It isn't uncommon for people to need treatment with orthodontics to improve the look and alignment of their teeth. In fact, as many as 45 percent of kids need this type of treatment. Unfortunately, it isn't always easy to pay for braces, which can cost thousands of dollars. Luckily, there are some ways to make this type of treatment more affordable.

Consider an Insurance Plan

Some types of insurance plans are available to help pay for the costs of dental care, including orthodontics. Usually, it's pretty clear ahead of time whether a child will need braces. For example, kids that have really close together teeth when they are young are likely to need braces, as their mouth is likely to be too small once their adult teeth come in. This gives you time to look into insurance plans to see whether they'll be worth the cost given the potential benefits.

Find a Dentist That Offers a Payment Plan

Because these types of treatments are quite expensive, many dentists will allow you to pay under some type of payment plan. The exact details vary from dentist to dentist, but this can make it easier to budget for such a large expense and spread it out over time.

Choose the Right Type of Braces

Some types of braces are more expensive than others. While they may be more obvious than the newer ceramic or clear braces, traditional braces with metal brackets and wires are less expensive. The clear plastic aligners that are becoming popular are another more expensive alternative, but these are usually already ruled out for children, as they work best in teens and adults with relatively minor issues to be corrected. If your child is unhappy about the metal braces, perhaps she can use colored bands to at least make them suit her personality a bit more.

Start Saving Early

If all else fails, start saving for braces or other necessary orthodontics early. Should it start to look like your child might need braces, speak with the dentist about the possibility and the likelihood of this so you have plenty of advanced notice. The dentist can tell you about what it will cost, and you can wait until the money is saved up before starting the treatment. However, you don't want to put it off too long, as in some cases this will make the treatment take longer or be more involved than if the treatment was started at an earlier age. 

Talk with a orthodontist, such as those at York & Bay Dental Office Orthodontics, for more information.