Braces are often a coming-of-age experience for many young children – and potentially a financial burden for their parents at the same time. In today’s market, the average cost of metal braces, which are the cheapest option available, is $3,000 to $7,000. However, these ranges can go up to around $10,000 if more extensive work is required or you prefer ceramic or lingual braces.
Summer is often the preferred time for kids and parents to start their braces journey. With no school, dating becomes much easier without stressing that kids are wasting valuable classroom time. Overall, summer is characterized by fewer worries, fewer obligations, and more time to adjust to the new braces.
With summer just around the corner, many parents are starting to balance their budgets to ensure their children get the oral care they need. While many may assume that dental insurance will cover the cost, this is rarely the reality. Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum spending limit $1,000-$2,000 and may even have a lifetime limit on coverage for orthodontics. At best, a portion of the total cost will be covered, but check your plan details as coverage varies.
Dental savings plans as an alternative
That’s where dental savings plans can provide relief to millions of American families as a reliable and affordable alternative to dental insurance. A dental savings plan is a subscription-based plan that provides plan members with discounts on dental services from participating dentists and orthodontists.
Unlike dental insurance, which typically includes monthly premiums, copayments, deductibles and coverage limits, dental savings plans operate on a fee-for-service basis. Dental savings programs typically provide about 20% off braces, which can be more than $1,000 in savings per person. For all other procedures, dental savings programs usually result in savings 10%-60% and there is no limit to how much you can use these plans, unlike dental insurance which has finite annual caps.
DentalPlans.com is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has taken pride in helping more than one million customers save on dental care since its launch in 1999. The company began as an online marketplace for dental savings plans, but has now expanded to offer both dental savings plans and insurance.
In 2023, the company launched an online finder that asks users a few quick questions and then provides them with a personalized plan recommendation within minutes. With so many different types of programs available, finding a program online can be a lifesaver for parents who want the best care for their children. There is also a search feature where they can search for dentists, orthodontists and see what plans are accepted by these doctors.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the plethora of plans available online or feeling discouraged and not knowing where to start planning, DentalPlans.com makes it simple and hassle-free.
Featured photo by Arrival at Shutterstock
Discount Health consumer and provider surveys show an average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by carrier, location and plan.
Sample savings are based on zip code 43614, actual cost and savings may vary by service and geographic area.
This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice.
