Orthodontic treatment can have life changing benefits. I can improve one’s smile, restore proper function (i.e. chewing and eating), and establish a proper bite for healthy gums and jaw joints. More and more people are now undergoing orthodontic treatment to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
With today’s economy however, many people that could greatly benefit from orthodontic treatment are delaying or refusing care because of the cost of treatment and because many perceive it as just a cosmetic procedure. The reality is that orthodontic treatment is more than having a pretty smile and delaying treatment can actually result in more complications and even damage to the supporting structures of the jaws and dentition. Therefore, cost should not be the deciding factor when considering treatment for a child or an adult.
Many orthodontic offices offer a variety of financing options to make treatment affordable. In my office I offer all my patients financing options with no down payments and no interest for 24 months with our special financing partner as well as in-house financing with different payment terms. If paid in full, a special discount is also given for those who chose to do so.
Furthermore, most dental insurances now cover orthodontic treatment and contribute a certain allowance for it. Because the majority of PPO insurances for example cover anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 toward braces, the patient’s actual out of pocket cost is very reasonable and, if paid over the course of the treatment, can actually be quite low.
I believe that orthodontic treatment is priceless because of the life changing results it provides and because it can positively improve one’s oral health and one’s overall self-esteem. Delaying or refusing treatment because of cost or because it is only a cosmetic procedure is therefore not a reasonable excuse. I stress the benefits of orthodontic care to all my new patients and I try to reassure the parents that orthodontic treatment is affordable even in today’s tough economy.
Dr. Reza Salmassian is a Board Certified Orthodontist and specializes in orthodontics for Children and Adults. For any questions regarding this article or to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation, please contact Dr. Salmassian’s office at 661-222-7444. The office is located at the Bridgeport Marketplace, 24001 Newhall Ranch Road, Suite 220 in Valencia.