OT: braces for kids

msugrad2003

Senior
Aug 27, 2013
594
604
73
The wife and I are going in to meet with the orthodontist in a couple weeks to discuss a treatment plan, financial aspect, etc., for our 11 year old daughter. Any advice from anyone who has recently been through this? Thanks in advance.
 

horshack.sixpack

All-American
Oct 30, 2012
11,640
8,655
113
Have at least $1,200 on you to get started, then be prepared to make monthly payments during the treatment period to cover the rest of the total cost ($4-5k ish).
 

Maroon Eagle

All-American
May 24, 2006
18,326
8,151
102
I don’t have any children but I’ve had a lot of dental expenses over the years.

I’d also check to see cost of braces are covered by FSAs & and supplemental policies done via AFLAC and similar companies and if the orthodontist accepts CareCredit or other plans— and see how long the payments via CareCredit can be done without interest.

My dentist allowed for a year’s worth of payments to CareCredit to be done without interest & the oral surgeon accepted up to two years of payments made through CareCredit.

Edit to note: If you don’t have AFLAC coverage, you’ll likely have to be in the plan for a year or so before you can be vested in order for the company to help pay for certain procedures. It’s helped me a lot especially since primary dental insurance doesn’t cover much.
 
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mstateglfr

All-American
Feb 24, 2008
16,454
6,252
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My dental insurance plan 'covers' braces, it might be worth looking into. For us, its basically you pay each paycheck for the coverage and in the end its all a wash. Really not saving much(it was a couple hundred), but this way the cost is spread out and doesnt need to hit your bank for a check to then be written by you quite as often.

Its basically a large out of pocket expense that you just have to suck up and plan for. Some co-workers paid a bunch up front out of pocket to just never think about it again and others have a monthly payment plan on auto-pay. No right or wrong way to do it.
 

Puppychow

Freshman
Nov 5, 2014
364
64
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I sell ortho software and have been around the industry for several years. Brackets and wires are the traditional treatment for roughly $5000. Advances in aligner therapy have made Smile Direct Club, Clear Correct and Invisalign Teen a legitimate option. Smile Direct is the cheapest at roughly half the price as going to an orthodontist to get Invisalign or Clear Correct.
 

DawgInThe256

All-Conference
Feb 18, 2011
1,551
1,364
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Your ortho should have someone who can help you navigate the payment options. For instance, when my daughter got her braces (late in the year) I had not put money in our FSA to cover it, but I was able to contribute more to the next years FSA and start payments then.
 

GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
20,097
18,109
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I went to Mayette Family Dentistry in Brandon for my son. I put 500.00 down and paid 133.00 a month for 15 months. Insurance paid the rest. Most dentist will work out payment schedule for you. They want your business. No credit needed. No interest charged.

Dr.Mayatte and his wife Dr. Mayatte are both Miss State Grads. Dr Burke handles the braces in that office. Dr. Mayatte is my wife's dentist and Dr. Burke is my Dentist. Both my kids see Dr Burke. She is really gentle. Small female hands are always better.
 
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Water Dawg

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
54
8
8
I went to Mayette Family Dentistry in Brandon for my son. I put 500.00 down and paid 133.00 a month for 15 months. Insurance paid the rest. Most dentist will work out payment schedule for you. They want your business. No credit needed. No interest charged.

Dr.Mayatte and his wife Dr. Mayatte are both Miss State Grads. Dr Burke handles the braces in that office. Dr. Mayatte is my wife's dentist and Dr. Burke is my Dentist. Both my kids see Dr Burke. She is really gentle. Small female hands are always better.


Highly recommend Dr Mayatte's group!
 

Dick Whaefer

Redshirt
Apr 6, 2020
26
0
0
Find a good and conveniently located orthodontist cause you’ll be making a bunch of visits. Setup payment on a monthly draft and forget about it. Your kid(s) will appreciate it one day.
 

woozman

All-Conference
Nov 13, 2004
3,437
2,643
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My 13 year old daughter got braces two weeks ago. We had to put $500 down and the rest will be a monthly auto withdrawal. Total will be close to $6500...