6 min read · By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Short answer: You rarely have to pay for braces all at once. Between dental insurance, interest-free in-house plans that spread the cost over your treatment, third-party financing like Cherry and CareCredit, and pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars, most families end up with a manageable monthly payment. We build the plan around your budget, not the other way around.
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I’ve watched people put off orthodontic treatment for years because they assumed they couldn’t afford it. Then they sit down, see the actual monthly number, and realize it’s less than what they spend on a phone plan. The sticker price of braces and the monthly cost of braces are two very different things, and it’s the monthly number that actually matters for most families.
Cost shouldn’t be the reason to skip treatment
Orthodontics is one of the few big health investments you can spread out over the entire time you’re using it. You don’t pay for two years of treatment on day one. You pay a bit each month while the work happens. That’s the whole idea behind a payment plan, and it changes braces from a lump sum into a line item.
If you want the full picture on what braces actually run in this area first, our guide to braces costs in Texas breaks down the ranges. This article is about the other half of the question: how you actually pay for it.
How insurance fits in
If you have dental insurance, start there. Many plans include an orthodontic benefit, usually a lifetime maximum somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per person. It won’t cover everything, but every dollar it pays is a dollar you don’t have to finance. The key detail people miss is that orthodontic coverage is often a separate lifetime cap, not part of your annual dental maximum.
We stay in-network with most major PPO plans and file the claims for you, so you’re not chasing paperwork. Bring your card to the consultation and we’ll tell you exactly what your plan contributes before you commit to anything. For a sense of the out-of-pocket side, our post on orthodontist visits without insurance is a useful companion.
In-house payment plans
This is what most of our families use. An in-house plan is financing handled directly through our office, with no bank in the middle and no interest. You put down a modest amount to start, often around $500, and the rest gets split into equal monthly payments across your treatment, typically 12 to 24 months.
Two things make this simple. There’s no credit check, because we’re not lending through a third party. And the monthly amount is fixed, so you know the exact number the whole way through. No interest means the total you pay is the total you were quoted, nothing added on.
Cherry, CareCredit, and HSA/FSA
When someone wants a smaller monthly payment stretched over a longer term, third-party financing through Cherry or CareCredit can help. These run a quick credit check and offer longer payoff windows than an in-house plan. Some promotional terms are interest-free if paid within a set period, so read the terms and pick the one that matches how fast you want to pay it off.
Don’t overlook your HSA or FSA either. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense for both, which means you can pay with pre-tax dollars and effectively save whatever your tax rate is. A lot of families combine an FSA with an in-house plan to trim the real cost further.
Your options side by side
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dental insurance | Orthodontic benefit, often a $1,000 to $2,000 lifetime max | Lowering the amount you finance |
| In-house 0% plan | ~$500 down, interest-free monthly payments over 12 to 24 months, no credit check | Most families who want a fixed, predictable payment |
| Cherry / CareCredit | Third-party financing, longer terms, credit check | A lower monthly payment over a longer window |
| HSA / FSA | Pay with pre-tax dollars | Saving on taxes, often paired with a payment plan |
| Paid in full | One up-front payment | Families who prefer a discount for paying at once |
A quick tip: Ask any office you visit whether their in-house plan actually charges interest. Some places advertise “financing” that’s really a third-party loan with a rate attached. Interest-free means the number you were quoted is the number you pay.
How to get started
The consultation is free, and it’s where the real numbers come out. We look at your bite, lay out the treatment options, check your insurance, and then build a payment plan that fits what you can do each month. Whether that’s braces, clear braces, or Angel Aligners, the financing works the same way. You can also run rough monthly estimates yourself with our finance calculator before you ever come in.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer payment plans for braces?
Yes. We offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment, usually with a down payment around $500 and interest-free monthly payments over 12 to 24 months. We also work with third-party financing like Cherry and CareCredit for longer terms.
Is a down payment required for braces?
Most in-house plans start with a down payment, often around $500, with the balance spread across monthly payments. The exact amount depends on your treatment and whether insurance covers part of the cost. We go over the numbers at your consultation.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, often a lifetime maximum somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per person. It does not usually cover the whole cost, but it lowers what you finance. We stay in-network with most major PPO plans and file the claims for you.
Can I use an HSA or FSA for orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense for both health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars. Many families combine an HSA or FSA with an in-house payment plan.
What if I do not have insurance?
Plenty of our patients pay without insurance. Between our interest-free in-house plans and third-party financing, treatment is usually affordable on a monthly budget. Some families also save by paying in full up front, which can come with a discount.
Will financing braces affect my credit?
Our in-house plans are handled directly through the office and do not involve a credit check. Third-party options like Cherry and CareCredit do run a credit check, though many patients still qualify. We can walk you through which route fits your situation.
Let’s find a plan that fits your budget
Bring your insurance card to a free consultation and we’ll show you the real numbers: what your plan covers, what’s left, and what the monthly payment looks like. No surprises, no obligation.
You may also be interested in these
- How Much Do Braces Cost in Texas? A Complete Guide
- Prepaid Braces: Affordable Orthodontic Options for Every Smile
- How Much Is an Orthodontist Visit Without Insurance?
Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers’ Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers’ Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
Book a free consultation: 972.538.4343
About the author
Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. He practices at Elate Orthodontics’ offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, Texas.
