If you recently learned that orthodontic treatment is in your or your child’s future, you may be worried about the cost, a normal part of the orthodontic journey. Your orthodontist understands that people have finite budgets and are accustomed to working with families and individuals to make care affordable and budget-friendly.
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) members and their treatment coordinators are here to help you find a payment plan that fits your unique needs. Many AAO orthodontists offer multiple payment options to help you finance your care, while other 3rd-party options can help you minimize out-of-pocket costs. In this article, the experts at AAO explore the variety of financing avenues available to help you access comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Understanding Orthodontic Payment Plans
Long gone are the days when full payment was expected upfront before starting treatment. Today, Orthodontists typically provide a range of options to pay for treatment, though most plans do require a down payment to get started.. After this initial payment, the remaining cost of treatment is commonly paid monthly for 12 to 24 months, often interest-free, until the total amount has been paid. The most common types of payment plans include:
In-House Payment Plans
Many AAO orthodontic practices offer in-house payment plans that allow patients to pay for their treatment in installments over time, typically with a down payment required at the beginning of treatment. These plans are directly managed by the orthodontic office, offering several advantages:
- Customization: The terms, such as the amount and timing of payments, can be tailored to fit the patient’s financial situation.
- No Interest: Most in-house plans do not charge interest, making them more affordable than other financing options.
- Simplicity: Patients deal directly with the orthodontic office, avoiding third-party lenders and the complexities that might be involved.
Third-Party Financing Options
For patients needing more flexible terms or practices that don’t manage their payment plans, third-party financing can be a suitable alternative. Financing through third-party companies involves a few unique factors:
- Extended Payment Periods: These can range from a few months to several years, depending on credit approval and treatment costs.
- Variable Interest Rates: Some plans might offer promotional periods with reduced or no interest, but standard rates can apply and vary based on the patient’s credit history.
- Immediate Approval: Many third-party services provide quick or instant approval processes, allowing patients to begin treatment immediately.
Special Programs for Specific Patient Groups
Additionally, organizations like AAO offer donated treatment programs that can help patients access treatment without out-of-pocket costs. These programs may include:
- Discounted Services: Patients who meet certain eligibility criteria may be eligible for practice-specific discounts.
- Deferred Payments: Some orthodontists may offer options to start payments later, providing flexibility for those in school or on a fixed income.
- Grants or Scholarships: Occasionally, partnerships with non-profit organizations can provide grants or scholarships that help cover a portion of the treatment cost.
- AAOF Donated Treatments: AAO’s Gifted Smiles Program helps children without access to orthodontic care receive free or low-cost treatment.
Combination Plans
Some practices offer a blend of in-house and third-party financing options to accommodate diverse financial needs. For example, they might provide an in-house payment plan for part of the treatment cost while arranging a third-party loan to cover the balance. This approach can provide:
- Flexibility: Combining plans allows for more personalized financing solutions to meet diverse patient needs.
- Accessibility: Combination plans help patients who may not qualify for third-party financing alone to afford treatment through partial in-house financing.
Essential Considerations When Choosing an Orthodontic Payment Plan
When exploring your financing options, the best place to start is to make an appointment with your AAO orthodontist. In a complimentary or low-cost consultation, you can discuss what plans are available and work together to create a plan that works for your unique needs and budget. Beyond consulting the experts, here are some essential tips for selecting the right payment plan:
- Understanding Total Cost: Before committing to a payment plan, it’s important to understand the total cost of treatment. Ensure that the payment plan covers all aspects of treatment, including consultations, braces or aligners, follow-up visits, retainers, and any potential emergency visits. Also, ask about any additional fees that might not be included in the initial quote, such as late payment fees, interest rates (if applicable), or charges for treatment adjustments.
- Affordability: Determine how much you can comfortably afford to pay each month. Consider your regular income and expenses to ensure the payment amount is manageable. Additionally, assess the required down payment and how it affects your upfront financial burden and the ongoing monthly payments.
- Plan Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and financial situations can change. It’s important to choose a payment plan that offers some degree of flexibility. When discussing your options with your orthodontist, ask if the payment plan allows for payment amounts or schedule changes in case of financial hardship. It’s also essential to understand the policy for treatment discontinuation or plan cancellation, including any penalties or fees.
- Comparing Payment Plans: If you’re considering third-party financing, check the interest rates and calculate the total amount you will pay over the life of the plan, looking for any promotional offers, such as no-interest periods. However, before you decide on third-party options, ask your AAO orthodontist about available in-house plans to eliminate interest and simplify the process. Finally, explore your HSA and FSA options, as these accounts may help cover part of the cost.
Discuss Your Financing Options with an AAO Orthodontist
It can be a pleasant surprise to learn how affordable orthodontic care is today. Monthly payments can be similar to the cost of a daily cup of coffee or a mobile phone plan, but the benefits last far longer. Orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans aim to make the care as affordable and manageable as possible.
If you or your child is seeking to begin orthodontic treatment, discuss your payment plan options with an AAO orthodontist near you. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is open exclusively to orthodontists – only orthodontists are admitted for membership. The only doctors who can call themselves “orthodontists” have graduated from dental school and then completed the additional two to three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program.
When you choose an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can rest assured that you have selected a specialist with the skills and experience to give you your best smile. With an AAO orthodontist, you can find the financing solution that best fits your unique needs and situation. To discuss your options, locate AAO orthodontists through our Find an Orthodontist page and schedule your consultation today.
