Dreaming of a straighter smile but worried about the cost? At Goings Orthodontics, we believe that financial concerns shouldn’t hold you back from the confidence a beautiful smile can bring. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you might be able to use it to help pay for clear aligners! And if not, don’t worry—there are other ways to make orthodontic treatment affordable. Let’s explore how you can make clear aligners and other orthodontic treatments fit your budget and finally take that first step toward a smile you’ll love.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a removable orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the brackets and wires of clear or metal braces. They are made from a smooth, clear plastic material and custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth for comfort and low visibility. Just like braces, aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions.
What Is A Health Savings Account?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special type of tax-free savings account that you can use to pay for medical expenses. It’s available to people with a high-deductible health insurance plan, meaning they pay lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.
So, basically, it’s like a piggy bank exclusively for healthcare costs. And just like a piggy bank, the money is yours to keep—even if you change jobs or switch health insurance plans—and continues to grow if you don’t use it! Whatever you don’t spend this year rolls over into next year, giving you a nice little stash that can build up over time.
Can Your HSA Benefits Pay For Your Aligners?
Yes, you can absolutely use your HSA funds to pay for clear aligners! But there’s a catch.
If you’re seeking treatment because you don’t like the gap in your front teeth, you might not be able to use your HSA benefits because orthodontic treatments, like aligners or clear braces, need to be medically necessary to be HSA eligible. This means they must serve a purpose beyond appearance and address issues affecting oral or physical health. Here are some examples that may qualify for Health Savings Account usage:
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- Severe Crowding that makes it difficult to clean between teeth, leading to a higher risk of cavities or gum disease.
- Bite Issues, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, that are causing or have the potential to cause jaw pain, headaches, or uneven tooth wear.
- Chewing or Biting Difficulties due to misaligned teeth that can increase the risk of choking and impact nutrition and overall health.
- Teeth Grinding (bruxism) resulting from misalignment that can damage teeth over time.
- Sleep Disorders that are caused by alignment issues.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for any of these reasons, your HSA can be a helpful resource to make treatment more affordable for you, your spouse, or your dependents.
No HSA? No Problem!
If you don’t have a HSA, don’t worry! While an HSA is a great way to cover orthodontic expenses like clear aligners, it’s not your only option. There are several other ways to make orthodontic treatment more affordable. Let’s check them out.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA)
Many employers offer FSAs as part of their benefits packages, and they work similarly to HSAs in terms of helping you save on taxes. Like HSAs, a Flexible Spending Account lets you set aside pre-tax income to cover eligible medical and dental expenses, including orthodontic treatments like clear aligners. The main feature that differentiates HSAs from FSAs is that FSA funds don’t roll over from year to year, so you’ll want to plan your spending carefully to make the most of your balance within the calendar year and not end up with unused benefits (AKA, wasting money)!
INSURANCE
If you have health or dental insurance, it’s worth checking to see if it covers part of your clear aligner treatment. While insurance coverage varies by plan, many plans offer partial benefits for orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners. Goings Orthodontics is happy to work with you to determine what your insurance might cover. We can even help you with the paperwork to ensure you maximize your benefits—saving you time, frustration, and money! With our team handling the details, you’ll have even more reasons to smile as you start your journey to a beautifully aligned smile!
PAYMENT PLANS
We understand that orthodontic care is an investment, and we want to make it as affordable as possible so that budget is never the #1 reason for postponing your treatment.
If insurance or FSA funds only cover part of your clear aligner treatment, or if you’re paying for 100% of your treatment yourself, Goings Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans to help with the out-of-pocket costs. With these, you can spread the remaining balance over manageable monthly installments, so you don’t have to worry about a hefty upfront payment.
We’ll work with you to create a customized payment plan that fits your budget, allowing you to get the treatment you need without financial stress.
Smile Smore While Spending Less At Goings Orthodontics!
Achieving a straighter, healthier smile with clear aligners is more comfortable, discreet, and affordable than ever, thanks to modern treatments and finance options like HSAs, FSAs, insurance coverage, and flexible payment plans. At Goings Orthodontics, we proudly offer high-quality care and accept multiple ways to pay for our competitive prices. Reach out to our offices in Fort Collins or Windsor today to take the first step toward a confident new smile with a free consultation!
