance.

3. Apply for a medical flexible spending account or FSA through your company if you can. A medical FSA allows you to have a specific amount taken out of each paycheck pre-tax. You are then reimbursed from this FSA when you submit receipts from your medical expenses. Setting aside a couple thousand pre-tax dollars is a good idea if you know you have upcoming orthodontic expenses.

4. Visit several orthodontists. A child's orthodontic treatment, from beginning appliances to full braces, can run anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 dollars. Prices depend on where you live and individual orthodontists, as they all set their own prices. Most orthodontists offer free evaluations, at which time they'll provide you with the exact price of the treatment, as well as any payment plans they offer.

5. Talk to your family dentist. Some dentists can do orthodontics as well, so if your child's case is a mild one, you can ask your family dentist to do it for you. He may give you a discount since he's already doing your family dental work.