What happens if you can't afford your braces?

Asked by: Delpha O'Hara  |  Last update: April 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

Most orthodontists, understand that life circumstances change. They may offer adjusted payment plans, discounts, or other options if insurance was helping cover the cost and is no longer available.

What happens if you can't pay for braces?

If you can't afford them at all they will either halt treatment until you can start payments again or they will book you in to remove your braces.

What if I really need braces but can't afford them?

Dental Charities

These are organizations like Smiles Change Lives and Smiles For A Lifetime Foundation that helps underprivileged families afford dental and orthodontic work. If you're accepted by the program, then these organizations can help pay for all or most of the cost of braces for you or your child.

How to get braces without paying?

How to Qualify for Free Braces for Kids. If your family has a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or a state-sponsored low-income insurance program. These programs can provide free braces for your children. The eligibility criteria differ from state to state.

What is the lowest you can pay for braces?

The average cost of braces is $5000. However, the cost can range from $3000 to $10000 depending on the severity of your dental problem and the type of braces you choose. Monthly, it could be anything from $80 to $650.

Worried You Can't Afford Braces? 💰 Watch This.

26 related questions found

What is the lowest price for braces?

The cost range for braces can vary greatly for each type:
  • Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 - 7,000.
  • Ceramic braces: $4,000 - 8,000.
  • Lingual braces: $8,000 - 10,000.
  • Invisalign: $4,000 - 7,400.

Can you get braces without down payment?

With this option you will pay a certain amount of interest, but this is a flexible way to pay for your braces. Sometimes in this option you don't have any down payment to start, but again it varies and one can apply online.

What is the cheapest option for braces?

Traditional metal braces (the most affordable)

As a result, metal braces are a great option for correcting severe teeth and jaw misalignments. This includes but is not limited to overcrowding, crooked teeth, teeth gaps, protruding teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites.

Do braces have to be paid in full?

If you haven't budgeted or saved for braces, there are a number of ways to pay, including payment plans and loans. Payment plans: Some orthodontists offer payment plans that allow you to pay off the cost in regular installments.

Why are braces so expensive?

The material costs of braces is expensive

Clear braces cost more to fabricate than metal braces because the material is harder to obtain, and the process is more labor-intensive. Whenever a product costs more to make, the cost is passed on to the consumer, in this case, the patient.

How to get braces if you're poor?

Smiles Change Lives (SCL) is a non-profit organization that provides access to orthodontic treatment for qualified children from families that cannot afford the full cost of braces in Los Angeles, CA.

How low can braces cost?

The cost of braces will change based on a few factors. As we have explored, the kinds and costs of teeth alignment solutions vary significantly. Whether you go with traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners, teeth straightening can cost anywhere from $1,895 to more than $10,000.

What happens if I can't get braces?

Crooked teeth are difficult to keep clean. They create small spaces that can easily trap plaque, bacteria, and food debris. As these dangerous particles continue to accumulate over the hours, days, and weeks, they dramatically increase your risk of oral health issues.

How do you fix teeth if you cant afford braces?

The following are seven ways you may be able to straighten your teeth without braces.
  1. Retainers. In most cases, you receive retainers after using braces. ...
  2. Veneers. ...
  3. Invisalign® ...
  4. Dental Bonding. ...
  5. Dental Crowns. ...
  6. Palatal Expanders. ...
  7. Explore Your Options to Straighten Your Smile.

Why do people get denied for braces?

2. Orthodontics. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, many payers deny coverage due to the cost and complexity of the procedure. Orthodontic treatment is often considered cosmetic in nature, and many insurance plans do not provide coverage for it.

Can the government pay for your braces?

Many times, Medicaid covers dental care and orthodontic services, like braces, when they are deemed medically necessary for your child. Medicaid will typically cover children 21 and under with orthodontic needs, that are deemed medically necessary.

What happens if I can't afford my braces anymore?

Treatment may be paused or terminated

If payments are discontinued, your orthodontist may pause or even stop your treatment altogether. This can leave you with unfinished results or prolonged treatment times, as braces need consistent adjustments to be effective.

How do most people pay for braces?

If you are interested in paying over time, some orthodontists may be able to set-up payment plans through their practice paying them directly. Almost all accept general purpose credit cards and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for the your orthodontic treatment.

Will braces ever be free?

Some nonprofit organizations partner with orthodontists to provide braces to individuals who cannot afford them. Programs like Smiles Change Lives focus on helping low-income families access orthodontic care. Eligibility typically depends on income level and other criteria.

How can I afford to get braces?

Discussing payment plan options with your orthodontist's office can provide a manageable way to afford treatment without a significant upfront cost. Finally, several organizations offer grants and charitable programs to assist individuals who need orthodontic treatment but cannot afford it.

Are braces free with insurance?

Braces are typically covered by dental insurance, but there can be exceptions. In some cases, medical insurance might cover braces if they are deemed medically necessary. This means braces are needed to correct a problem that affects your overall health, not just the appearance of your teeth.

Is there a faster alternative to braces?

A lot of people are surprised to discover that treatment with aligners can actually straighten your teeth faster than with traditional braces and aesthetic alternatives.

Can I get braces if I'm poor?

If you have dental insurance, it may be able to cover some of the cost of your orthodontic treatment, making it more affordable to you. You should first check to see if the orthodontist you want to go with accepts your insurance. If not, you may want to find another provider.

How do you get braces if you don't have money?

How to Pay for Braces
  1. Choose a low-cost option. If you want affordable braces, you probably shouldn't pursue lingual brackets. ...
  2. Find a dental school clinic. ...
  3. Ask for a payment plan. ...
  4. Use your Flexible Spending Account. ...
  5. Finance your braces. ...
  6. Explore dental assistance programs.

How much do I have to pay upfront for braces?

Average Down Payment for Braces Payment Plan

On average, most people can expect to pay about 20% of their costs upfront, which can be between $800 and $1,500 depending on the services needed and your plan.