The Hidden Costs of Orthodontics Braces You Should Be Aware Of

Whether you want orthodontics for medical or cosmetic reasons, the truth of the matter is that treatment is expensive. According to a 2013 survey conducted by the American Dental Association, the entire cost of fixing teeth alignment issues for teenagers stood anywhere between $4,685 and $6,500. The same treatment for adults costed anything from $4,800 to $7,135.

Clearly, having orthodontics braces is not like buying bread and milk. It is an extremely expensive affair. To make the situation even more unfortunate, some orthodontists revel in sweeping certain costs under the carpet with the hope of enticing patients to their practices. This isa common habit with crooked medical professionals who would offer attractive, lean quotes and keep mum about hidden costs until it is the right time to strike.

To avoid being slapped with unknown bills in the future, take a look at the four common hidden costs you should be aware of.

1. Missed Appointments

Some orthodontists will charge a fee for missed appointments. They often rationalize their decision by claiming it doesn’t only invoke seriousness on the part of the patient but also ensures revenue lost when a patient doesn’t report for treatment is recouped. Turns out, AMA has given the green light for medical practitioners to charge patients for missed appointments hence these individuals aren’t technically breaking any law. The only bone of contention is that many choose to drop the bombshell only after treatment has begun throwing patients off-balance financially.

2. Damage To Brackets

During the course of treatment, a patient may receive mouth trauma and end up breaking the braces. This could be as a result of a high-intensity sport of eating forbidden foods. Orthodontic practices often overlook a few damaged brackets but after a certain number, some may put charge a repair or replacement cost. In most instances, you will run a cost for a wire replacement. If lady luck is on your side, you’ll go scot-free is it is a mere repair job. Check with your orthodontist and establish what exactly is included in your treatment fee.

3. Additional Treatments

Orthodontics braces require plenty of time to yield results. Depending on the extent of your problem, you are looking at a treatment period of between one and three years. Some orthodontic care practices charge a fee for all appointment beyond a 24-hour treatment period. In this case, you’ll have monthly payments to make for all visits made after one year. Although orthodontists should reveal this to their patients, many of them would rather keep mum and unleash the trap when it’s too late to jump ship.

4. Retainer Fees

After your braces have been removed, you will require a removable retainer to contain things in place until they are firmly secured. If you had orthodontics for both your upper and lower teeth, you will be given two retainers. Further, you will need to come for frequent retainer checkups for several months until treatment is complete. In some instances, these costs are separate from the usual treatment fees. While some orthodontists will put these fees in the light, a few others will not intentionally hide this from you until later.

Orthodontists, like many other medical providers, are notorious for keeping silent about certain costs of treatment perhaps for fear of turning patients away. This is why you need a practice with high levels of integrity and trust for their patients. The kind that will put everything on the table from the get go. If you are looking for such a practice, call Pitner Orthodontics of South Carolina and rest easy knowing what you see is what you get.