When I was a child, I yearned for braces. My teeth were slightly misaligned, but not enough to qualify for orthodontic treatment, which was frustrating for me. I would often watch my friends proudly flaunt their “metal mouths,” and even resorted to bending paperclips to mimic the experience. It was less about achieving a perfect smile and more about the allure of having braces.
Now, I wish I could return to that naive perspective on orthodontia. Recently, we discovered that two of our three children require braces. One has minor issues, while the other has a significant crossbite that will necessitate extensive orthodontic work. During the consultation with the orthodontist, I braced myself for the expense, but I was still taken aback when I received the cost estimate.
For my daughter, the treatment will be just over $4,000. My son’s crossbite treatment is projected to be even more costly — that’s just for the initial phase. We’re looking at nearly $9,000 total, not including any additional costs for the subsequent phase.
Although we have dental insurance, it only covers a lifetime limit of $1,500 per person for orthodontic services, which seems to be standard. Even with this coverage, we’re still facing a hefty sum of $6,000, plus whatever the second phase may cost. How do families manage this financial burden?
As I stared at the estimate, I envisioned all our planned family vacations evaporating. With our older daughter heading to college soon, the financial strain was starting to loom larger. We consider ourselves solidly middle-class, and the prospect of paying thousands for braces is daunting. How do most families navigate this?
The orthodontist did offer an interest-free payment plan and a 5% discount for paying upfront, which is a nice option. However, breaking the total into smaller payments doesn’t diminish the overall cost. If this were purely a cosmetic concern, we might have opted out. Unfortunately, my son’s crossbite poses serious long-term risks, and my daughter’s misalignment could result in future dental issues as well. It’s perplexing why insurance doesn’t provide more support for orthodontics when they can often be medically necessary. While cosmetic procedures may not warrant coverage, a substantial portion of children’s orthodontic treatments is indeed medically indicated.
Reflecting on my childhood, I feel fortunate that I never needed braces. My parents faced financial challenges far greater than what we do now, and I realize now how significant a burden orthodontic care can be. Until I received an estimate that could fund a used car, I never grasped the true cost of braces.
I sometimes wonder if I chose the wrong career path. Instead of teaching, perhaps I should have pursued orthodontics. I could work fewer days while raking in profits from straightening teeth, and my kids could get their braces for free. But alas, it’s too late for that. Now, we’ll have to tighten our budget, lament that our kids inherited their father’s dental challenges, and calculate how long it will take to pay off their braces. We might also encourage our children to consider a future in orthodontics.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating the costs of orthodontic care can be overwhelming for families, especially when the expenses climb into the thousands. With limited insurance coverage and essential medical needs, many parents are left to find creative ways to manage these financial obligations. For those interested in family planning and alternative options, you can check out our other blog post on at-home insemination kits. For more information on fertility nutrition, visit an expert resource. Additionally, if you’re exploring family-building options, this site offers excellent insights.