Know the Cost and Considerations of Braces for Your Child

Braces for kids are popular, but they also can be pricey. That’s why smart parents are taking the time to learn whether braces are worth the expense and how to make them affordable.

9 Ways Braces Benefit Children

Did you know that 45 percent of children need braces to correct functional problems and up to three-quarters of children could use treatment to enhance their dental health and overall appearance? Affordable braces offer an array of advantages, including:

1. Straight teeth
2. Better biting and chewing
3. Correct jaw alignment
4. Clearer speech
5. Less dental decay
6. Lower stress on gums
7. Greater personal comfort
8. Fewer dental problems later in life
9. Higher self-esteem

How Much Do Braces Cost for Kids?

For many parents, braces can be difficult to afford. But, remember that braces cost less during childhood because treatment time is shorter than for teens and adults. If you’re wondering, how much do braces cost?, there is no single answer because the braces cost depends on the child’s needs, the type of treatment, and even the location of the orthodontist since there are higher overhead costs in big cities and some states. Severe dental problems cannot be fixed with certain treatments, but most general cases are easily corrected with any type of braces. For the types of braces, it’s more affordable to choose traditional metal brackets placed on the front of teeth than the more discreet options of tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces on the back of teeth, or invisible braces. Talk to your orthodontist about your braces cost concerns and ask for recommendations for the most affordable course of care.

Two Paths to Affordable Braces

Dental insurance may only cover a portion of what braces cost, but most orthodontists can offer other options to help parents without insurance or who need more assistance to handle the high cost of care. One popular payment method is called CareCredit. This personal healthcare credit card allows you to finance healthcare expenses. CareCredit gives you:

• Affordable monthly payments
• Accepted by more than 175,000 healthcare practitioners in the U.S.
• Special financing options not available with other payment options

You can also choose to use DentRite®. This dental savings plan delivers considerable savings on dental procedures. DentRite offers:

• Membership plans for individuals or families
• Acceptance for everyone at any time
• No usage limit

Either option can be an affordable way to help pay for your child’s braces.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in South Bend, call The Dental Center of Indiana today or make an appointment.