Do you have questions about the finances of orthodontics? Many people do! If you have never had orthodontic treatment, it might seem too daunting to even explore your options. But don’t count your chickens before they hatch or assume that orthodontic treatment is out of your budget!
At Manzella Orthodontics, we have walked with families of all different shapes, sizes, and budgets, ensuring that they receive the orthodontic care that they need. We believe that each patient is unique and ensure that from treatment to financing, your care will be catered directly to your needs. If you have more questions, especially regarding insurance and orthodontic treatment, read on!
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a dental specialty that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaw. Having aligned teeth isn’t just about how it looks; it ensures that you have a healthy bite, allowing for your teeth to function safely throughout your whole life.
For example, if you have a small upper jaw that leads to crowding and crooked teeth, an expander may be needed to make room to allow teeth to erupt without leading to impaction. Crooked teeth are harder to clean; aligning them will help reduce the risk of getting cavities as it will be easier to brush and floss after treatment. Another example would be a misaligned jaw that creates an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. These bite misalignments can add stress to your jaw, leading to tight muscles and debilitating TMJ pain when left untreated.
Ultimately, having an aligned smile can preserve your smile as you age, allowing you to speak, eat, chew, and talk more effectively for longer! This is certainly something worth investing in!
Now that we know more about why orthodontics is an important part of overall healthcare, let’s discuss the nitty-gritty of how to pay for it!
What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is a service that provides financial coverage for dental procedures. There is typically a monthly premium that you pay in exchange for support with some or all of the dental care that you receive. Orthodontics is sometimes included in dental plans, but not always. If you have dental insurance, it’s a good idea to check on your policy to see whether insurance can help you with orthodontics as well!
Dental insurance is certainly helpful for many people who have it, but there are a few limitations to keep in mind. Most insurances only cover some procedures or treatments and then may have restrictions regarding age or other constraints. These are some considerations to keep in mind!
Health Savings Plans (HSAs)
A Health Savings account (HSA) can be a strategic asset for orthodontic treatment. It allows you to set aside pre-tax income. The biggest advantage? You can use that money for medical expenses for treatments like braces, Spark clear aligners, or clear braces. Plus, HSAs roll over from year to year. That way, you can plan and save for your upcoming treatments at Manzella Orthodontics. This is particularly beneficial for families who anticipate the needs of multiple members.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can also help cover costs associated with orthodontic treatment. At the beginning of each year, you can allocate pre-tax dollars to save for your upcoming set of clear aligners or braces. But remember: FSAs don’t roll over. You’ll need to use your money within one calendar year. But, FSAs don’t require you to enroll in a specific plan.
Both HSAs and FSAs offer tax advantages that can make orthodontic care more financially manageable. However, each comes with its rules and limitations, so it’s essential to carefully consider your specific needs and consult with your orthodontist about payment options.
Is Dental Insurance the Only Way to Pay?
Thankfully, dental insurance is not the only way to afford your orthodontic treatment! Our office offers a handful of different options to make it easier for those who are paying out of pocket.
Tailored Payment Plans
We believe that your payment plan should be as unique as your treatment plan! When you arrive at Manzella Orthodontics, you will meet our team, who are experts at supporting patients through their treatment and payment goals! During your consultation with Dr. Manzella, you will also meet with our friendly and knowledgeable team, who will talk you through any insurance and financing questions you may have.
Interest-Free Financing
At our office, we don’t charge our patients interest for their treatment. Financing is completely free and is based on a low down payment and affordable monthly payments thereafter! Again, your payment plan will be based on your unique needs, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and make the best decision for your family!
Discounts
We are happy to offer a discount to families that are able to pay for treatment upfront! We know this isn’t doable for everyone, but saving our office and yourself the effort of financing deserves a reward!
We Are Here to Support Your Smile for Life!
Do you still have questions or concerns about insurance, financing, or payments for orthodontic treatment? We are available anytime during open hours to answer your questions! Give our West Seneca office a call to have all your questions answered. Better yet, go ahead and schedule a free consultation appointment with Dr. Manzella to kickstart your treatment!
We know that healthcare can be expensive and overwhelming sometimes, but that’s what we love about our community-focused office. We get to know each of our patients and are excited to support them in whatever way we can throughout their treatment. Experience the support yourself when you choose Manzella Orthodontics in West Seneca and the surrounding areas!