Financing Orthodontic Treatment

Planning and budgeting for orthodontia is an important step in making your experience worry free. There are a variety of ways you can finance your orthodontic treatment. If you were unable to find an answer to your questions on the Financing page, feel free to call or email Suzanne Angelo, the Ensley Orthodontics Financial Coordinator at (503) 643-9509 ext. 33.

Financial Questions FAQ

What will treatment cost?

How do I pay for braces?

What if I can't pay in full?

Are any other options available?

How about insurance benefits?

What about my flexible benefit plans?

What will treatment cost?
The cost of treatment varies greatly depending upon your individual treatment plan. Initial evaluations at Ensley Orthodontics are free, and you are under no obligation to begin treatment. After your evaluation is complete, we will provide you with the information you need to make a decision about your future treatment, as well as an estimate of the cost.

Orthodontic treatment is usually presented as a single fee that includes the cost of diagnostic records (such as panographic and other orthodontic x-rays, study models, diagnostic photographs, etc.), braces and appliances, and the first set of retainers. It also includes all of a patient's active treatment visits with us, including removal of braces and retainer checks for two years after removal. We will continue to monitor you after the two-year retention period but may charge a nominal office visit fee. Please note that we are available for emergency visits after business hours, if necessary, at no additional cost.

Make sure to check with your employer-provided benefit plans to see if orthodontic treatment is included. If you have orthodontic insurance, be sure to bring your information to your initial appointment. This will help greatly in determining your financial responsibility.
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How do I pay for braces?
That's entirely up to you! You may select a down-payment option with no-interest monthly installments or a no-down-payment option through a convenient financing service, or you can pay in full ahead of time. Many patients choose the last option, taking care of their portion of the fee by paying in full any time before the braces are actually placed. This option results in a percentage reduction in the cost.

Our Financial Coordinator will take care of setting up your contract, billing your insurance company, and answering any questions regarding the financial aspects of your care.
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What if I can't pay in full?
If paying in full just isn't an option, you can establish, on approved credit, an "Ensley Account." This usually involves an initial investment due on or before the day braces are placed, with the balance paid monthly for a contracted period. The payment period does not always correspond to the estimated treatment time. We do not charge interest or financing fees of any kind. However, if the account remains unpaid for 60 or more days, a late fee will be assessed.
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Are any other options available?
Third-party financing is one option to explore; check with your bank or credit union. Financing is your responsibility and arrangements must be finalized before treatment begins.
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How about insurance benefits?
We will work with you to take advantage of any reimbursement or insurance plan you may have through your employer. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to completely understand your insurance coverage and benefits. Before your initial visit takes place, we make every effort to determine benefits available. Of course, until a claim is actually filed there is no guarantee of coverage.

We are happy to prepare and file insurance claims so that you may take advantage of your insurance benefits to help offset the cost of treatment. Please be advised that your orthodontic/dental insurance benefits are part of a contractual benefit package between the insured, her/his employer, and the insurance company.

The original claim will always be filed the day braces are placed, and the claim will show the day braces are placed as well as the estimated duration of treatment. We will provide you with a copy of the original claim filed if you request it. Most insurance companies pay as treatment is rendered. This means that the insurance must remain in force for the duration of treatment to receive the entire orthodontic benefit.

Some insurance companies will coordinate benefits so that our families with double coverage will receive the lifetime benefit from both policies. Unfortunately, some companies will not duplicate benefits, and this information is not always available until after the claims have been filed and reviewed.

Should your insurance benefit not be realized, for whatever reason, it is our policy to add the remaining balance to your personal account. We will contact you at that time to discuss payment.
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What about my flexible benefit plans?
Many of your employers provide a reimbursement plan known as a cafeteria plan, pre-tax savings plan, flex plan, or something similar. This reimbursement plan enables you to have money set aside before taxes; you can designate this money to be used as a repayment for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you for medical, dental, or daycare costs.

While we are more than happy to provide you with information regarding the exact costs of orthodontic treatment, we cannot interpret your plan or guide you in any way regarding the best method for paying for it. For accurate interpretation of your specific insurance plan, please direct any questions to the plan administrator or to your human resources department.
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If you have additional questions, click here to contact Suzanne, our Financial Coordinator, or phone us at (503) 643-9509.

Here are some additional links that will provide answers to your questions about financing your orthodontic treatment.

LINKS…

Terrie Johansen
Financial Coordinator

Capitalone healthcare