Orthodontic treatment can do a lot more for you besides simply giving you a better smile. It can help replace missing and broken teeth, making it easier for you to eat and speak well. If you would like to get it but want to save money while at it, have a look at the five tips below which will help you to do just that.
1. Start a Dental Savings Plan
A dental savings plan is an effective way to get the treatment you need without having to shop around for insurance and more. Talk to your dentist or research online to find out the options you have and also how to start one. When you don’t have to use money for some other use or pay out of pocket, it will be a lot easier to clear the bills for your treatment. About 47% of teenagers using Invisalign said they had a self-esteem boost while undergoing treatment compared to 22% of those with metal braces. To make sure you enjoy the outcome of your orthodontic treatment, get the right treatment done even if it costs a bit more because it will be well worth it.
2. Check Out Dental Schools
Dental schools often offer services that would rival a private practice, some at a much cheaper cost, so check out the local ones in your area. While you may fear that students are not experienced, they are extensively trained. They’re also supervised by professional orthodontists, so in case of anything, you will be in good hands. Schedule a consultation first and pay the dental school a visit. If you find that your concerns are responded to in a satisfactory manner, you can set a date for your procedure and go ahead to do it.
3. Seek a Second Opinion
Rather than settle for the treatment option you’re told to do by your dentist, seek a second opinion from another professional. You may end up getting a cheaper and less invasive procedure that will solve your issues well. Stick to professionals for this tip, and if you find that more of them hold a similar opinion, it may mean that that’s probably the best one. Do your own individual research as well and read patient reviews for different procedures. You may come across information such as Invisalign have a patient satisfaction rate of more than 96%, and such overwhelming odds can give you a clear picture of different procedures and techniques.
4. Shop Around
Different practices will have different rates for their services, which is why you should shop around to see what the different charges are. You may be surprised to chance on a great deal that you can pay for easily at one practice that was more highly priced at another one. Do this once you know the treatment option you need to avoid a lengthy process of going back and forth between different practices collecting information.
5. Ask For Discounts
Finally, it’s allowed to negotiate and ask for discounts from your orthodontist. You may offer to leave truthful reviews on their site or refer people to them for a discount, something that will see both of you win. You may also find that you qualify for a discount if you make your payment in cash or pay the full amount at once, something you may not know if you don’t ask. Whatever your reasons are for the treatment, it’s possible to get a good rate by asking about it. In instances where the treatment is not fully aesthetic, you may also get a discount from a lenient orthodontist. For example, if your getting braces for the second most common reason besides aesthetics, which is having an overbite.
It’s a good thing to save money while getting oral treatments, but make sure not to compromise on quality. Always deal with a professional who has the right licensure or is trained and works in the presence of someone with it.