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How affordable is orthodontic treatment and what financing options are available?Parents are always striving to ensure their children have the best possible healthcare, and this is particularly true when it comes to orthodontic treatment. While it is certainly an investment, it is one that is well worth the cost. Taking steps to safeguard the health of your or your children’s teeth now is a wise decision. Here, we’ll examine the cost and some common methods of paying for orthodontic treatment.
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the patient's age, the nature of the problem, the type of braces needed, and the overall complexity of the treatment plan.
Medical insurance will occasionally cover some of the expense of orthodontic treatment. However, it is rare and typically only if you or your child has a unique medical condition that affects the teeth or bite. These conditions would include a cleft palate or some type of craniofacial syndrome. Additionally, if you are needing a sleep apnea or snoring elimination appliance, medical insurance will occasionally cover a portion of the cost and the insurance specialists at Ballard Orthodontics can check with your medical insurance to determine what that portion is. As a general rule though, medical insurance does not cover much in the way of orthodontic treatment.
What kind of insurance covers orthodontic treatment and how do I get it? Here is how that works. If you have dental insurance and your dental insurance has an orthodontic benefit attached to it, this orthodontic benefit provides you with a specific amount of money paid by the insurance company for orthodontic treatment. The amount can range from $1000.00 to $5000.00. Occasionally an orthodontic benefit package will only cover those 18 and under but many insurance companies have this orthodontic benefit for all on the policy regardless of age.
At Ballard orthodontics we work with all insurance companies, including Canadian insurance companies. Our insurance specialists have over 35 years of combined experience working with all types of insurance plans and can help determine your dental and orthodontic benefits, and determine how much of the recommended orthodontic treatment is covered by that insurance. We can also send in pre-authorizations for treatment, submit claims and help you navigate the constantly changing landscape of insurance.
Lastly, we routinely work with those using Health Savings Accounts, FLEX plans and Medical Savings Accounts. So know when you team up with Ballard Orthodontics, you are with a team that has a vast amount of experience in all aspects of orthodontic financing.
At Ballard Orthodontics, a variety of interest free payment plans and payment options are available to fit your budget.
Most payment plans range from 6-30 months depending on the length of treatment, and are always interest free.
Care Credit is a company Ballard Orthodontics works with that will finance your orthodontic expense once you have been approved. It works much like a credit card with an associated interest rate attached and monthly payback schedule.
If you’re on very limited means, a dental charity might be able to help you in paying for orthodontic treatment. Check out Smiles Change Lives and Smiles For A Lifetime. If you’re accepted into a program like these, you and your child could get braces at a very low cost or even for free. Ballard Orthodontics works with a few different charities so if you find yourself connected with one we are not aware of feel free to call that to our attention.
If your braces are considered medically necessary, costs above a certain level are tax deductible. Keep track of all your expenses, including check-ups – it all adds up. Further information is available from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) regarding these deductions. At Ballard Orthodontics they keep very precise records and are more than happy to provide you with any information that would lessen your tax burden.
Ballard Orthodontics accepts payment in cash, check, Visa, Master-Card and Discover
Canadian Patients: Ballard Orthodontics has fees in both US and Canadian currency. If you would prefer to pay in Canadian currency simply let us know and both cash and checks are accepted.
Ballard Orthodontics is committed to doing everything it can to work within your budget and help ease the financial burden of paying for orthodontic treatment. Know that before you agree to any orthodontic treatment, you will be well aware of the cost, what services will be rendered, how much insurance will cover, what your portion will be and the payment plan arrangements.
