Affordable Braces Financing Options

Your Complete Guide to Payment Plans

Types of Braces and Costs

Braces come in several types, each with unique features and price ranges.

Metal braces are the most traditional and typically the least expensive option.

Costing between $2,000 and $7,000.

Ceramic braces are similar but blend in with teeth, making them less noticeable, and they range from $4,000 to $8,000.

Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, hidden from view, and are generally the most costly, ranging from $8,000 to $10,000 due to their specialized application.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are famous for their subtle appearance and ease of use, costing between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on treatment complexity.

Why such a wide range of prices?

Most often, orthodontic treatments have a wide range of prices because everyone is different. Without Dr. Dallam seeing your teeth, knowing the exact cost is impossible.

Augusta Orthodontics makes getting a quote easy. Augusta area residents can receive a FREE consultation online with just a few pictures of their teeth.

In fact, if you want to see an estimated payment right now – use our CareCredit payment calculator below.

Orthodontic Payment Calculator

But before you decide on a treatment plan, let’s look at a few orthodontic options to get the perfect smile you always wanted.

Traditional Metal Braces

Cost – $$

Traditional braces are the most commonly used type of orthodontic treatment. These are known for their durability and effectiveness in correcting complicated dental issues.

Metal braces are visible. Regular metal braces are highly efficient and usually the most affordable option. The lower treatment fee makes them a popular choice among both teens, adults, and parents.

For those looking for a less noticeable alternative, ceramic braces offer a similar structure with a more discreet appearance.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Cost – $$$

Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional metal braces. These are designed with tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them much less noticeable.

Although they are slightly more fragile and can be a bit more expensive, ceramic braces offer a balanced approach between invisable braces and effectiveness.

For patients seeking an even more discreet option, lingual braces provide a unique solution by being placed on the backside of the teeth.

Lingual Braces

Cost – $$$$

Lingual braces are a highly discreet orthodontic option as they are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. Augusta Orthdontic rarely, if ever, uses this type of treatment plan.

For those seeking an invisable, removable, and more flexible alternative, Invisalign clear aligners offer a modern approach to teeth straightening without fixed brackets or wires.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners

Cost – $$$

Invisalign clear aligners provide a nearly invisible and comfortable way to straighten teeth. These use a series of custom-made removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place.

While Invisalign offers great convenience and aesthetics, it can be more costly, so exploring financing options for orthodontic treatment can help make any type of braces more affordable.

Financing Options for Braces

Augusta Orthodontic’s financing options for braces provide a way to manage the cost of orthodontic treatment.

We work with patients to make it affordable.

Many Augusta orthodontic practices offer flexible in-house payment plans or partner with third-party providers like CareCredit for extended financing solutions.

Additionally, dental insurance coverage can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. We help patients in multiple ways to budget for a healthier smile and get the most out of their insurance policies.

In-House Payment Plans

In-house financing is available with Augusta Orthodontics. We offer help to patients applying for flexible financing through CareCredit. Our team of experts can help you through the application process during your first visit.

Our flexible payment plans can be combined with dental insurance benefits.

Dental Insurance

A variety of dental insurance companies, like United Healthcare, offer orthodontic coverage. Most insurance dental plans usually include partial coverage for braces or Invisalign.

The remaining out-of-pocket costs your insurance company does not cover, our CareCredit “credit card” can be applied for.

Healthcare Credit Cards

CareCredit is basically a credit card for dental and medical expenses. The card can even be used for your pet’s veterinarian needs!

Most of our patients apply for the maximum allowable amount and combine other medical or veterinarian needs using the same “lump sum” payment plan.

CareCredit offers low monthly payment options at a reasonable rate for less-than-perfect credit.

Personal Loans

Low-cost personal loans are another great option for patients wanting the perfect smile. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders are something orthodontic patients can consider.

Most often, only credit unions offer competitive rates and approvals compared to healthcare cards or health saving accounts.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to set aside pre-tax income for qualified medical expenses, including orthodontic treatments like braces.

FSAs are typically offered through employers and have an annual contribution limit, with funds generally needing to be used within the plan year.

HSAs, on the other hand, are available to those with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) and offer more flexibility, as funds can roll over year to year and even grow with interest or investments.

Both accounts can help reduce upfront payments for medical needs, providing valuable savings on healthcare and orthodontic treatments.

Medicaid and State Programs

In Georgia, Medicaid may cover orthodontic treatment for eligible children under 21 when it’s deemed medically necessary, such as for severe dental issues that impact health and development.

Medicaid coverage in Georgia typically includes cases like:

• Significant Jaw Misalignment
• Cleft Palate
• Severe malocclusions

Pros and Cons of Different Financing Options

In-House Financing:

• Pros: Low or no interest; convenient; no external credit check.
• Cons: May have shorter repayment terms; limited to participating orthodontists.

Third-Party Financing (e.g., CareCredit):

• Pros: Flexible and extended payment options; can cover various medical expenses beyond braces.
• Cons: Potential interest charges; possible impact on credit score; may require credit approval.

Dental Insurance:

• Pros: Reduces upfront costs; some policies include orthodontic coverage, especially for minors.
• Cons: Coverage is often limited; may not cover all types of braces; lifetime maximums on benefits.

FSAs/HSAs:

• Pros: Reduces upfront costs; some policies include orthodontic coverage, especially for minors.
• Cons: Coverage is often limited; may not cover all types of braces; lifetime maximums on benefits.

Major Credit Cards

• Pros: Great for down payments only. Fast and complete payment is available
• Cons: Interest rates are incredibly high and can take a very long time to pay off.

How to Choose the Best Financing Option for You

Choosing the best financing option for braces and dental care involves balancing immediate financial needs with long-term affordability. Here are a few key steps based on the pros and cons above.

Evaluate Monthly Budget

Consider if you can handle the average cost of braces monthly payments. If yes, then this makes in-house financing a good choice for you due to its low or no interest but shorter terms.

If a smaller payment is preferable, a third-party provider with extended options might be better to cover the total cost of treatment despite potential interest charges.

Insurance Benefits

If you have dental insurance, check the specifics of orthodontic coverage. For minors and family members, insurance can significantly reduce costs. Unfortunately, it’s often limited, so be sure to understand any coverage limits or restrictions.

Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts

For those with access to FSAs or HSAs, utilizing these can reduce taxable income while covering part of the treatment costs. HSAs, in particular, are ideal for their rollover benefits, while FSAs work well if you can commit funds for orthodontics within a year.

Consider Credit Impact

For options like CareCredit, it’s important to know that they may affect your credit score if not managed carefully. If maintaining credit is a priority, in-house financing might be preferable if available.

In any of the cases above, flexible payment options are available.

Braces Financing Conclusion

With the variety of payment options available today, anyone in the Augusta area can apply for low-interest financing to help pay for the beautiful smile they have always wanted for themselves or their children.

Our team of experts can help you maximize your orthodontic benefits so you can use the braces financing to pay for the treatment option you need.

Start Today by using our FREE online consultation portal without even having to visit the orthodontist’s office.

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