Worried About The Cost of Orthodontics? Here's What You Can Do

Our Manitoba dentists don't want the costs of orthodontic treatment to stand between you and the dental care you require. That's why our team has listed some ways that can help you manage the costs of braces or other treatments you may need.

Paying for Orthodontic Treatment

Plan

If you are able to, start planning for the cost of orthodontic braces or other treatments a year or two before you have to pay.

This is similar to planning for other significant expenses, such as a new car or kitchen renovations, planning ahead for orthodontic and dental treatments can help relieve some financial worries.

Confirm Diagnosis & Prioritize Treatments

Once your orthodontist is able to examine you or your child’s mouth and diagnose a specific issue, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and address concerns such as:

The specific orthodontic issue that needs to be treated
The severity and extent of the orthodontic issue
Which issue(s) is/are critical or priority
Which specific treatment options are recommended
When the issue(s) should be treated
The duration of your or your child’s treatment

Talk to your orthodontist about a customized treatment plan and openly address any financial concerns that you have. Your orthodontist might have some advice for you and be able to indicate alternative treatment options or explain which issues are critical or high-priority to treat, and why.

Check Your Insurance Plan

Dental insurance policies generally state whether or not orthodontic treatment is covered. Sometimes, the insurer might pay a significant portion of the cost. Questions you might want to ask your provider include:

Who is covered on my plan?
Which services will be completely covered, and which are partially covered?
Which treatments have I received so far this year?
How can I receive discounts on dental care?

Look for Dental Savings Plans

Have a bare-bones insurance plan (or none at all)? A dental savings plan could work for you. You pay an annual fee and you then receive a price break from orthodontists who accept the plan.

Read the fine print on these types of policies as they can vary from plan to plan – and to confirm that your orthodontist is part of the network.

Ask about payment plans or financing options

Even though your orthodontist might not be able to budge on the cost of the treatment, they might be able to provide you with a payment plan that will work for you – such as a monthly payment plan.

Some orthodontist’s offices partner with companies that offer interest-free financing or payment plans. See if this is true for your orthodontist. Remember to get a written contract and to review it carefully.

Ask About Cash Discounts & Payment Options

Does your orthodontist accept various payment options? One or more of the following could work for you:

Credit Card
Debit
Cash
Cheque

If you don’t need a payment plan and can pay with cash upfront, tell your dental office because it could affect the final price.

Research Loans

If your bank or credit union offers a loan for your orthodontic treatment, compare the costs of borrowing vs. other options.

Early Treatment is Important

While you may have some concerns about the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatments, the earlier the issue can be treated, the better for your health and bank account. The longer serious orthodontic issues go untreated, the more they can impact the quality of your life and budget.