General Goals 1) to be debt free in 3.5 years 2) save lots of money

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Braces

First off I have always wanted braces, since grade 7 when it was clear I needed them. The braces will fix my left canine tooth that is out of place and my left central incisor which is also out of place. Now realistically I could do nothing about it but I have always been self conscious about my teeth. I friend jokingly use to call me fang because when I smiled the canine sticks out and hangs over my lip. So I often avoid smiling. This past year I saved up to buy a car, so I know I can manage to pay about $3,000-4,000 with out it impacting my over all goals. I got a quote for 3,000 and he is willing to fix only what I want him to fix which is just my top teeth. My insurance will cover 50% up to a life time max of $2,500. I have decided that this year I am going to get braces. I am not going to get the invisalign; its just too costly. I am going to get the regular old metal ones. I think they are a good investment and will help improve myself image. I have decided that I am going to also do a fixable payment plan with the dentist because he offers 0% interest on the plan.

Cost brake down:
Estimate: $3,000
Insurance: 50% up too 2,500
Time line: 18 months to 2 years
Interest for payment plan: ZREO

Yesterday before work I drove down town to get a full xray of my teeth done. It cost me $60 and I am hoping the insurance will cover a chunk of it. I had to put it on my visa card because I didn't have the money budgeted for. But that's ok because by the end of the month it will all balance out.  January 25th I go for my first appointment to be fitted for braces. I am super excited!

4 comments:

  1. As someone who wanted braces her whole life, and had them placed on my teeth at the age of 20, it's going to be the best decision you ever made!! I had huge buck teeth (overbite of almost a centimetre), and a very narrow mouth. It really did wonders for my self-esteem.

    Just double check the fine print for your insurance with respect to payment. When it comes to braces most insurance companies will pay for braces for dependent children only, it doesn't include braces for yourself. I had a friend learn the hard way and she found out that it's rare for insurance companies to pay for adult braces, which sucks.

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  2. I agree it is a good decision! I got braces when I was younger, but I remember always covering my smile.

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  3. First person I have known to be super excited about braces lol.

    Once it makes you happy, go for it and I think the payment plan idea is good. My only advice would be to have the full amount set aside even though you will be paying in parts.

    Also double check the insurance based on the advice of talesofablendedfamily.

    I'm happy for you.

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  4. I don't think that you can even put a price on feeling good about your smile! For both of my older 2 kids I got them white ceramic brackets for the top front 6 teeth and the rest metal. It really made the brackets much less noticeable. $350 extra (half paid for by insurance) so $175 out of pocket. It is a really good option I think.
    My insurance pays for adult braces and so does my hubby's. I think that it may be more common here in Canada.
    I'm happy for you!!!

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