With a struggling economy everyone is asking how to save money on big expenses. Braces are certainly considered a big expense so many families are asking how to save money on braces. If you have more than one family member that is in need of braces the expense becomes even more overwhelming. Nor more than ever adults are choosing to get braces. Regardless if there is one family member or many, reading some of the money saving suggestions may help make it less stressful to the wallet.
Many families have had the same dentist for several years and because of that we feel we must remain loyal to that dentist or orthodontist. However, when making such a large purchase, shopping around is always a good idea. Braces, especially if more than one family member is in need of them, can be more costly than a new household appliance or occasionally more than a used car. You wouldn’t purchase either of those items without doing your homework would you?
Begin by talking to the family dentist you have been seeing. Ask then to provide you with a breakdown of costs, including the routine visits, any unforeseen repairs, and general maintenance. Once you have gotten the cost analysis from your current dentist, ask for a copy of your x-rays. Once you have the x-rays you can call around and ask for a consultation. Be sure and ask if there is a fee for the consultation, often times that is no-charge especially if you have your x-rays in hand.
It is always wise to do your homework before having any type of dental or medical procedure done. Getting a second or third opinion on the procedure is also wise. Be sure and check with your insurance provider as well and find out what type of coverage they offer. Be sure to ask if you have to use a certain provider for these services as well. Do they pay anything up front or will you have to pay the provider first and then request reimbursement? Many of these answers will factor in on how you may be able to save money on braces.
Oftentimes you will find providers that will price match. For instance if you find a provider that will do the work for one price but won’t take payments, if you shop around you may find another provider that would possibly drop their normal fee for services and take payments. You may even find a provider who works on a barter system as was common some years ago. Do you have a business or are you able to provide some type of service, legal of course, they they may be in need of in exchange for a discount or payment towards the braces and maintenance care. As the old saying goes “it doesn’t hurt to ask”.
Today in many cases we are seeing families without any type of insurance for medical or dental. In these cases we also see many families thinking they need to go without that much needed dental or orthodontic repair because they simply can’t afford it. This type of thinking can paralyze us from moving forward in caring for ourselves or our families when it comes to health-care issues. We must think outside the box and ask the questions we may not want to. Creative budgeting is on the rise in these economic times.
If you are fortunate enough to have savings set aside, asking the provider if they offer a discount for payment in full is wise. Families in need of multiple sets of braces should ask if there is a family discount provided. What about referral programs. This is a business after all and they want to be profitable just like the next business. If you refer any other friends or family members do they offer a discount or maybe a cash incentive toward the cost of your needed services for those referrals?
There are several discount plans available or what some may call discount insurance. When you are speaking to the dentist or orthodontist about how to save money on braces, ask if they accept these types of plans. If they do not it is not worth the investment to purchase a plan that you can’t use. However, if they do accept these types of discount plans, be sure you shop around for the best plan with the best price. It may take some time but if you do your homework, the money you save will be well worth it.
Take the time to think creatively. Thinking outside the box, being creative in regards to budgeting for these expenses will undoubtedly save you some money in the end. It doesn’t hurt to ask the questions, however, in the long run it will hurt if you don’t. Your wallet may be severely impacted for not speaking up and asking for help in saving money on braces.
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