Payment & Financing Guide

Orthodontic Payment Options

Make orthodontic treatment affordable with insurance, payment plans, financing, and savings strategies available in Buffalo and Western New York.

Insurance & Payment Options

Multiple ways to make orthodontic treatment affordable

Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, typically covering 50% of treatment costs up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500-$3,000.

Monthly Payment Plans

Most Buffalo-area orthodontists offer flexible payment plans with monthly payments ranging from $100-$300, often with 0% interest financing for qualified patients.

Healthcare Financing

Many practices accept CareCredit and other healthcare credit cards offering special financing with promotional periods for qualified applicants.

HSA/FSA Funds

Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts, offering tax savings of 20-30%.

Additional Ways to Save

Prepayment discounts: Save 5-10% by paying in full upfront
Family discounts: 10-20% off for multiple family members
Free consultations: Most practices offer complimentary initial visits
Employer benefits: Some companies offer orthodontic discount programs

Insurance Note: Coverage varies by plan and provider. Contact your insurance company to verify your specific orthodontic benefits and coverage details. Your orthodontist's office can help verify coverage and file claims.

Monthly Payment Plans

Most Buffalo-area orthodontists offer flexible monthly payment plans to make treatment affordable. Understanding your options helps you budget effectively.

In-House Financing

  • Often 0% interest for 12-24 months
  • No credit check required (usually)
  • Flexible down payment options
  • Payments start after treatment begins

CareCredit

  • Healthcare credit card accepted by most orthodontists
  • Promotional 0% APR periods available
  • Quick online application and approval
  • Can be used for family members

Typical Monthly Payment Ranges

$100-$150
Traditional Braces
$150-$250
Invisalign
$200-$300
Premium Options

HSA & FSA for Orthodontic Treatment

Using Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts for orthodontic treatment saves you 20-30% through tax advantages.

Tax Savings Example

Treatment Cost:$5,000
Your Tax Bracket:25%
Tax Savings:$1,250
Your Effective Cost:$3,750

HSA Benefits

  • Funds roll over year to year
  • You own the account
  • Can invest unused funds
  • Triple tax advantage

FSA Benefits

  • Full year amount available immediately
  • Employer may contribute
  • Easy payroll deduction
  • Tax-free contributions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Buffalo-area orthodontists offer multiple payment options: monthly payment plans (often 0% interest), payment in full discounts (5-10% off), CareCredit or similar healthcare financing, insurance billing and filing, HSA/FSA acceptance, and family discounts for multiple patients. Many practices are flexible and will work with you to create an affordable payment plan.

Down payment requirements vary by practice and can range from $0 to $1,000 or more. Some orthodontists offer no-down-payment options with approved financing, while others require 10-20% down. The down payment amount often affects your monthly payment amount and interest rate. Discuss down payment options during your consultation.

Yes, orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use these pre-tax dollars for braces, Invisalign, retainers, and related orthodontic care. This can save you 20-30% on treatment costs through tax savings. Check with your account administrator for specific details.

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card accepted by many orthodontists for braces and Invisalign treatment. It offers special financing options, often 0% interest for 6-24 months for qualified applicants. You apply online or at your orthodontist's office, and if approved, can use it immediately. Many Buffalo-area practices accept CareCredit and similar healthcare financing options.

Many orthodontists offer discounts (typically 5-10%) for paying the full treatment cost upfront instead of using payment plans. This can save several hundred dollars on treatment. Some practices also offer: family discounts (10-20% off for second+ family member), referral discounts, and seasonal promotions. Ask about available discounts during your consultation.

Have more questions? Most orthodontists in Western New York offer free consultations where you can discuss your specific situation and get detailed pricing information.

Ready to Discuss Payment Options?

Most Buffalo orthodontists offer free consultations where they'll discuss all payment options and help you find an affordable plan.