Have you been considering orthodontic treatment to enhance your smile? You and so many others are ready to begin treatment but are unsure about what costs look like and if they need dental insurance to get orthodontic treatment. At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we can answer any questions you have regarding how your insurance plays a role in your smile journey. Beginning with how orthodontic care can impact your life, we will cover how insurance plays a role in treatment, average treatment costs, and payment plans we offer our patients.
What Orthodontic Care Can Do For You
The Role of an Orthodontist
Orthodontists go through years of specialized training to learn how to realign teeth and prevent relevant complications. By diagnosing, treating, and preventing these issues, they are able to help patients with problems such as bite issues, malocclusion (misaligned or crooked teeth), and jaw pain.
Traditionally, children receive braces in their early years, but adult patient numbers continue to grow each day! Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders encourage patients of all ages to come to our offices for treatment. We welcome everyone!
Treatments Available at Our Practice
Because orthodontists work by adjusting the position of teeth, some common treatments in the office include clear braces, Invisalign aligners, and traditional metal braces. Our team is proud to offer many different treatment options so that you are able to receive the one that works best with both your specific case and your budget.
Understanding The Basics of Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance in a Nutshell
A form of coverage that encompasses biannual dental checkups, preventative health procedures, and general oral health concerns, dental insurance encourages its holders to prioritize their oral well-being while assisting in covering the costs. You pay a monthly premium that allows you to keep your coverage, a cost that varies depending on your plan details.
Do I Need Dental Insurance to Receive Braces?
In short, the answer is no; you do not need dental insurance to get orthodontic treatment! We are glad to offer payment options that allow our patients, with or without insurance, to come to our office. Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics wants any patient who is seeking out orthodontic treatment to know we will walk them through the whole process of what they can expect from us, both financially and in regards to treatment, up to your last day in braces!
We Offer Payment Flexibility!
In-office Payment Plans
When paying directly through us, we are able to offer a convenient monthly plan where we do our best to fit your budget. When we walk you through treatment costs, our team is able to show you the plans we have available so that you are able to think about the high-quality smile treatment you are receiving instead of worrying about payment!
CareCredit
A third-party financing company, CareCredit offers low- and no-interest payment plans to patients who qualify for the service. They offer affordable options that work with your budget. Managing payment is made easy for us, while easy budgeting and payment reminders are made easy for you.
Whether or not you use insurance to cover your orthodontic treatment, these payment methods remain an option in order to best fit your budget.
Calculating Costs After Insurance
Because each dental insurance plan is different, it is difficult to offer an accurate figure for patients pay after insurance goes through. At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we offer free consultations with our team to give you an idea of the work that may need to be done as well as the costs you will personally be looking at. We can walk you through a breakdown of payment, so you have a better idea of what your own insurance plan may cover.
Breaking Down the Costs Before Insurance
Metal Braces
Consisting of brackets, wires, and bands made of metal, this traditional option is known for its reliability and effective results in fixing complex orthodontic issues. It is a popular choice among children and adults and is considered the most affordable braces option. Before insurance, metal braces cost between $3,000 to $7,000 on average.
Clear Braces
A great option for those looking for the effectiveness of bracket braces, along with an inconspicuous look, clear ceramic braces work well for issues with overcrowding, bite complications, and crooked teeth. Before insurance, this option costs between $4,000 to $8,000 (slightly more than traditional metal braces).
Invisalign Aligners
A modern approach to realigning teeth, Invisalign is a nearly invisible option for patients seeking treatment without the standard look of braces. This option utilizes a series of trays that are switched out every week to slowly shift teeth to the desired position. Without insurance, the average cost of Invisalign treatment is $3,500 to $8,000, a slightly more expensive option due to the custom-made aligners that are required for each patient.
Your Journey To A Straight Smile Starts Here!
Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, understanding the role insurance plays in orthodontic treatment is an essential yet tricky business. Our team at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics is here to make things easier for you. If you have any questions about whether we accept your dental insurance, what the cost will look like for your specific treatment plan, or similar inquiries, don’t hesitate to call our Richmond practice at 281-324-8739 to schedule your free consultation! We can’t wait to start you on your smile journey.