Committing to braces for yourself or your child is a big step. Braces can be costly, but the payoff is huge. If you are considering braces for you or your child, here are some important factors to consider before making your decision.
Cost
The No. 1 reason people don’t choose braces is the cost. But did you know that many insurance plans cover at least part of your braces treatment? If you don’t already have dental insurance, speak to your human resources department or insurance provider about how you can add dental coverage to your plan. Be sure to verify that your plan covers orthodontic work before choosing it.
Your braces may also be covered by your flexible spending account, or FSA. Flexible spending accounts are pre-tax accounts that allow you to put away money without paying taxes on it. In a health care FSA, this money can only be used for health care costs, but these accounts can save you a lot of money. The money in the FSA is taken out of your paycheck throughout the year and added to your FSA account. If you have an FSA account, check that braces are an eligible cost before contributing to your FSA for that specific cause.
Age
While there is no age limit on braces, the younger you are when you begin your orthodontic treatment, the better the results will be. So if your dentist has recommended braces for your child, follow your dentist or orthodontist’s recommendation for the age your child should begin treatment.
A Lifetime Commitment
Wearing braces is a lifetime commitment. No, you don’t have to wear the braces for the rest of your life, but in order to maintain your results, you may be required to wear a retainer. Wearing a retainer helps “retain” the orthodontic work and prevent your teeth from moving back to their original positions. If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth run the risk of moving back, undoing your orthodontic treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment, contact Dr. Mingus’ office to discuss whether you or your child is a good candidate for this treatment. We can be reached at 541-382-6565.