Deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment and get braces is a significant decision that can have a lasting impact on your oral health and confidence. One factor that individuals often consider when contemplating orthodontic treatment is whether to opt for installment payments for braces. So Should you get braces on installment payments or not? Let’s find out in this article!
I. WHAT ARE BRACES?
WHAT ARE BRACES? Braces (orthodontic treatment) are a method that many people choose to improve not only the appearance of their faces but also to enhance chewing function, correct misaligned bites, and address related dental issues. However, this is a service with relatively high costs, varying depending on the method and materials used during the braces process.
Therefore, the installment payment option for braces is becoming increasingly popular. This is a method that dental clinics and orthodontic offices offer to create convenient conditions for customers of all ages with different financial capabilities to access the service.
II. SHOULD YOU GET BRACES ON INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS OR NOT? THE PROS AND CONS OF GETTING BRACES ON INSTALLMENTS
Should you get braces on installment payments or not? To correct misaligned teeth growth, a significant amount of time is required to adjust and gradually move the teeth to the desired positions. Braces cannot be completed in a day or two. The lengthy process implies significant costs.
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Moreover, orthodontic materials such as aligners, arch wires, and brackets are imported genuine products with clear origins and, therefore, have relatively high prices.
The installment process involves a contractual commitment between the two parties. This payment method brings significant benefits to individuals getting braces, especially students nowadays. Dividing the cost of braces into smaller payments helps customers reduce financial pressure, providing peace of mind even for students without excess financial resources.
2.1 – Advantages of getting braces on installments
By paying for braces in installments, you can help reduce costs and ensure your financial future. Installment packages help you save money by paying for everything over a period of time rather than all at once. This way, you can choose a payment plan that suits your budget.
There are various types of braces available, allowing you to find the perfect type for your needs. Getting braces on installments also helps you avoid paying a large upfront fee. This way, you can easily access orthodontic services without worrying about future costs.
Overall, getting braces on installments is a good option for those who do not want to pay a large sum for braces at once and want to secure their finances.
2.2 – Disadvantages of getting braces on installments
There will be interest costs when paying for braces on installments, so it is essential to carefully consider which option is best for you. Some people choose installment payments for braces because they believe the overall cost is more manageable.
When choosing braces, you will have to sign a contract with the provider. This contract will have important terms and conditions that you need to understand. If you fail to pay the bill on time, you may have to pay penalties, and your braces may not be repaired.
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If you need to equip braces on installments, you will have to pay out of pocket. This means that your insurance will not cover the costs. You will need to be prepared to cover any unexpected expenses.
III. THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING BRACES ON INSTALLMENTS
To find the best braces installment service, you need to research and find a reputable provider with experience and suitable for your needs.
To achieve the best treatment results for your teeth, you should consult with a dentist so they can help you choose the appropriate braces method and service that fits your budget.
Before agreeing to wear braces, make sure you have carefully read the contract to understand what you are agreeing to. You don’t want to be stuck with terms you don’t like, so make sure you understand everything before signing.
To pay for your braces, you will need to calculate the total cost, including interest and other fees. If you don’t pay the bill on time, you may end up paying more or have the treatment stopped.
IV. HOW MANY METHODS OF BRACES ON INSTALLMENTS ARE THERE?
HOW MANY METHODS OF BRACES ON INSTALLMENTS ARE THERE? There are 3 methods of braces that you can choose when getting braces on installments: removable braces, fixed braces, and invisible braces.
4.1 Removable braces on installments
This is a method commonly used by dentists for children aged 8 to 12, primarily to monitor and adjust the development of the jawbone and detect early misaligned teeth growth to correct teeth alignment to the proper bite position.
4.2 Fixed braces on installments
This is a method of braces that can be applied to children over 12 years old or adults. The dentist will attach fixed metal brackets to the patient’s teeth and pull the teeth into the proper position.
4.3 Invisible braces on installments
Invisible braces on installments is a method of braces that many people are interested in learning about because this method addresses one of the biggest concerns of patients when getting braces, which is the aesthetic aspect of their smile during the braces process.
For this method, the dentist uses a transparent tray made to the patient’s teeth mold to fix and adjust the position of the teeth. Therefore, while communicating, the person opposite can completely see the wearer’s real teeth through the clear braces tray.
Additionally, users can easily remove the braces tray for oral hygiene. However, this method of braces is only suitable for cases of mildly misaligned teeth to achieve the best results.
V. COMMON BRACES METHODS TODAY
5.1 Metal braces
This is a relatively cost-effective method of braces that is suitable for many people. Metal brackets are fixed to the teeth and are made of metal (it can be gold, silver, or stainless steel) secured with elastic bands to stabilize the jaw structure. However, with this method, metal brackets can cause discomfort, scratches, or an uncomfortable sensation for the person wearing braces.
5.2 Ceramic braces
This method uses brackets made of ceramic material in a white ivory color, which helps improve the aesthetic effectiveness of the smile for those wearing braces, as ceramic braces in ivory white color blend in better with the color of tooth enamel. However, ceramic braces may not achieve maximum effectiveness for severe misalignment cases, and the treatment time for the patient’s braces process is also longer compared to using regular metal brackets.
5.3 Crystal braces
This method of braces provides relatively comprehensive effectiveness both in terms of aesthetics and orthodontic correction. The brackets are made of high-strength crystal material, with a transparent color that does not reveal the braces, and the treatment time is shorter compared to using metal or ceramic brackets. However, due to these advantages, this method tends to have a relatively high cost.
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5.4 Lingual braces
This method also uses metal brackets, but these brackets are fixed on the inner surface of the teeth within the mouth. The advantage of lingual braces is high aesthetics, as the brackets and wires are not visible from the outside. However, like the methods above, lingual braces are only suitable for cases of mild misalignment, with longer treatment times and higher costs compared to traditional braces methods.
5.5 D-Aligner braces on installments without brackets
This method uses transparent D-Aligner braces trays, providing high aesthetic effectiveness where the user’s braces are not noticeable from a distance. This method is not suitable for severe misalignment cases and has higher costs compared to other braces methods.
VI. PROCESS AND COST OF BRACES ON INSTALLMENTS?
The majority of hospitals and dental clinics nationwide offer installment plans for braces for customers in need, but each dental clinic will have its own specific installment policy. The basic requirement for customers to be eligible for the installment plan for braces is that they need to pay upfront from 30% to 50% of the total treatment cost. The remaining amount will be paid by the customer gradually according to the agreed-upon schedule (every 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc.).
Dental hospitals and clinics always aim to provide the most favorable conditions for customers – the installment plan policy at dental clinics will not charge interest, meaning that the total cost that customers have to pay will not change if there are no additional charges for services/materials.
Furthermore, the rights of customers who pay in full and customers who opt for installment braces are always ensured to be fair, with installment plan customers enjoying the same benefits as those who pay in full.
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