Affordable Braces |
$80 to $190.
Range of annual fees charged to individuals and families that belong to
discount dental programs. “Those who can't obtain private insurance
face a trickier battle. Some providers belong to discount programs and
have agreed to charge those plans' members reduced fees. The website DentalPlans.com
— which calls this approach an ‘attractive alternative to costly dental
insurance’ without the ‘hassle’ of deductibles or claim forms — lists
more than 30 such programs charging annual fees of $80 to $190 for
individuals and families."
"Members get 10 to 60 percent off the cost of care at thousands of participating dental providers.” (January W. Payne, “Taking the Cost Out of the Bite,” U.S. News & World Report, Volume 144, Issue 6, February 25, 2008, p. 57) |
Jack said he's found that families often don't have the savings to absorb the large upfront cost of braces. However, they usually can absorb a little higher monthly payment, he said. So instead of a $500 down payment and $80 a month over two years, Jack finds that families can better afford $100 or $150 up front and $100 a month. Or, like others in the field, Jack will give an 8 percent discount to anyone who pays the total cost up front.” Affordable braces in Ohio. $100 per month. Inexpensive braces in Ohio. (Francisco Badillo, Beacon Journal business writer, “Braces Put Bite On Patients Some Dentists Offer Flexible Finance Plans,” Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, November 28, 1988, p. B1)
$1500. Average cost of braces in rural areas (1988). “In addition, differing costs across regions make orthodontic care cheaper in certain areas. In the Columbus [Ohio] area, braces cost on average about $2,500, and as low as $1,500 in rural locales.” Affordable braces in rural areas. (Francisco Badillo, Beacon Journal business writer, “Braces Put Bite On Patients Some Dentists Offer Flexible Finance Plans,” Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, November 28, 1988, p. B1)
How Much Less are Affordable Braces?
20% lower costs through discounted dental referral or membership buyer's clubs. “Families without dental insurance or those on low or fixed incomes should know there are affordable options available. Dental plans for individuals can be bought like homeowner's insurance, but they are not widely available and can be expensive when offered, depending on the extent of coverage, according to the American Dental Association and other industry experts. There are, however, companies that offer discounted dental service through referral or buyer's clubs that operate like a Sam's Club membership. One such local service, Dental Care Systems - Advantage Dental Plan in Twinsburg, [Ohio] charges $20 a year per family member. In return, patients can choose from a list of 40 to 50 area dentists and some orthodontists who have paid to be on the list in hopes of getting more business. Participants agree to offer member patients a 20 percent discount for customary fees. . . . Patients must pay for treatment when it is done.” (Bill Lubinger, Plain Dealer Reporter, “Save Your Teeth And Your Money,” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, November 8, 1997, p. 1E)
33%. One-third the cost of standard fees available through dental schools (2009). Cost savings available by taking advantage of affordable dental care services available through dental schools. “Almost every dental school offers affordable care provided by dental students and overseen by experienced, qualified teachers. You can expect to pay as little as a third of what a traditional dentist would charge and still receive excellent, well-supervised care, [Dr. Mark Wolff, associate dean at the New York University College of Dentistry] says. If you have trouble finding a dental clinic in your area, you can seek help from Oral Health America (oralhealthamerica.org or 312-836-9900).” (Walecia Konrad, “Patient Money - How to Manage Dental Costs, With or Without Insurance,” The New York Times, September 5, 2009)
33% - 50%. About one-third to half the cost of a private dental office at Marquette University School of Dentistry’s Dental Clinic. “No insurance? Here’s where to go for . . . Dental care. The Marquette University School of Dentistry’s Dental Clinic’s fees are about a third to a half of a private dental office. 1801 W. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 288-6790.” (Lilledeshan Bose, Staff, “Young, Working and Uninsured - How some manage to get by without benefits,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 16, 2007, p. 12)
40%. About 40% less for braces through Jacksonville University (2009). Price of orthodontic braces treatment available through the Jacksonville University orthodontics program. “The economy may be sick, but you don't have to be. . . [There] are some more affordable options for dental patients. At Jacksonville University, patients can get braces for about $2,700 to $2,800, which is about 40 percent less than at most orthodontists.” (Jeremy Cox, “Stay healthy for less,” McClatchy-Tribune Regional News, The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, Florida, February 24, 2009)
$3000. Orthodontic fees charged for braces to correct a gap and relieve crowding in teeth. “Jocylen Ashton, 38, faced a large bill when she got braces to fix a gap and relieve crowding in her teeth. For previous dental work, ‘most of whatever I had done was covered by my dental insurance,’ says the San Jose, Calif., resident. To pay her portion of the $3,000 bill for her braces, she turned to CareCredit, which offers a credit card accepted by more than 75,000 health providers. The company allows no-interest repayment for three to 18 months on balances of $300 or more, as long as minimum monthly payments are met; otherwise, interest charges accrue at a variable rate that's currently about 23 percent. Ashton will still have to pay the bill off, but she says it's well worth it for nicer teeth. ‘I saw it as a healthcare issue versus a cosmetic thing,’ she says. ‘It was something I could do for myself.’” Can't afford braces? Find affordable orthodontists and affordable braces payment plan alternatives for those who can't afford braces or those who need help paying for braces. (January W. Payne, “Taking the Cost Out of the Bite,” U.S. News & World Report, Volume 144, Issue 6, February 25, 2008, p. 57)
$6,000. Approximate value of orthodontic treatment donated to the Red Cross by South Carolina orthodontist. “Dr. Wes Turnage,
DMD, donated a full set of orthodontics treatment as an auction item
for the Red Cross chapter's recent fundraising effort. The big-ticket
gift from Turnage was ultimately the biggest ticket item at the
auction, leading the Red Cross to call both Turnage and the winning
bidder ‘Red Cross Heroes.’ | ___________________________________________________ |
