I'm just curious if anyone shopped around? I went to our first consultation today and was floored by their prices. If anyone has any recommendations on getting the best deals, please let me know. TIA

By Mommyathome on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 07:47 pm:

We only have 2 in our area. We chose the one that my DH did *not* go to when he had braces in Jr. High. We just didn't like him.

The one my DD's have now is excellent. Very kid oriented.

The two in our area both charge about the same amount.

Have you checked with your insurance? Ours pays 60% as long as the child is under 18 years old.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 09:40 pm:

A few criteria: Word of mouth, first. We knew quite a few people whose kids had gone to this one we used. Got to see his results first hand. Location second. Lucky for us, his office had 2 locations - one in the medical building down the street from us and the other one was around the corner from my office! Lucky me! LOL

All of the *good* orthodontists around here charged pretty much the same thing, so we had a good idea of what the cost was going to be before we even got started - although it DOES depend on the amount of corrections your child needs.

Stori, braces are EXPENSIVE, no matter which way you cut it. Most orthodontists require a certain percentage down, and then will accept monthly payments - ours estimated the length of time our kids would be in braces and spread the payments over that number of months. Fortunately for me, I paid Jeff's off right about the time Jen got started on hers.

Above all, I'd definitely check references on an orthodontist or see or talk to other families he has worked with.

By Kay on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 09:52 pm:

Next week, we're about to have child #3 put into her braces...luckily, we received a slight discount because we used the same orthodontist with the 2 older children. Those two were tough, because they are 15 months apart, and at one point, we were making double payments.

I first chose our orthodontist back in 1996 - I had first met him when he was in my Leadership class that the Chamber of Commerce conducts. I was impressed with him, and I heard great things about him. I was not disappointed.

Next week at my youngest dd's appointment, we have to put about $650 down, and our payments will be $135 for 23 months. No, it's not cheap, and yes we knew it was coming and were able to put money aside for the down payment....but I believe it is completely worth it.

By Katherine on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 10:02 pm:

I chose ours by word of mouth as well.

Keep in mind while you are looking for a "deal" cheaper isn't always better. You get what you pay for, and for your teeth, the cost is worth it.

Thank goodness for payment plans.

By Imamommyx4 on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 10:26 pm:

Our family dentist of many years recommended him. Asked around and got good info on him. Had my consultattion and liked both him and his office staff. Went thru all 3 boys with the same orthodontist and I think only one of his office staff has changed in 8 years.
If dd needs braces (and I really pray she won't) I'd use the same guy.

By Marcia on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 12:06 am:

Word of mouth.
Kayla got elastics this week, and gets her headgear next Wed. Hopefully hers will be paid off before Meghan starts. Meg is older, but Kayla's teeth are far worse, and cause speech probs, so she had to be first.
We put the first chunk down, and will start monthly payments next month.

By Happynerdmom on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

The kid's pediatric dentist recommended one. Actually he gave me a short list of ones that he liked, and I picked the most convenient. I really like them.

By Cat on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 04:55 pm:

We'll be going through this soon, probably (Robin's 11 now). Both my boys will probably need braces. Robin has an open bite from years of thumb sucking and Randy's teeth are crowded. I'll probably go by our dentist's recomendation. I trust the guy.

By Truestori on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 05:19 pm:

Thanks for all of your imput. I do realize that cheap isn't always better but it does help the finances! LOL

I actually called the local dental school in my area and we may go that route.