Worried About Paying for Orthodontics? Here's What You Can Do

We don't want cost to prevent people from receiving the orthodontic treatment they need. Here are some ideas from our orthodontists in Etobicoke to help you plan for and manage the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatment options.

Paying for Orthodontic Treatment

Plan

If at all possible, it's ideal to begin planning for the cost of orthodontic braces or other treatments a couple of years ahead of when you'll actually need to pay for it.

Similar to planning for other significant expenses, such as a kitchen renovation or new car, planning ahead for orthodontic treatments can help alleviate financial concerns.

Confirm Diagnosis & Prioritize Treatments

After the orthodontist examines you or your child's mouth and diagnoses the specific issue, there will be time for you to ask questions and address concerns, including:

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

Discuss a customized treatment plan with your orthodontist and talk about any financial concerns openly. Your orthodontist may 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 usually stipulate whether orthodontic treatment is covered specifically or at all. In some cases, the insurer may pay a significant portion of the cost. Questions you may 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 may work for you. You pay an annual fee and you then receive a price break from orthodontists who accept the plan.

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

Ask about payment plans or financing options

Though your orthodontist may not be able to budge on the cost of the treatment, they may be able to come up 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. Make sure to get a written contract to review carefully.

What About Cash Discounts & Payment Options?

Does your orthodontist accept a number of payment options? One or a combination of these may work for you:

Credit Card
Debit
Cash
Cheque

If you don’t require a payment plan and are able to pay cash upfront, does that affect the final price? Ask your orthodontist’s office.

Look Into Loans

Can your bank or credit union offer a loan for your orthodontic treatment? Compare the costs of borrowing vs. other options.

Don't Forget the Importance of Early Treatment

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