When I was younger, I dreamed of getting braces. My teeth were slightly misaligned, but not enough to warrant orthodontic treatment, much to my disappointment. I would often find myself enviously admiring my friends with their “sparkling smiles,” wishing I could join their ranks. I even resorted to bending paperclips to mimic the feel of braces. It wasn’t just about achieving straight teeth; I thought braces were a badge of coolness.
Fast forward to today, and my husband and I have discovered that two of our three children require braces. One child has minor concerns, while the other has a significant crossbite that will necessitate extensive treatment. During our visit to the orthodontist, I braced myself for the cost, but when the estimate was presented, I nearly burst into tears.
The price tag for my daughter came to just over $4,000, while my son’s treatment would be even higher due to his severe crossbite—this was just for the initial phase! All told, we are looking at nearly $9,000, not counting the potential costs of a second phase.
We do have dental insurance, which typically covers a lifetime maximum of about $1,500 per person for orthodontic work. While this reduces the total amount we have to pay out of pocket, the remaining $6,000 (plus any additional expenses) is still a substantial sum for us to handle.
How do other families manage this financial burden? The orthodontist offers an interest-free payment plan or a 5% discount for upfront payments. While the option to spread payments out is helpful, it doesn’t lessen the overall cost. If it were purely a cosmetic issue, we might decline treatment. However, my son’s crossbite poses serious long-term risks, and our daughter’s misalignment could lead to future bite and wear complications.
It’s perplexing that insurance plans often provide limited coverage for orthodontics, especially when these treatments are medically necessary. I can understand the exclusion of cosmetic procedures, but a significant portion of orthodontic work is essential for health reasons.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I feel fortunate that I never needed braces. My parents were in a much tighter financial situation, and I now realize how expensive orthodontic care can be. It’s a stark realization, one that makes me think I could have made different career choices—like becoming an orthodontist myself. I could have enjoyed a lucrative career while ensuring my kids received the necessary dental care.
But those dreams will have to wait. Instead, we’ll be tightening our budget, wishing our kids had inherited better dental genes, and figuring out how long it will take to pay for their braces. Perhaps we should even encourage them to consider a future in orthodontics.
For those exploring family planning options, you might find insights in our post on intracervical insemination, a process that can be both exciting and daunting. If you’re navigating the journey of parenthood, Make a Mom offers valuable guidance on this topic. Additionally, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource for understanding donor insemination and related aspects.
In summary, while orthodontic care can be financially challenging for families, it’s essential for the long-term health of children. Exploring payment options and understanding insurance limitations can aid in managing these costs.