How to Save Money on Braces
This morning I wrote the biggest check I have ever written in my life, and it was to the orthodontist. Even though the amount seemed overwhelmingly gigantic to this penny pincher, it could have been a lot higher. Here are some things I have learned in the quest for orthodontics.
Shop around-
Most orthodontists offer a free evaluation appointment. Take advantage
of this opportunity. During this appointment your child will be
evaluated and you can get an estimate of what the work will cost. I
would recommend visiting at least two orthodontists so you can
comparison shop.
Check your insurance-
Some insurance plans cover orthodontic work.
Start early-
Have your child evaluated at a young age. Sometimes if preventative
measures are taken, a child can avoid needing braces altogether.
Pay cash-
We are receiving a discount for paying up front for orthodontics. Paying
in cash gives you a little bit of bargaining power and every little bit
helps.
Ask the right questions-
Don’t ask if your child should get braces, ask the orthodontist if
braces are necessary. My oldest child has bite issues that are causing
her pain, she needs braces. My second child does not need braces. His
teeth are not perfectly straight, but he also doesn’t have bite issues
which would make braces necessary.
Move to a rural area-
I am only slightly kidding here, but we have moved three times since we
started the braces process. Each time we moved to a more populated area
the price of braces went up significantly.
If you are in the military or government service take orders overseas-
I am not saying to move overseas just to save money on braces but if
this in an option for you, take it. In some areas (such as Japan) braces
are free, in Europe insurance covers a higher percentage than stateside.
If your kids are still young start saving now-
Ask around to get a ballpark figure on the cost of orthodontics in your area. Start saving a small amount each month so that by the time your child is nine or ten you will have several thousand dollars saved. If you are fortunate enough to have a child who does not need orthodontics, you can always roll that money into an Education Savings Account. Either way you win.
These are just some of the things we did to save a little money on
orthodontics. Please understand that I am not an expert in this area. I
only have one child in braces and possibly five more to go. If you have any tips for saving money in this area share them by leaving a comment.
To learn more frugal tips stop by Crystal’s blog and join Frugal Friday.
Great tips! We are just wrapping up braces on #1, who knows about the other 4 yet . . .
One thing I would add, is consider gas costs as well. We found one a little cheaper, but it was twice the distance and with trips every 6 weeks or so for over a year, the gas adds up! The one we go to is convenient to most of our errands so doesn’t cost us any extra mileage, I plan my shopping around Ortho days.
Love your blog!
~Erin
She is a cutie. I have three in braces. So know all about what you’re saying.
farmnwife
I will add to pray about it. We did and shortly afterwards received an inheiritence that covered the bill.
Braces today are more awesome than they were when I was a kid. (I have an overbite, but never had it fixed. My parents couldn’t afford it.) Your daughter looks cool in her colored braces–they’re like a fashion statement, LOL!
I hope you get to make birthday cupcakes instead of a birthday cake sometimes. I always thought kids preferred cupcakes, anyway!
BTW, I tried to make homemade icing out of powdered sugar, a little cream and orange juice. It’s so sweet I might end up scraping it off and getting some from the store, LOL!
I will be writing the biggest check of my life on April 1st. When my Princess gets her braces put on.. I live in a rule area, I get a discount to pay up front, and insurance is willing to put $1500 on them(in small monthly payment to me over the next 24 months UGH.. I tried to get them to pay it in one lump sum because I want to pay upfront to get the discount but they won’t do it for me.)
I’m going to have to start saving now because I know my #2 child is going to need braces also..
Thanks for the tips. Both my husband and I were blessed with straight teeth…it’s a miracle I tell you. My daughter on the other hand, well who knows. Pretty crooked baby teeth but I am sure that could change. We always pay cash for the dentist because they give us better discounts than our insurance. We won’t be getting insurance next enrollment, it’s such a waste for us! Braces ARE expensive, it’s crazy! All my brothers had them and Mom had them 2 times! Double Ouch! How it passed me over I have no idea!
I think I will start a BRACES FUND now lol.
Have a great weekend!
they’ll be worth every penny – trust me!!!
I like your advice – my little one doesn’t have any teeth yet, so I have a way to go!