Do Most Dentists and Orthodontists Offer Monthly Payments?
The main questions someone has when he comes in to get looked at for braces are: How will I pay for it? What options are available to pay for braces? Do you offer financing or monthly payments?
Rest assured, most orthodontists and dentists offer monthly payments.
Now, most people are probably used to going to the dentist and paying for procedures at the dental office. But, dentists and orthodontists handle things differently due to the nature of the work.
Most dental procedures are completed within one to three appointments, so patients are asked to provide a large chunk of or all of the money up-front. The dentist may, for right or wrong reasons, want the money up-front because he incurs all expenses up-front--there’s no guarantee the patient will return to the office to pay the remaining balance.
Many dentists will offer third-party financing to help. Then, the dentist does not assume any risk if a patient was to leave without paying after a procedure was completed.
The nature of orthodontics is different than dentistry, so payments can be set up in a more favorable way. It can be easier and more affordable for people who want orthodontic work. Orthodontists usually offer financing in-house because there’s less risk.
Most people want to continue with their treatment, have their appliances in, and will be seen monthly. So, they’ll set up monthly payments, accordingly. Many offices will even extend payments to make it easier and more affordable for patients, ensuring monthly payments fit in their budgets.
Many people come in and price is a big concern. They visit the orthodontist and want their teeth straightened (something they’ve thought about for a while or they’ve known their children would need in the future) and want to know how much to budget and save. The nice thing is there’s flexible financing available at an orthodontic office. If you can put aside a little money each month, it can definitely provide the orthodontic treatment you or your child may need.
Most orthodontic offices will give you two or three options for payments. Obviously, you can pay in full, and often get a discount for doing so. If you don’t choose to pay in full, then the monthly payment option is available. And, this is aside from the insurance. Usually, if you have orthodontic coverage, your insurance company will cover anywhere from a quarter to half of your orthodontic treatment (and those are the popular insurance companies). If you’re not paying in full, then you set up monthly payments. What’s nice is the payment doesn’t necessarily have to be coincidental with the length of the treatment. Our average treatment time is about a year-and-a-half or less. Whereas 10, 15, 20 years ago, most people wore braces for at least two years. So, some patients ask, “Do I have to pay for my orthodontic treatment within nine months, 12 months, or a year-and-a-half?” That’s not the case in most offices. Most offices will let you set up a plan for two to three years, depending on your budget and financial needs. So, that’s good news.
Beecroft Orthodontics also offers flexible and affordable treatment plans so that you don’t have to think twice before pursuing your dream smile. Set up a free consultation with us for further information.
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg,
Virginia Phone: 540-898-2200
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