The cost of braces or clear aligners is an important consideration for many families. Understanding your orthodontic payment options can make planning for treatment feel more manageable.
McDonough Orthodontics offers a fee discount for payment in full and financial arrangements that can extend payments over a period of months. The practice also accepts all insurance plans and helps patients determine their available coverage, file claims, and address insurance questions.
Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, our team will explain the estimated fee and available financial options so that you can decide how to proceed.
What Affects the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no single price that applies to every patient because orthodontic treatment is personalized. Some people need relatively minor tooth movement, while others have crowding, spacing, or bite concerns that require more extensive correction.
Factors that can affect the cost of treatment include:
- The type and complexity of the orthodontic problem
- The treatment method recommended
- The expected length of treatment
- The appliances required
- Whether treatment is needed in one or more stages
A child who needs early orthodontic treatment will have a different treatment plan from a teenager receiving comprehensive braces. Likewise, an adult who wants to correct mild crowding may have different needs from someone with a more complicated bite problem.
An orthodontic evaluation allows the doctor to examine your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and determine which treatment approach is appropriate. Once a personalized plan has been developed, the office can provide an estimate based on the care you need.
What Orthodontic Treatment Includes
The cost of orthodontic treatment covers more than braces or clear aligners. It also reflects the planning, regular appointments, adjustments, and professional supervision needed throughout treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontic care involves the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures.
Because every patient’s needs are different, the treatment plan and estimated fee are personalized. During the free orthodontic exam, McDonough Orthodontics will explain the recommended treatment, what it includes, and the expected cost.
Explore Your Orthodontic Payment Options
McDonough Orthodontics offers financial options that can help families plan for the cost of treatment.
If full payment is made at the beginning of treatment, the practice offers a fee discount. If you have insurance, the discount applies to your portion of the treatment fee that will not be covered by insurance.
Financial arrangements can also be made to extend payments over a period of months based on your individual needs. This gives families the opportunity to review both options and decide which approach works best for their circumstances.
Visit our Payment Options page to learn more about the financial policy at McDonough Orthodontics.
Review Your Orthodontic Insurance Benefits
McDonough Orthodontics accepts all insurance plans and will help determine the orthodontic coverage available under your plan.
The team will help file your claim and handle insurance questions from the office on your behalf. Because coverage varies, McDonough Orthodontics will explain your estimated benefits, your expected portion of the treatment fee, and the financial options available for the remaining balance.
FSA and HSA Funds for Orthodontic Treatment
Depending on your eligibility and the rules of your plan, you may be able to use funds from a flexible spending account or health savings account toward qualifying orthodontic expenses.
These accounts allow eligible healthcare costs to be paid with pretax funds. However, contribution limits, reimbursement procedures, and rules regarding when expenses are considered incurred can vary.
Before using these funds, contact your plan administrator or tax adviser to confirm:
- Whether the orthodontic treatment is eligible
- Which documentation must be submitted
- When reimbursement can be requested
- How treatment that continues into another plan year is handled
Planning ahead can help you coordinate FSA or HSA funds with insurance benefits and other payment arrangements.
Begin With a Free Orthodontic Exam
You do not need to know what treatment you or your child requires or how much it will cost before scheduling an appointment. A free orthodontic exam gives you the opportunity to learn whether treatment is recommended, what it would involve, and which financial options are available before making a decision.
During your visit, the McDonough Orthodontics team can evaluate your needs, explain the recommended treatment, and discuss the estimated fee, insurance benefits, and orthodontic payment options available to you.
Schedule a free orthodontic exam or free smile evaluation with McDonough Orthodontics. Our team will explain the recommended treatment, estimated fee, insurance benefits, and payment options so that you can decide what works best for your family.