The Toothache That Changed My Life

Having a straight, beautiful smile is something that many people want, but a lot of people are not born with perfectly aligned teeth. Braces are an excellent way to correct bite and smile issues, but it is not uncommon for people to feel like they cannot afford to get braces due to the price of treatment and the fact that dental insurance may only cover a small portion of the bill, if they offer any coverage at all. Luckily, there are several ways to save money on braces so you can get the smile you have always wanted without breaking the bank. Use the following tips to make braces more affordable:

Ask About Payment Plans

Most orthodontists and dentists who treat people with braces understand that it is a large expense and may be difficult for a patient to pay in full upfront. For this reason, a lot of dental providers will offer payment plans to allow a patient to make monthly installments over the course of the treatment so braces are more affordable. Since people often need to wear braces for a couple of years or longer, making payments can make it a lot more affordable to get braces. Check with different providers-- some orthodontists and dentists may charge interest on a payment plan, while others may not.

Visit a Dental School

Dental schools provide inexpensive dental treatment, including braces, at a rate that is a lot less than visiting a regular dentist or orthodontist. At a dental school, the person providing treatment is a student about to graduate with their dental degree, but everything is overseen by a licensed, experienced dentist or orthodontist. The savings on your braces can be substantial, and most dental schools go above and beyond to ensure that patients receive great care. Your appointments may be a little bit longer, since the technician is less experienced and a licensed dentist or orthodontist has to check all of the work, but it is sure to be worth it to be able to get braces at a price you can afford.

Pay in Full Upfront

Payment plans are great if you don't have enough money in your bank account to pay for braces in a lump payment, but paying upfront can also garner great savings if you are able to do so. Since so many people opt for payment plans, many orthodontists and dentists will offer a discount on braces treatment if you pay for everything upfront. Since braces can cost a few thousand dollars, getting a percentage off the total bill for paying in full upfront can add up to a lot of money.

If you are interested in getting braces, visit a company like Braces Inc. to see what options they offer to make braces more affordable.