At Rhoads Orthodontics, we always want to do our best to ensure that finances are not a barrier to necessary orthodontic treatment. Part of this effort is to educate you transparently and effectively. So today, Dr. Rhoads and her team will be answering a question you’ve probably already considered in preparation for treatment: “Do I need dental insurance to get orthodontic treatment?”
Pros & Cons of Dental Insurance
A lot of us generally perceive dental insurance as a positive thing, but there are always some drawbacks to consider. It’s also important to preface that plans and carriers vary dramatically, so if you’re already insured, the best resource will always be your provider for direct answers about a plan.
- The Good:
- Financial protection is important in emergencies. You can have confidence that you’ll be covered, at least partially, with many plans.
- Cost savings can be applied to routine dental care like check-ups, cleanings and procedures like fillings, root canals, and orthodontic treatments.
- Staying within a network of providers can mean reduced costs.
- You can better budget for dental care if you know your maximum out-of-pocket costs per year.
- The Bad:
- Premiums can be an added expense to your monthly budget, which can be a burden if you aren’t regularly requiring care.
- Limitations and exclusions are a part of any plan! A treatment you need might not be covered or may be extremely limited.
- Due to the structure of most networks, your choice in provider will likely be limited.
- Deductibles might be high and have to be met before any coverage applies, which can be burdensome to some.
- Annual maximums can be a hurdle if you require certain procedures that exceed your limit, leading to your responsibility for the remaining balance.
Generally speaking, though, people opt for insurance to save at least some money and tolerate the inconvenient side of things. But it is 100% up to the individual!
How We Help at Rhoads Orthodontics
Before we dive into the cost of orthodontic treatments, we want to assure you that we care deeply about making the process of payment as easy as possible for your situation. This means giving you the option of no-interest, in-house financing, as well as an option for a flexible payment plan. We also help you by verifying and submitting insurance claims. If you have any additional questions about this process, our team is more than happy to answer!
General Costs of Orthodontic Treatments
The cost of braces is pretty fluid, depending on a number of factors. Variables like the type of braces, location, complexity of treatment, and individual orthodontic fees can affect overall cost. Please note these numbers are based on averages across the country. Let’s take a closer look.
Type of Braces and Costs
- Metal Braces: These will typically be the most affordable option, between $3,000 to $7,000 or more.
- Ceramic Braces: Since these are less noticeable and require slightly more customization, they can cost slightly more, from $4,000 to $8,000 or more.
- Lingual Braces: These are placed on the back of your teeth and can also be more expensive at $8,000 to $10,000.
- Invisalign: The most natural option, these tend to range from $3,000 to $8,000.
- In-House Option: Rhoads Orthodontics also offers a more affordable option, with in-house 3-D printed aligners. You can ask questions about these via a free consultation.
Variables To Consider Besides Insurance
- Geography: The location of your orthodontist’s office in the United States can heavily impact the price of your treatment; socioeconomic factors like cost of living and urbanization can also make a difference.
- Complexity of Treatment: The extensiveness of your treatment can obviously cause the prices to fluctuate. For example, some patients only need limited braces (as opposed to a full set). This will usually be comprised of braces on the front six teeth, on one or both rows of teeth. These typically won’t need to be worn quite as long as an entire set.
- Duration of Treatment: Again, the length of treatment is affected by a number of medical and logistical variables. Most treatments last from 12 to 36 months, depending on the approach your orthodontist takes. It’s important to plan for this long-term commitment financially and consider factors like changes in employment (and respective insurance coverage) over any given period.
On The Road To A New Smile
Rhoads Orthodontics wants to make sure you don’t enter the prospect of braces with the price being a burdensome consideration. We serve Cranberry Township with a lot of pride and are honestly here to help as much as we can! We will meet you wherever you are and evaluate the best options for treatment. You can schedule a free consultation with us today!