Are Braces or Invisalign Cost High or Low?
How much do braces cost ? How much is Invisalign? Braces or Invisalign Cost? These are by far the most common questions I get from patients when they visit our Brooklyn orthodontics practice. Ultimately, your braces or Invisalign cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your case, and the only way to find out the cost of orthodontic treatment is to come in for a complimentary consultation. Once I’ve had a chance to examine your bite and develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, my team can provide you with an outline of your treatment fees.
While I can’t give you an exact figure without seeing you, I can promise, however, that you won’t have to swear off lattes from your favorite Brooklyn coffee shop or live on packets of ramen (though they are tasty) to be able to afford treatment. In fact, I’m sharing some ways to reduce your braces and Invisalign cost at Fresh Orthodontics.
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1. Choose an In-Office Financing Plan
At Fresh Orthodontics, my team and I really try to make braces and Invisalign affordable for all of our patients and we totally get that most people can’t pay for the entire cost of orthodontic treatment at the start. That’s why we have flexible, in-office financing plans with 0% interest. This will let you break up the braces or Invisalign cost into low monthly payments.
We offer monthly payments as low as $123 per month to help make great smiles affordable for our patients. We even have a $0 down payment option for braces and extended financing terms available. So whether you choose metal braces, ceramic braces , Invisalign or Invisalign Teen , a team member will sit down with you before you start treatment to create a financing plan that works for your needs and budget.
2. Check to see if Your Dental Insurance Covers Orthodontic Treatment
Does insurance cover braces ? Does insurance cover Invisalign? These are the next questions that patients ask right after inquiring about the cost of braces and Invisalign. There are a number of dental insurance providers that offer orthodontic coverage. While some only cover treatment the insurance company deems medically necessary, it really depends on the insurance provider and your plan. If your insurance does cover Invisalign or braces, it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
A lot of patients are confused about how dental insurance works for braces or Invisalign treatment and they assume because Fresh Orthodontics isn’t in-network with their insurance provider that treatment won’t be covered, but that’s not the case. Though we may not be in-network, we still work with most insurance providers and accept many PPO dental insurances and discount plans.
We submit the total case fee for your treatment to your insurance company the day you officially begin treatment (i.e., get your braces put on or receive your Invisalign aligners) and then the insurance company pays Fresh Orthodontics their portion either monthly, quarterly, or annually. We handle all the paperwork for you, so it’s an easy stress-free experience.
When you come in for a consultation, we’ll confirm your orthodontic benefits and make sure your insurance does cover braces or Invisalign and determine the amount of coverage. This will give you an idea of your metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign cost with insurance.
Since I know wading through insurance is difficult, we do what we can to simplify things at Fresh Orthodontics. We can’t help you shop for or choose dental insurance that covers braces or Invisalign since eligibility, premiums and benefits depend on a number of individual factors that often depend on your employer’s agreement with your insurance company. But we are happy to estimate your coverage and bill your insurance company directly on your behalf.
3. Use Funds from Your HSA or FSA for Invisalign or Braces
Don’t forget about your flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) funds! FSAs and HSAs are accounts that allow you to set aside tax-free money that can be used for medical and dental expenses. When it comes to paying for braces or Invisalign FSA and HSA dollars may be applied to the cost of treatment. With an HSA, the funds don’t expire and roll over to the next year.
An FSA, on the other hand, is part of an employer’s benefits package and your FSA dollars have to be used by the end of the year or you lose them. So, if you wanted to tap into your FSA for braces or Invisalign this year, you’d have to use the funds by December 31.
Which orthodontic treatments do FSA and HSA dollars cover? You can use your HSA for Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces, or other appliances, and the same goes for FSA funds. To pay for orthodontic treatment with your HSA or FSA, you can often just use your FSA or HSA card like you would any other credit card. Or, depending on the plan, you might have to submit a claim to be reimbursed. If that’s the case, we’ll provide you with a receipt and any other documentation necessary to complete your claim.
The good news is, if you use your HSA or FSA for braces or Invisalign, you can still take advantage of an in-office financing plan to finance the remaining balance. You can also use both insurance and your HSA or FSA for Invisalign or braces to really reduce your overall cost.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts if You Qualify
We offer a $350 discount on treatment for first responders, educators, those serving in the military, and hospital employees. The discount is a small way for my team and I to say thank you to the people who protect, serve, and take care of New York City and help make it the amazing place it is. If you qualify, this discount will further reduce your braces or Invisalign cost. Simply bring your ID or pay stub with you to your complimentary consultation and we’ll take $350 off your treatment fee.
The bottom line is, we think everyone deserves to have a healthy, confident smile and finances shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving high-quality care. By taking advantage of these ways to reduce your Brooklyn braces or Invisalign cost, treatment can certainly work for your budget and will probably be more affordable than you thought. If you’re ready to learn more about your options for Brooklyn braces or Invisalign treatment, schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual consultation at Fresh Orthodontics today.
