Everybody wants to have a set of healthy, white, straight teeth. One way to manage that is by getting braces and orthodontics treatments, which help straighten out your teeth, in turn making cleaning easier and boosting your self-confidence. In some cases, orthodontics can even change a person’s facial appearance, enhancing aesthetics overall.
So, what about financing teeth straightening orthodontic treatment? If you are a UK resident wanting to receive treatment from an orthodontist, find out how to afford it with this useful guide.
What affects the cost?
It is first important to understand what affects the cost of orthodontic treatments.
Complexity of treatment: The more complex the orthodontics treatment is, the higher the cost.
Type of braces: Different braces cost a different amount of money. Whether you choose metal fixed braces, ceramic braces, or aligners like Invisalign will impact the total cost.
Length of treatment: Longer treatment plans will typically mean a higher cost overall.
Extra work required: Some people need extra orthodontic work. For example, you might need an extraction before the braces get attached. This will add to the cost.
The specific orthodontist: Every orthodontist is different. Some will cost more than others, depending on the expertise of the staff and the geographical location. Some might offer a free consultation, whereas others won’t.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from £1,500 to £8,000 when receiving orthodontic treatment in the UK.
Financing options for orthodontic treatments
Many people cannot pay for dental treatments out of their own pocket – not with how expensive they are. To help you afford orthodontic treatment, here are some affordable financing options to consider.
NHS braces
Some people can receive a set of braces for free through the NHS, which is very handy. There are specific criteria you must meet to be eligible, however, which are set by the Orthodontic Treatment Need. Here are some people who would qualify:
- Children under 18
- Adults who require complex care
- Those who are pregnant
Keep in mind that not every child under 18 will automatically receive braces for free with the NHS – they will need to have a dentist say they need it.
Patient finance plans
Many orthodontic practices provide patients with flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment, which can be very handy, as it means you won’t need to pay thousands of pounds upfront. Each payment plan is different; it might involve spreading the cost over several months or even a couple of years.
Many often offer interest free options, and offer generous repayment terms that make paying much simpler. Keep in mind many orthodontic practices will perform credit checks before approving a patient finance plan.
Healthcare loans
You can get healthcare loans in the UK, which are basically normal loans but specifically for healthcare purposes, which cover orthodontics, as well as other treatments like composite bonding, implants, or even teeth whitening. Many good healthcare loans offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, making them appealing to some.
A personal loan
You can use a personal loan to pay for orthodontic treatment. Personal loans vary greatly, allowing you to borrow a specific sum of money from a lender and then pay it back in instalments, often monthly. You might borrow a small amount for six months or a large amount to pay back over four years.
You can use your personal loan for anything you want, including orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure where to start when looking for the right lender, using a credit broker can be helpful.
A credit card
Another way to pay for braces is to get a credit card. You must apply for a credit card with a specific bank, specifying the amount of credit you get (the limit) and the minimum payment you pay each month. Credit cards can work well for orthodontic treatments, as some may allow you to take out a larger amount of money in one go to pay for treatment upfront.
Private medical insurance
Private medical insurance is a system that allows you to cover private healthcare costs, including orthodontics. With private health insurance, you will pay a monthly or annual fee and receive the cost of treatment when necessary.
This option is something you need to think about in advance. Many people find it worth having, though, as it means you can receive a range of treatments when you need them most, without having to wait for free NHS appointments.
Nonprofit programs
There are nonprofit organisations all around the UK with the aim of providing free or low-cost orthodontics care to patients who cannot afford it. This improves access to treatment for those who need it most. If you are really struggling to afford dental care, one of these programs is worth looking into.
What to consider when choosing a finance option
There is a lot to think about with orthodontics financing – consider the following before selecting one of the options listed above.
The treatment you need
What type of treatment do you need? If it’s an essential treatment for the benefit of your health (not just aesthetics), there is a chance you could get it free through the NHS.
If your orthodontics treatment plan is quite minor, you may discover the cost isn’t as overwhelming as you previously thought, meaning you don’t need to get out as high of a loan. You won’t know until you speak with your dentist or treatment coordinator.
Your budget
Always consider your budget when choosing between payment options. If you can pay for some of the treatment upfront, you won’t need as much financing, which can help reduce interest rates and will not affect your credit score as much.
Your credit rating
What is your credit score like? Always consider this when financing orthodontics. Some lenders will not let anyone with a low credit score borrow money, which can make financing more difficult. However, do not be put off financing if your credit score is low, as some orthodontist practices still offer finance options for poor credit.
Interest rates
Look at the interest rates of a loan or credit card before submitting an application. The higher the interest rate, the more money you will need to pay back.
Total cost
What is the total cost of the orthodontic treatment? This will give you an idea of which financing option to choose – you might realise that a lower cost means a loan isn’t necessary, and a simple dental payment plan works best.
Potential hidden fees
It’s always worth looking at the small print to check for any hidden fees. You might see things like whether the company limited is authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority and their registration number, for example. You may also see potential hidden fees in the terms and conditions, ones that come out of nowhere and leave you more out of pocket than you originally intended.
Are braces and orthodontic treatments worth it?
With how expensive braces and orthodontics can be, you might wonder: is it even worth it? The answer is an undeniable yes for many people.
Enhanced aesthetics: People like to look good, and braces can certainly help with that. They straighten the teeth, giving a more aesthetically pleasing and positive smile.
Improved oral hygiene: It’s not all about aesthetics – orthodontic treatments can also improve your oral hygiene as a whole. That’s because straighter teeth are far easier to clean, whereas jumbled teeth that are too tight together may be more challenging to clean and lead to issues such as plaque build-up and cavities.
A fixed bite: Bite problems like an underbite or an overbite can cause issues, particularly when it comes to chewing. Orthodontic treatments can fix that completely.
Better speech: Some teeth problems can even impact the way a person speaks. In some cases, braces and orthodontic treatments can correct speech impediments.
Improved confidence: Overall, fixing misaligned teeth dramatically improves a person’s confidence. After the treatment, a patient will feel like smiling far more, and with all the fixed issues, will have higher self-esteem. That alone makes it all more than worth it.
It can be affordable: Orthodontics are worth it because it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you may assume. While the total cost might seem overwhelming, there are ways to afford it, as demonstrated in this guide. That makes pursuing orthodontics treatment in a registered office worthwhile.
Start a payment plan with us today
Do you want to start your journey with orthodontics but need financing for braces? You are in the right place. At Medicred, our dental loans put the patient first, as we offer a 0% interest payment plan to help you cover the entire cost of treatment. So, if you needed a treatment that costs £2,000, you could pay £166.66 per month for 12 months, with no extra fees. If you’re not sure what the amount you need to borrow would look like, we have a finance calculator on our site that you can use.
We are completely upfront about all of our costs of our monthly payment plans. Simply apply online (it only takes a few minutes) and hear back from us within 24 hours. Once you have your approval, you can book your treatment and start to enjoy a straight smile that will boost your confidence forever.
Contact our friendly team or begin an application for financing on our website!
