Cost should never be the reason a child goes without care. We review your insurance benefits with you, tell you exactly what treatment will cost, and go through payment options before anything begins. You will know the full picture before you decide.
Your Consultation Is Complimentary
Your visit includes a full review of benefits and payment options, with no obligation. Schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.
You Will Know the Cost Before You Commit
We do not publish a price range online, because it would not tell you anything useful. What braces or Invisalign cost depends on how complex your child’s case is and how long treatment takes, and those vary a great deal from child to child. What we can promise is that you will leave your complimentary consultation knowing the specific cost for your child, what your insurance is likely to cover, and what your out-of-pocket portion would be. No estimates that change later.
How Orthodontic Insurance Works
Orthodontic coverage behaves differently from regular dental coverage, and the difference catches a lot of parents off guard:
- Orthodontic benefits are usually separate from the annual maximum that covers cleanings and fillings, so using one does not necessarily use up the other.
- Most plans use a lifetime maximum for orthodontics. It is a fixed dollar amount per patient rather than per year, and once it is used it does not reset.
- Benefits are often paid out over time across the course of treatment rather than all at once.
- Many plans have an age cutoff for orthodontic coverage, which is worth checking sooner rather than later.
- Some plans require treatment to meet specific criteria before benefits apply.
We verify your actual benefits before treatment starts, so you are working from real numbers instead of assumptions.
Insurance We Accept
We accept PPO plans and work with most major dental insurance carriers. We also accept Medi-Cal and Gold Coast Health Plan, which many private orthodontic practices do not. Orthodontic coverage under those programs depends on meeting specific criteria, and we can help you find out whether your child qualifies.
More detail on our PPO insurance, Delta Dental, and Medi-Cal and Gold Coast pages.
Payment Plans
Most families pay for orthodontic treatment gradually rather than all at once. We offer in-house payment plans designed around what a normal family budget can absorb, typically an initial payment followed by monthly payments spread across treatment. Because every treatment plan is a different length and cost, we build the payment schedule around your specific case at the consultation. If a particular monthly number is what makes treatment possible for your family, tell us. We would rather find an arrangement that works than lose a child to a payment schedule.
Third-Party Financing
For families who want to spread payments over a longer period than an in-house plan allows, third-party healthcare financing is another route. These companies specialize in medical and dental care and often offer extended terms, sometimes with promotional interest-free periods for qualifying applicants. We can walk you through the options that apply to your treatment plan at your consultation.
Using HSA and FSA Funds
Orthodontic treatment is generally an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts, so many families cover part or all of treatment with pre-tax dollars. This is worth planning around. FSA funds often expire at the end of the plan year, and some families time the start of treatment to make the most of a contribution year. Check your specific plan rules with your administrator, and let us know if documentation would help.
If Your Insurance Changes During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment often runs a year or longer, and jobs and plans change in that time. If your coverage changes partway through, let us know as soon as you can. We will re-verify benefits under the new plan and walk you through what it means for your remaining balance. Handling it early is almost always easier than sorting it out at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost?
It depends on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment, which is why we give you a specific number at your consultation instead of a range online. You will know the full cost before deciding anything.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Many plans include an orthodontic benefit, usually with a lifetime maximum per patient. We verify your specific benefits before treatment starts and tell you exactly what your plan covers.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. There is no charge for your child’s orthodontic consultation and no obligation to begin treatment.
Can we start before we have the full amount saved?
In most cases, yes. Payment plans are built so families pay across the course of treatment rather than up front. We go through the options together at your consultation.
Do you offer any discounts?
Ask us at your consultation. We will go over everything that applies to your family and your treatment plan.
Let’s Talk About What Works for Your Family
Schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation and we will review your benefits and payment options together.
