Many people want straight teeth, but not all people are born with them. A lot of parents choose to have their children get braces to correct alignment problems, but dental insurance typically does not cover the full cost of braces. Luckily, there are several ways to make orthodontic care and braces more affordable for families. Use the following tips to ease the expense of your child's braces:

Start Orthodontic Care Early

After your child's permanent teeth grow in, it is a good idea to have a consultation with an orthodontist to see if your child will require braces in the future. If your child has major bite or spacing issues, starting treatment early can start correcting the problem early, thus reducing the length of treatment needed and saving you money. The orthodontist may say that your child will need braces to correct alignment but does not need treatment right away, which can give you several years to start slowly saving for orthodontic treatment.

Visit Several Orthodontists

There is not a universal price for braces, so different orthodontist offices may offer different prices. When comparing the price quotes that you receive for your child's braces, make sure you are looking at the price of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes braces, all orthodontic treatment during the time that the braces are on, and follow up appointments after the braces have been removed.

Ask About Payment Plans

Many orthodontists offer payment plans for braces, but you may have to ask about them. When you have a payment plan for your child's braces you can typically make monthly payments with no interest over the course of your child's treatments. It is usually much easier to budget for a monthly payment as opposed to having to pay the full price of races upfront.

Pay for Braces Upfront

If you happen to have the cash available to pay upfront for your child's braces you may be offered a nice discount. It is not uncommon for orthodontists to offer a nice discount for patients who can pay upfront with cash. Doing so could possibly save you hundreds of dollars on your child's orthodontics treatment. 

Look for an Orthodontist Who Offers Sibling Discounts

If more than one of your children need braces, you may be worrying about how you will afford the treatment. Luckily, many orthodontists offer sibling discounts, so look for an office that can provide orthodontic treatment for your oldest child, and will then offer you a lower price when it comes time for a younger sibling to have braces put on. Contact a business, such as Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics, for more information.   

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