Getting your teeth straightened is a complex orthodontic procedure which can set you back thousands of dollars if you don’t have the right health insurance.
Getting braces fitted is dental procedure done by an orthodontist (not by a regular Dentist) which in part explains why the cost of this procedure is a lot higher than others.
Finding an Orthodontist who will get you cheap braces can be difficult but possible as there are many who offer such a service and such competition inevitably brings the prices down.
Rather than scouring the internet, here are five smart tips which can help you save money on braces:
1. Find Great Dental Insurance for Braces
This is usually the first route that many people look into when looking to get braces. This option may vary from patient to patient as not all insurance carriers provide partial coverage for dental treatment.
If you have dental insurance with a wider coverage that includes braces, you can enjoy as much as a 50% savings off your dental bill.
However, most insurance companies have capped the coverage at a maximum value. So if you have 50% insurance benefit with a cap of $1,000, and the total cost of the dental treatment is $3,500, you will receive a reimbursement of $1,000 and pay the remaining balance.
To see if you are entitled to this benefit, check your policy’s coverage to see if orthodontic treatment is indeed covered.
2. Find a Discount Dental Plan
This is not considered an insurance plan but rather a discount dental plan can save you as much as 30% to 50% on your orthodontic treatment.
Many orthodontic clinics offer this option as they also know that a lot of patients can’t afford to pay big sums of money for this type of dental treatment.
It works like a membership plan in which members will pay around $80 to $180 per year and enjoy substantial discounts on treatment such as braces and routine dental care.
3. Contact Local Dental Schools and Colleges
These are the best places to look for big savings on braces. Get in touch with the dental schools and colleges in your area and ask if they undertake this treatment.
This could be the best way to find cheap braces.
The students are very skilled and are training to become orthodontists themselves. They are supervised by skilled and experienced dental teachers.
4. Use Discount Coupons
Keep an eye out for orthodontic clinics offering coupons. You can find them in your local newspapers or through various websites. You can also inquire from some local dental offices if they are offering coupons or know of any circulating ones.
5. Choose Basic Metal Braces
If you don’t have access to any of the options above, you can opt for the basic traditional stainless steel braces. These are cheaper compared to other types of braces but you can expect the same result.
Keep in mind also that one huge factor that affects the cost of braces is the location in which you get them (i.e. your home town).
This means that you can expect higher prices if you get your braces in New York or Los Angeles compared to Memphis or Fort Worth for example.