Back in the day, I dreamed of getting braces. My teeth were a bit misaligned, but not enough to warrant orthodontic work, which was a major disappointment for me. I would envy my friends flashing their “tinsel teeth.” I even fashioned paperclips into makeshift braces to get a sense of what it would be like. It wasn’t just about having straight teeth; I thought braces had a certain cool factor.
Now, as a parent, I wish I could return to that naive perspective on orthodontia. We just found out that two of our three kids will need braces. One has minor misalignment, but the other has a significant crossbite that will demand extensive treatment. When we received the estimate after their orthodontic consultation, I had to stifle a sob.
For my daughter, the cost is just over $4,000. For my son’s crossbite, the initial phase alone costs even more. We’re staring down nearly $9,000, and that’s before we factor in the second phase. Sure, we have dental insurance, but it only covers $1,500 per person for orthodontia—pretty standard, I hear. So, while $6,000 is better than $9,000, it’s still a hefty chunk of change.
How Do Families Manage to Pay for This?
As I reviewed the estimate, images of future family vacations danced through my mind. Our eldest will be heading to college in a year and a half, and that looming expense is already on our radar. We’re solidly middle-class, and shelling out thousands upon thousands for braces is no small feat. I can’t help but wonder how the average family handles this financial burden.
The orthodontist offers an interest-free payment plan and a 5% discount for upfront payment. That’s all well and good, but it doesn’t change the fact that we’re staring down a mountain of debt. Breaking the total into smaller payments doesn’t lessen the total amount due.
If this were just a matter of vanity, we could easily decline. However, our son’s crossbite could lead to serious long-term issues, and my daughter’s alignment issues could result in future problems as well. It’s baffling that insurance plans don’t cover more for orthodontic treatment when it’s a legitimate medical concern. Cosmetic dental procedures? Sure, I get that. But a significant portion of kids’ orthodontia is medically necessary. Doesn’t it seem like it should be more covered?
At this point, I’m grateful that I never needed braces. My parents were much less financially stable than we are now, and there’s no way they could have afforded to fix my teeth. I honestly had no clue how much braces actually cost until I was hit with an estimate that could buy a decent used car.
Sometimes I wonder if I made a wrong turn in my career choices. Maybe I should have pursued a career in orthodontics. Then I could work a few days a week like our local orthodontist, rake in a fortune straightening teeth, and get my kids’ braces for free. But alas, it’s too late for that. Instead, we’ll tighten our belts, mourn the genetic gift of my husband’s teeth, and calculate how long it’ll take to pay off this hefty bill. Perhaps we should start nudging our kids toward a career in orthodontics!
For more insights on navigating family finances, check out other articles on our blog, like the one on intracervical insemination. And if you’re curious about the latest research in fertility and pregnancy, Science Daily is an excellent resource.
In summary, braces can be a significant financial burden for families, with costs often exceeding thousands of dollars. While there are payment plans and discounts available, the reality is that many parents are left wondering how to afford necessary orthodontic care without sacrificing other financial obligations.