How to Buy Braces for Your Kid

Is orthodonture in your child's future? You'd better brace yourself for the bill. While orthodontic work is a great investment in overall dental health, the final bill bites: A jaw-dropping $3,000 to $7,000.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance

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Instructions

• 1

  Start early. The American Association of Orthodontists (aaorthos.org) recommends that children get a screening no later than age 7. Problems detected early are generally easier and cheaper to fix.

• 2

  Ask other parents and your family dentist to recommend an orthodontist. Since you'll be making a lot of trips to his or her office, find an accredited orthodontist who is close to your home or your child's school.

• 3

  Consult with your insurance company to find out what is and isn't covered.

• 4

  Call the orthodontist's office manager and ask about payment plans. Some doctors offer a reduced fee if you pay for treatment up front. Others can arrange relatively inexpensive financing (often with no money down) through a third-party lender.

• 5

  Talk with your child about which features are important to him or her when choosing braces. The clunky metal models are no more--modern braces almost disappear on the wearer's teeth, while designer braces can sparkle in school colors. While designer features can add to the total bill, they may be important to your child and result in him or her cooperating more fully with the treatment program.