How to Make Teeth Straightening Affordable
Teeth straightening procedures are available because not everyone is born with straight teeth. Factors beyond our control cause malocclusion or crooked teeth. With teeth straightening devices like braces, people can now have the straight, healthy smile they desire. However, for many people, the cost of treatment is the main block to that dream. In this article, you will find out how to afford teeth straightening without putting a dent in your savings account.
Reducing the cost of treatment
Patients who want to undergo teeth straightening without breaking the bank can consider any of the following steps:
Request for special discounts
Many general dentists offer special discounts on braces upon request. Sometimes, they will give discounts for patients who pay for treatment in full, multiple family members, or for police, military or firefighters.
Visit a dental school
To learn the treatment process, dental school students must work with real patients, which means dental colleges are always seeking volunteer patients. Since the dental students are not licensed to practice yet, the school will offer discounts on the cost of teeth straightening treatment. Patients need not worry because the students will be under the a professor's supervision. The only drawback is that the treatment period may be longer than usual. Also, before choosing a dentistry school, they must verify that the school has a good reputation.
Dental insurance coverage
Although dental insurances do not cover much regarding the cost of braces, it could be worth verifying. Even if they only offset half the cost of treatment, it will certainly help make teeth straightening more affordable.
Eligibility for free braces
Families who are struggling financially may be unable to afford a payment plan for teeth straightening. If this is the case, there are programs out there that provide children from low-income families with free or highly discounted braces. Such programs include the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation and the Smiles Change Lives program.
Consider looking around
All dentists offer a free initial consultation. Patients can meet with different dentists to find the one they are most comfortable with and one that offers the best price or payment plan. Make a comparison of treatment cost at different offices before choosing the dentist.
Choose a skilled dentist
This may seem obvious, but patients looking for affordable treatment may be tempted to visit the cheapest dentist around even if they do not have enough skills and experience. Cutting corners can put the patient at the risk of future complications. Teeth straightening treatment should be a one-time thing, so it is better to get it right the first time. Poorly done treatment can cause tooth decay or damage. In the end, the patient will pay more than the original cost of the braces to correct the error.
In conclusion
You should never consider the newest trend of DIY braces because it could be potentially dangerous. During the initial consultation, the dentist will provide you with different options to correct teeth misalignment or malocclusion. Ensure you follow the dentist’s instruction to get the best result from the teeth straightening treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies, including severe pain, injury, or infection, require immediate attention to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome. Knowing when to seek care from an emergency dentist can be key to preserving oral health.Severe tooth pain…
Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help your smile? Read on to learn more about some common cosmetic dentistry treatments. An individual’s smile affects their self-esteem, so dental problems cause people to hide their smiles. The issue can be a result of genetics, accidents, or poor oral health habits. Regardless of the cause, a cosmetic…
A cosmetic dentist can improve the overall appearance of your smile thanks to dental veneers. This cosmetic treatment can improve the color and shape of your teeth and give you a more uniform smile that appears well-aligned. If you are looking for overall smile improvement, a cosmetic dentist can help determine if dental veneers are…
Cosmetic dentistry services have become increasingly popular in recent years. From professional teeth whitening to dental veneers, cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Here are five reasons to choose a cosmetic dentist for your cosmetic dentistry services.Cosmetic dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school. During this education, they focus…