Braces can have an amazing impact on your oral health and self-confidence by extension. If you’ve been thinking of getting them but feel that they will be too expensive, read on. You will see some helpful ways in which you can afford to get adult braces and improve your smile without breaking the bank.
Shop Around
The first thing you need to do is to shop around before you make your decision. Different practices will often have different prices, and while this difference may be negligible, you can work with a professional who will offer you the most flexible option. With one out of three orthodontic patients being adults, you will be sure to find a large number of orthodontists who are familiar with your specific needs. In this case, read their reviews and make sure that they’re knowledgeable and experienced. You don’t want to end up with an affordable treatment that leaves you with less than ideal results.
Look for a Dental School Clinic
If there’s a dental school in your area, find out whether they have a clinic as well. Since this is where dentists go for their residence and training to become certified orthodontists, you may be able to get quality services at a fraction of the price that a qualified practitioner would charge. You will get supervised services and only pay for the materials and equipment used, or a subsidized cost, which is a bargain when you consider the full cost you would have had to pay in an office. Keep in mind that they’re not full dental practices, however, so they may not always be able to provide treatment to everyone that seeks their services.
Request a Payment Plan
If you find a professional who you feel will meet your needs and feel that their cost is fair enough to you, find out if they can offer you a payment plan. Many practices offer payment plans for patients who don’t have insurance. This is possible as most of them partner with financing companies that provide flexible payment options that are cheaper than traditional credit financing. When you’re investing in braces, these payment plans can offer you great savings and make the treatment attainable.
Seek Financing for Your Braces
Alternatively, you can use regular credit finance to get your braces. This includes credit cards and personal loans. Even though the interest is going to be higher for this method than for others, you can negotiate with your bank to spread the repayments over as long a period as is possible. When you do this, you will be able to plan for your treatment and pay for it without excessive hassle on your side. Make sure to follow any advice you get from your orthodontist to ensure that you get the full benefits of your treatment. This includes using mouth rinses and toothpaste with fluoride, which, when used alongside proper flossing and brushing, can reduce tooth decay by up to 40%. This way, you will get the most value for your money.
Look Into Dental Assistance Programs
The final option you have is to look into dental assistance programs. These are available in many states and can help low-income individuals get the oral health care that they need. Sometimes, you could also get help from not-for-profit organizations or free clinics run by dental and medical volunteers. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for any of these and get some assistance in financing your orthodontic treatment.
When you realize that you need to get braces to improve your oral health, it’s advisable to start the conversation with your orthodontist. They can help you find an effective and affordable way to get braces as an adult.
No Comments yet!